Relevant Technical Skills:

• Material Analysis
• Environmental Assessment
• Porosity Adjustment and Calculation
• Problem Definition
• Research

Relevant Soft Skills:

• Collaboration
• Presentation
• Problem Solving
• Communication
• Public Speaking

Project Narrative

Fig. 1 Final Material Choice: Polypropylene Fiber.

Fig. 2 Wastewater Filtration system

Problem Statement

A City of Hamilton treatment plant releases wastewater into a nearby river containing high levels of microplastics, ranging in size from 10-20 µm, which are significantly harmful to aquatic ecosystems in the river. The City of Hamilton requires a modification to its current system that is eco friendly, and cost-effective, to capture and remove the microplastics. This solution should minimize associated carbon emissions and maintenance, it must be able to filter particles of the specified sizes, and it must be mechanically sound enough to withstand use in wastewater treatment processes. Considerations should be made to accommodate the City of Hamilton’s low budget for the purpose of reducing cost wherever possible.

Summary

In this project, our team was tasked with the conceptual design of a water filtration component, by considering its mechanical properties and performance. Our two primary design objectives were minimal carbon emissions, and cost effectiveness. With these objectives in mind, we derived Material Property Indices (MPIs) to select for the best materials that satisfied both objectives. The materials were also evaluated for their ecological impact.

Project Timeline

Team’s Work and Personal Contributions

Problem Definition

Questions asked:

• Who is involved?
• What is the problem?
• Why is important to solve?

Steps Taken:

1. Problem Discussion
   1. The team discussed the situation to create an objective tree (Fig. 3) for the function of a filtration facility.
2. Background research
   1. To gain a better understanding of the problem, I researched and wrote a memo on the patents for existing means for water treatment.
3. Concept Generation
   1. We collaborated using a morph chart (Fig. 4) to come up with possible means of treatment.
4. Objectives
   1. The team selected objectives and derived MPIs with relation to both functional requirements
   2. I had the task of deriving the MPI formulas for cost vs strength and CO2 vs strength

Material Selection

1. MPI Analysis
   1. Each team member analyzed materials using their respective MPIs.
   2. I analyzed and high-performance materials using the Ashby Chart (Fig. 5) for strength against cost.
2. Material Finalists
   1. The top three best best performing materials across all MPI analyses were chosen.

Fig. 5 Ashby chart of Yield Strength vs Density and Cost

1. Decision making

   1. We used a decision matrix to weight the pros and cons of each top material.
   2. Based on the results of the matrix and other factors such as environmental impact, strength, price, and a variety of other factors, Polypropylene Fiber was chosen.

2. Porosity Adjustments

   1. Based on Polypropylene’s material properties, and the functional requirements, we calculated the final porosity so that enough water will flow while still being strong enough.
   2. I made the calculations for the effective yield strength with our chosen porosity and determined that it was viable.

   

   Fig. 6 LCA of Polypropylene Fiber

   Administrative Responsibilities

   As the group Coordinator, I would:

   • Coordinate and Document group meetings
   • Act as the lead contributor in team worksheets
   • Keep a Logbook of any additional team meetings

Fig. 3 Objective Tree

| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |

Fig. 4 Morph Chart

Eco Audit

1. Life Cycle Analysis (LCA) Diagrams
2. Life Cycle Inventory
3. Eco Audit

Fig. 7 Polypropylene Fiber Eco Audit

Reflection

Throughout this project, I gained a lot of new experiences and skills. I learned about the importance of material properties, how to measure them, the importance of other factors such as budget and environmental impact, and the adjustments required for using porous materials. This was my first foray into the materials aspect of design and engineering and it provided me insight into the true complexity of each and every engineering project. It is our role as engineers to have justifications for each and every decision, down to the choice of building materials.

This was also my first Project Pitch, and it gave me an opportunity to practice presentation skills in an engineering setting. My team and I needed to collaborate to produce a compelling, seamless and fully fleshed out presentation. Similarly to presentations in other courses, this pitch involved public speaking, but it was to an audience that was scrutinizing each decision to ensure that the problem was completely addressed. I needed to be prepared to answer tough questions and justify all of the decisions made.

Due to the more conceptual nature of this project I had difficulties setting time aside to properly work on my tasks, often leaving them later than I should. For future projects, of similar nature or not, I should endeavour to manage my time. Especially in a group work setting, timeliness is critical to smooth work flow and productivity. To make sure that I complete tasks in a timely manner, I should have better organized myself and worked with consideration for the team, and I can ask myself:

What work needs to be done right now?

Who is depending on me to get my work done?