Evaluation of the Impacts of Mixing on Water Towers
Ryan David is a master’s student in the Civil and Environmental Engineering department at NDSU studying environmental engineering. My research deals with water towers, specifically, temperature and water quality variations between water towers that are poorly mixed and water towers that are well mixed. Currently, I am a part time operator at the Moorhead Water Treatment Plant. There, I am collecting data for my research by studying the three water towers in Moorhead and gaining experience as a water treatment plant operator.
I grew up in Bismarck, North Dakota and graduated high school from St. Mary’s Central High School where I first realized that I wanted to be an engineer. I attended NDSU for my undergraduate studies and obtained a bachelor’s degree in civil engineering. I was active in several student organizations at NDSU such as Engineering Ambassadors, ASCE, Steel Bridge Team, AWWA/WEF, and Mortar Board. I plan on returning to Bismarck when I complete my master’s degree and work as an environmental engineer in North Dakota.
My main hobbies are hunting and fishing year round when I have the time. I also enjoy golfing and playing softball with friends during the summer.
Fellow: Ryan David
Advisor: My advisor is Dr. Wei Lin of the NDSU Civil and Environmental Engineering Department.
Degree Progress: I have completed one year of study for my master’s degree.
Evaluation of the Impacts of Mixing on Water Towers
Progress:
Water quality samples and temperature data are being collected on a weekly basis from three water towers located in Moorhead Minnesota. The samples are being analyzed for Ammonia, Nitrite, Nitrate, Total Chlorine, Heterotrophic Bacteria, pH, and Turbidity. This analysis will be key in determining the impacts that mixing has on water towers and further evaluating mixing in towers.
Significance:
The research study that I am conducting could provide information on the mixing characteristics in water towers. Specifically this research could provide information on the impacts that a mechanical mixer has on a water tower. Mechanical mixers or other mixing devices are used in water towers to keep the water in the tank well mixed and prevent thermal stratification and ice formation. It is possible that a mechanical mixer could increase the residence time in a water tower and this increase could have major impacts on the water quality of the water tower. This study will be very useful to water utilities and to Moorhead Public Service who operates the water towers that are the subject of this study. This study should provide key information about mixing characteristics of water towers that can be used to implement operational changes to improve the use of water towers.
Wei Lin
Civil & Environmental Eng.
Office: Civil/Ind Eng 201D
Telephone: 701-231-6288
Email: wei.lin@ndsu.edu