Individual Investigation

Title: Water recycling and reuse.

Purpose and Aim:

The aim of the project is to investigate the possibility of recycling and reusing kitchen
wastewater and car wash wastewater.

Objectives

1. Determine which of the wastewater is easier to treat between kitchen and car wash
wastewater.
2. Establish a simple, efficient, and cost-effective way to treat the wastewater.

Background

Car wash and kitchen generate a lot of wastewaters, which are referred to as grey water. They
are classified as domestic wastewater. Although there are many wastewater treatment plants
around the country that treat domestic wastewater, an innovative approach may help individual
household and car wash operator to easily recover their wastewater and treat to a minimum
level for possible reuse. This may lessen the burden on the drinking water use and make
quality water available for other uses.

Scope of the investigation:

The investigation will involve the following steps:

1. Collect water samples from kitchen/restaurant and car wash.

2. Analyse the sample for contaminants. There will be chemical, physical, and biological
contaminants. Basic analysis that will be done are conductivity, pH, turbidity, and COD.
If analytical equipment is not available, use literature data.
3. Compare the quality of both water samples.
4. Establish a water reuse purpose for which you may want to reuse the wastewater.
5. Establish the quality of water required for the purpose.
6. Propose treatment methods that can be used to achieve the proposed water quality.
7. Evaluate and compare the treatment processes/methods based on cost and simplicity.
8. Establish which wastewater is easier to treat between the kitchen wastewater and the
car wash wastewater.
9. Mention the environmental effects of untreated wastewater, citing literature from the
past 6 months and giving one example of an incident around the city of Cape Town.
Subject Specific Outcomes:

Students would be able to Conduct variety of experiment, collect data, interpret, and criticize
data, and discuss the data.

Students would be able to COMMUNICATE EFFECTIVELY using visual, mathematical

and/or language skills in the modes of oral and/or written report.

Graduate Attributes:

During this subject, the following graduate attributes will be developed at an advanced level
and assessed:

GA4: Students will be required to conduct a scientific investigation of well-defined problem.

(Assessed in the individual investigation through a technical report submission)

GA8: Students will be required to demonstrate competence to work effectively as an individual,

in teams and multidisciplinary environments. (Assessed in the group investigation through two
laboratory group investigations)

Course Assessment:

Please refer to the learner guide for further information.

Student Schedule

13 February Introduction to Investigative

Projects
28 February Hand-in of group project All groups
methodologies for comment
06 March Laboratory application of Investigation 1 – Groups A, B, I
methodologies developed Investigation 2 – Groups C, D, J
Investigation 3 – Groups E, F, K
Investigation 4 – Groups G, H, L
13 March Laboratory application of Investigation 1 – Groups M, N
methodologies developed. Investigation 2 – Groups O, P
Investigation 3 – Groups Q
Investigation 4 – Groups
26 March Hand-in of first group Groups A - L
investigation report.

28 March Hand-in of first Group Groups M - Q

Investigative Report
03 April Laboratory analysis of All groups
wastewater.
10 April (to be confirmed) Industry Site Visit Groups A - H
17 April (to be confirmed) Industry Site Visit Groups I - Q
24 April Laboratory application of Investigation 1 – Groups G, H, L
methodologies developed. Investigation 2 – Groups E, F, K
Investigation 3 – Groups C, D, J
Investigation 4 – Groups A, B, I
26 April Hand-in Industry assignment Groups A - H
03 May Hand-in Industry assignment Groups I - Q
08 May Laboratory application of Investigation 1 – Groups P, O
methodologies developed. Investigation 2 – Groups N, Q
Investigation 3 – Groups M
Investigation 4 – Groups
08 May Hand-in of second Group Groups A - L
Investigative Report
15 May Hand-in of second Group Groups M - Q
Investigative Report
17 May Hand-in of individual All
Investigative Report
Final report – Individual Investigation

Your final report must contain the following:

1. Introduction: Background and motivation

2. Brief literature review
3. Research methodology and discussion of results.
4. Proposed design
5. Design evaluation using technical and economic indices.
6. Final design including a detailed P&ID.
7. Conclusion.

Bibliography

Patil, P.D., Bhange, V.P., Shende, S.S. and Ghorpade, P.S., 2022. Greywater characterization
of an Indian household and potential treatment for reuse. Water-Energy Nexus, 5, pp.1-7.

Mohamed, R.R., Rahman, N.A. and Kassim, A.M., 2014. Moringa Oleifera and Strychnos
Potatorum seeds as natural coagulant compared with synthetic common coagulants in treating
car wash wastewater: Case study 1. Asian Journal of Applied Sciences, 2(5).

Shaikh, I.N. and Ahammed, M.M., 2020. Quantity and quality characteristics of greywater: a
review. Journal of Environmental Management, 261, p.110266.
Project Requirements and Evaluation Criteria

Requirements Criteria Expected Credit

Notional Hours
Investigation a. Collecting water samples and analyzing the samples.
b. Discussing the results of the analysis.
27 2.7
Establishing a. Establish from literature available options.
design options b. Draw a block flow diagram and identify the unit needed.

21 2.1
Evaluating a. Establish the quantity of water per day as a basis.
design options b. Determine the total capital cost of the required unit.
c. Determine the costing. You may use Excel.
d. Include sample calculation and equations used and why.

10 1.0
Establishing a Produce the final design including a detailed P&ID.
flow sheet for 8 0.8
the best
options
Technical Compile a technical report with all the findings.
Report 24 2.4
Total 90 9
Credit calculation for the individual investigation:

The credit calculation is an indication of the amount of time that should be spent on the various
aspects of the investigation. A detailed overview is given in the table below.

The multipliers used are 3 for the data collection and calculations, with a further 83.25
assignment hours expected for the calculations, computer work and report writing.

C = {(L * TL* ML) + (P * TP * MP) + (A * TA ) + (X * TX*MX)} / 10

Class Practical Assignments X (Other)

C = {(0) + (0) + (83.25 * 1) + (3*0.75*3)}/10 = 9

These credits are specifically for the individual investigation and do not constitute the
total credits for the course.

Submissions:

1. Due dates – refer to subject guide.

2. A hard copy of the report and spread sheets are to be placed in the Departmental
drobox by the due date. The report should be ring bound and not stapled.
3. Include a safe assign report with your submission.

Assessment Guidelines:

• The overall pass mark for the report is a sub-minimum of 50%

• Re-submission will ONLY be granted to students whose overall report mark lies
between 45% to 49%.
• The student will only be required to re-submit the sections of the report where they
did not get the subminimum.

Late submission of assessments (Assignments/Projects)

• Minus 10% per day late and zero after 5 days late.
• Should a report or re-assessment be not handed in on the due date, the student will
automatically receive a zero.
 Marking Rubrics for GA 4

RUBRICS FOR GA 4: Investigations, experiments and data analysis: Demonstrate competence to design and conduct investigations and experiments.

Level 4 Level 3 Level 2 Level 1

Focus Areas INDICATORS Achieved
Strong Competent Developing Needs Work
Identifying Problems for Identifies relevant Identifies relevant problems/ issues/ topics Some ability to identify problems/ issues/ Minimal or no ability to identify problems/
Investigation: problems/issues/topics with with minimal orientation, that require topics that may or may not require issues/ topic that may or may not require
Ability to identify problems/ issues / minimal or no orientation and investigation. investigation. investigation.
topics for investigation. is able to select those that are
pertinent/ critical for
investigation.

15 14 13 12 11 10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1 0
Collection of Background Collects sufficient relevant Collects sufficient relevant background Collects some relevant background Minimal or no ability to collect relevant
information: background information from information from appropriate sources. information from appropriate sources. background information.
Ability to gather background information appropriate sources and is
(existing knowledge, research, and/ or able to identify pertinent/
indications of the problem) critical information.

15 14 13 12 11 10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1 0
Procedure: Selects/ develops an optimal Selects/ develops an appropriate Selects/ develops a methodology or Minimal or no ability to select/ develop a
Ability to select OR ability to develop a methodology or theoretical methodology or theoretical framework. theoretical framework that is somewhat methodology or theoretical framework.
Examination and methodology or theoretical framework to framework. appropriate.
Evaluation. investigate a problem.
15 14 13 12 11 10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1 0

For experimental procedures, see Experiential Methods Rubric (4.1)

Organizing Evidence:
Ability to organize evidence to
demonstrate patterns, and highlight
differences and/ or similarities.
Organizes evidence with
perception, demonstrating
patterns, and highlighting
differences and/ or similarities
integral to the investigation.
Organizes evidence to demonstrates Organizes evidence in a way that is Minimal or no ability to organize
patterns, differences and/ or similarities somewhat effective in demonstrating evidence.
important to the investigation. patterns, differences, and/ or similarities
that are applicable to the investigation.

15 14 13 12
Conclusion and Recommendations: States logical conclusion and
Ability to state conclusion and make makes insightful
recommendations as a result of the recommendations and
investigation. identifies those that are
pertinent/ critical.
11 10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1 0
States logical conclusions and makes States conclusions and makes Minimal or no ability to state conclusions
appropriate recommendations. recommendation that may or may not be or make recommendations.
relevant to the investigation.

15 14 13 12 11 10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1 0
 Laboratory Preparation:
Ability to gather materials and record on
lab report.
Purpose:
Ability to state the hypothesis and the
research question, clarify the
connection between them, and identify
the variable.
Procedure:
Ability to follow experimental
procedures, control variables, and
Experimental record procedural steps on lab reports.
Methods
Data/ Evidence Collection: Ability
to record raw data/ evidence.
Data Presentation and Error
Analysis:
Ability to present data using charts,
tables and / or graphs to enable
comprehension and interpretation,
including error analysis.
Exemplary materials are
gathered and recorded on the
lab report with clarity and
conclusion.
15 14 13 12
The hypothesis and research
question are skillfully
specified, and the connection
between the two is explained
in depth. The variable are
identified and discussed.
15 14 13 12
The procedure is efficienty
followed and student skillfully
controls all chosen variables.
All procedural steps are clearly
and concisely recorded on lab
report.
15 14 13 12
Raw data/ evidence, as well
as units, are skillfully recorded.
The data table is clearly and
concisely, and or creatively
labeled and formatted.
15 14 13 12
Data are presented in ways to
best enable comprehension
and interpretation, skillfully
incorporating error analysis
15 14 13 12
All required materials are gathered and Most required materials are gathered; not All required materials are not gathered
recorded on the lab report. The selected all may be recorded on the lab report. The nor recorded on the lab report. The
materials are suitable for the procedure. selected materials are adequate for the selected materials are not all adequate
procedure. and/or suitable for the procedure
11 10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1 0
the hyphothesis and research question are The hyphothesis and research question The hyphothesis and research question
specified clearly, and the connection are specifies, and the connection between are not specified clearly , and the
between the two is explained. The variable the two is somewhat clear. Most variable connection between the two is vague or
are identified. are identified. missing. Most variables are not identified.
11 10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1 0
The procedure is well followed and student The procedure could be better followed, The procedure is inadequately followed,
demonstrates control of all chosen but student controls all chosen variables. and student does not control chosen
variables. All procedural steps are Most procedural steps are recorded on the variables. Many procedural steps are not
recorded on the lab report. lab report. entered on the lab report.
11 10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1 0
Raw data/ evidence, as well as units are Raw data/ evidence, as well as units, are Raw data/ evidence, as well as units, are
appropriately and clearly recorded. The recorded although not as clearly or suitably not recorded suitably. The data table is
data table is appropriately labeled and as they might be. The data table may lack not labeled and/ or formatted.
formatted. appropriate labels and/ or format.
11 10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1 0
Data are presented in a way to enable Data are presented in a way that Data are not presented clearly. Error
comprehension and interpretation, somewhat aid comprehension and analysis is wrong or missing.
incorporating error analysis. interpretation and incorporate error
analysis, but presentation could be clearer.
11 10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1 0
Technical Report Marking Sheet:

All aspects of the technical report have to be present. Below is an overview of the main sections
along with the mark allocation:

Abstract / Summary
• The problem has been defined.
• Brief details of the approach/procedure/methods have been
described. 5 marks
• The important results that were found have been stated.
• Appropriate conclusions and recommendations have been stated.

Table of Contents
• Includes: main headings, subheadings, page numbers,
• List of tables,
• List of figures 5 marks
• Table of Abbreviations / Nomenclature and
• Definitions of Terms / Glossary

Introduction
• Background information has been given.
• The problem has been defined.
• Reasons why the problem was worthy of being studied has been 5 marks
explained.
• Detailed objectives are described.

Literature Review
• A detailed description of the background science is given.
• Theory relevant to the study is given.
• Published references are given (no references of prac manuals/notes) 10 marks
Research design and methodology.
• How will you go about proving the objectives?
• What methods will be used? 15 marks
• Give a good enough overview that your research can be duplicated.

Technical Component
Extensive and relevant presentation of the technical aspects related to the
task. Shows good understanding and integration of literature into the
complete document.

Design proposal.
• Propose treatment methods to achieve the proposed water quality.
• Evaluate and compare the treatment methods based on cost and 15 marks
simplicity.
• Costing is formulated in Excel. The spreadsheet allows for variability
of components to be easily calculated.
• Relevant equations and correlations used have been fully stated and
discussed together with the nomenclature (definition of symbols with
their units).
• Numbering/labelling of equations are done in an acceptable manner.

A piping and instrumentation diagram showing the various supply and

return points are correctly identified and correctly positioned on the
P&ID.
• Correct P&ID codes and standards are applied.
15 marks
• Pipe supports are correctly located.
• Drawings have title block and legend.

Conclusion and Recommendations

• All important information learned from this work has been listed.
• The recommendations developed from the proposed design in terms
of requirements, resources and constraints have been listed. 5 marks

References
• only one reference system used: Harvard Referencing System
punctuation and elements standardised exactly (e.g. order of
elements, punctuation, capitalization, and publishing details) 5 marks
 Group Investigations

Each student is expected to complete TWO of the group investigations. The investigation are
laboratory-based. Data collection will take place on a Wednesday in the Chemical Engineering
laboratories.

For each project, the group is expected to propose an experimental procedure to investigate
the research question. The procedure should be applied in the laboratory, data collected, and
calculations performed to answer the questions.

Investigation Overview

Each project will be introduced to the various investigations.

Students are expected to develop a methodology to answer the research question.

Once the methodology is finalised with the course coordinator, students will spend time in the
laboratory to collect data based on the methodology developed.

Students are expected to use the data to answer the research questions.

Group Investigation 1

Your company has been advised to change the refrigerants in use due to a government
regulation. You are required to perform an experiment to determine the changes in the
performance of the refrigeration due to this change in refrigerants.

(i) Determine the co-efficient of performance, cooling capacity and energy

consumption of the currently loaded refrigerant.
(ii) Compare using open literature parameters of the new refrigerant.
(iii) Which refrigerant is better and why?

The refrigerant loaded is Tetrafluoroethane.

Group Investigation 2

A single effect evaporator is used to determine the effect on the rate of evaporation by using
three different vacuum pressures using a water/sugar solution. The type of Evaporator used
is a single effect rising film evaporator.

(I) Determine the mass balance of the evaporation process.

 (II) Investigate the effect of the vacuum pressure on the system using three different
vacuum pressures.

(III) Propose what is the best vacuum pressure to operate the system at.

(IV) Determine the rate of evaporation.

Group Investigation 3

The following brief is based on Gas absorption as a basic operation of mass transfer. The
investigation is to determine the amount of CO2 absorbed in a 5% solution of KOH, with
experimental conditions given below. A methodology/procedure is given. Groups will
determine which variables to change:

Variables:

(i) Vary the flow rate of water (between a flow rate of 0.5 l/min to 2 l/min) while
keeping the CO2 and air flow rate constant.
(ii) Sampling at the middle of the column and top of the column, to determine the
effects of the absorption of CO2 at these sampling points and the effect of time on
the rate of absorption of CO2.

Group Investigation 4

You are required to size, design and cost a heat exchanger for the rapid cooling of 4 metric
tonnes per day of water. Either a concentric or a plate HX type could be used. The heat transfer
coefficient is not known.

(i) Determine the overall heat transfer coefficient.

(ii) Conduct an experiment to size, design and cost the rapid cooling of 4 metric tons
of water per day.
(iii) Compare the concentric type and plate heat exchanger on the basis of cost and
other criteria.
Credit calculation for the investigation:

The credit calculation is an indication of the amount of time that should be spent on the various
aspects of the investigation. A detailed overview is given in the table below.

The multipliers used are 5 for the laboratory work, and 3 for the calculations and report writing.

The calculation below is based on a single group investigation performed.

C = {(L * TL* ML) + (P * TP * MP) + (A * TA ) + (X * TX*MX)} / 10

Class Practical Assignments X (Other)

C = {(0) + (4*0.75*5) + (0) + (5*0.75*3)}/10 = 2.625

 Lecturer Mark Captured

Student Name Student No

Date Received Group No

INVESTIGATIVE PROJECT Max/Mark Assessor/ Moderator/

Mark Mark
1.0 Executive Summary
• The aim of the investigation is given.
• Brief details of the approach/procedure/methods have been
5
described.
• The important results that were found have been stated.
• Appropriate conclusions and recommendations have been stated.
2.0 Title page/Table of contents/List of symbols
• Includes: main headings, subheadings, page numbers,
• List of tables,
5
• List of figures
• Table of Abbreviations / Nomenclature and
• Definitions of Terms / Glossary
3.0 Introduction
• A brief introduction to the task is given.
• The problem has been defined.
5
• Reasons why the problem was worthy of being studied has been
explained.
• Detailed objectives are described.
4.0 Theory/Literature Review
• A detailed description of the background science is given.
• Theory relevant to the study is given. 10
• Published references are given (no references of prac
manuals/notes).
5.0 Procedure/Method
• A chronological description of the steps followed is given.
• Type of equipment, instrumentation used is included. 15
• Details of variables, observations made are given.
• The safety precautions observed, PPE that was used is discussed.
6.0 Results
• The description of the results obtained from the experiment are
given as tables, graphs and observations made.
• The data presented demonstrates how the experiment’s objectives 30
are met.
• A sample calculation is given.

7.0 Discussion – Under discussion the following should be answered.

• What do the results mean?
• Do they answer the questions the experiment was to investigate?
• Mention whether the results achieve the aim or prove/disprove the 20
hypothesis previously set out.
• What is the relevance to Engineering problems?
8.0 Conclusion and Recommendations
• A summary of the key points raised is given.
5
• Proposals for further work or potential improvements is suggested.

9.0 References

• Only one reference system used: Harvard Referencing System 5

punctuation and elements standardised exactly (e.g. order of
elements, punctuation, capitalization, and publishing details)

10 Total 100
 Marking Rubric for GA 8

RUBRICS FOR GA8: Individual, Team and Multidisciplinary Work: Demonstrate competence to work effectively as an individual, in teams and in multidisciplinary environments.

Level 4 Level 3 Level 2 Level 1

Focus Areas INDICATORS Achieved
Strong Competent Developing Needs Work
Individual Idea Contribution: Routinely contributes useful ideas to advance Contributes useful ideas to advance the work Somewhat contributes useful ideas to Rarely contributes useful ideas to advance
Ability to contribute useful ideas to the work of team of team advance the work of team the work of team
advance work of team

15 14 13 12 11 10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1 0
Invidual Work Contributions: Designated jobs are accomplished by Designated jobs are accomplished by Designated jobs are accomplished by Some designated jobs are accomplished by
Ability to carry out individual deadline; completed work is carefully and deadline; completed work meets all deadline; completed work meets most deadline; completed work meets some
responsibilities. meticulously prepared and meets all requirements. requirements. requirements.
requirements.

15 14 13 12 11 10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1 0
Individual Preparation and / or Thoroughly and carefully prepared for team Prepared for team meetings. Provides Usually prepared for team meetings. Routinely fails to prepare for team
Contribution to Team meetings. Contributes by sharing information contributions. Provides some contributions. meetings. Provides little or not
Individual Meetings: and knowledge. contributions.
Contributions Ability to prepare and / or to
Within a Team contribute to team meetings.
15 14 13 12 11 10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1 0
Time Management: Demonstrates the ability to manage time, Demonstrates the ability to manage time, Demonstrates some ability to manage time. Demonstrates minimal or no ability to
Ability to manage time (estimate, including communicating and / or reacting including communicating and / or reacting to manage time.
prioritize, establish deadlines / and adapting to changes. changes.
milestones, follow timeline, plan for
contingencies, adapt to change).

15 14 13 12 11 10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1 0
Credit and Accountability: Ability Shares credit and always accepts Shares credit and accepts accountability. Sometimes shares credit and accepts Has difficulty or does not share credit or
to share credit and accept accountability. accountability. accept accountability.
accountability when working in a
team.
15 14 13 12 11 10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1 0
Investigation # Venue Equipment

`1 LAB 0.26 Heat Exchanger

2 LAB 0.24 Refrigeration

3 LAB 0.24 Gas Absorption

4 LAB 0.26 Evaporation