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Research Facilities and Equipment |
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UV-vis Spectrophotometer
The UV-1800 UV-vis spectrophotometer (Shimadzu Scientific Instruments) has a resolution of 1 nm and wavelength range of 190 to 1100 nm. The instrument may be operated in a variety of modes including spectrum mode and kinetics mode. Our research utilizes the UV-vis instrument in a variety of applications including: membrane performance studies, nanoparticle fate and transport in porous media, and characterization of aqueous suspensions. |
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Contact Angle Goniometer
The EasyDrop Goniometer (KRÜSS Scientific) is used for measuring contact angles, quantifying the surface free energy components (hydrophobicity, hydrophilicity) of surfaces, and measuring the surface tension of liquids. This instrument is equipped with a software controlled liquid dispensing system and is capable of measuring contact angles in either sessile drop of captive bubble modes. The evaluation of the drop image takes place in the video window of the software: the baseline is determined automatically; for measuring the contact angle both programs have several automatic methods available. The surface tension of liquids can also be measured using the pendent drop technique. The goniometer serves as a key characterization tool for conducting membrane fouling and membrane development projects. Our lab primarily uses the goniometer for characterizing membrane and other surfaces of interest in water/wastewater treatment applications.
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Stirred Cell Membrane Test Apparatus
The Sterlitech™ HP4750 is a high-pressure, low hold-up volume (1 ml), chemically resistant stir cell that may be used to evaluate membrane performance and membrane fouling. The stirred cell is constructed of 316 stainless steel and is capable of operating at pressures up to 1000 psig. The stirred cell system includes a pressure transducer, mass balance, feed water reservoir and compressed gas cylinder. All data is acquired and recorded using a LabView data acquisition system. |
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Pilot-Scale Water Treatment Plant
The pilot-scale water treatment plant has an operating capacity of 5 gpm and is current designed as a conventional surface water treatment plant: coagulation, flocculation, sedimentation, and media filtration. There are currently three media filter columns representing a mono-, dual-, and multi-media filter design. The pilot water treatment plant may be used for evaluating the impacts of changes to raw water quality, design, and operational variables on the finished water quality.
In the near future the pilot water treatment plant will be upgraded to represent an advanced membrane treatment plant. Low-pressure membranes (MF, UF) will replace the existing sedimentation and media filtration processes. Also, high-pressure membranes (NF, RO) will be installed downstream of the low-pressure membranes. The new plant will be capable of treating conventional freshwater sources as well as brackish water and seawater (desalination). In this way we will be able to develop and evaluate new designs and operational strategies for advanced drinking water systems as well as for less conventional water sources like produced water. |
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