Project
| # | Title | Team Members | TA | Documents | Sponsor |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 67 | Automatic Water Quality Monitoring using Test Strips |
Abdullah Alsufyani Fahad Alsaab |
Jiankun Yang | design_document1.pdf final_paper1.pdf other1.pdf presentation1.pdf proposal1.pdf |
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| # Automatic Water Quality Monitoring using Test Strips Team Members: - Fahad AlSaab (fahadma) - Abdullah AlSufyani (aaa25) # Problem Using water quality testing strips to identify key characteristics can be time-consuming. Each color strip can have different color scales and varying wait times before the chemical agent provides valid results. While it is true that some tests, such as pH, have digital alternatives, these alternatives tend to be more expensive, often require additional calibration, and sometimes do not exist for certain chemical tests. Consequently, automating water quality testing across a wider range of chemicals and substances continues to rely on test strips. # Solution Our solution is an automated system that applies water to a test strip and records its values. The enclosed system consists of a mechanism to dispense water onto a test strip. It then waits for the chemical reactions to complete and reads the color results using sensors. A mechanism will replace the used test strips with a fresh one from a storage stack, ensuring multiple days to weeks worth of testing before needing user replacement. Water will be dispensed using a solenoid, with water sourced either from a reservoir or a home water inlet. The colors will be measured using either color sensors or a digital camera, with LED illumination for consistency. This system enables automated daily monitoring with fresh water samples compared to other water quality testing designs. It expands the range of testable chemicals by leveraging traditional test strips while maintaining affordability by avoiding expensive digital water sensors. The system will be evaluated based on its ability to reliably execute the testing cycle and the accuracy of its color reading compared to human observations. # Solution Components ## Test Strip Storage Cartridge This subsystem stores and dispenses test strips. The strips are stacked vertically and dispensed using a roller mechanism similar to a printer. The cartridge ensures that a fresh test strip is available for each test cycle. ### Components Motorized roller mechanism Vertical test strip storage compartment Sensor to detect the presence of test strips. ## Feeder System The feeder system transports test strips from the storage cartridge to the testing chamber, It ensures proper alignment and positioning of the strip for water application and water detection. ### Components Stepper motor with precision control Guide rails for strip movement Optical sensor for strip alignment verification Adafruit Motor Shield (https://www.adafruit.com/product/169) ## Water Reservoir and Droplet Dispenser ### Components: Solenoid valve for controlled water dispensing Water reservoir with level sensor Tubing and nozzle for precise droplet application ## Test Strip Color Sensor This module measures the color of each square of the test strip and has illumination via onboard LEDs to make reading the color more accurate. We will use a color-sensing chip to test its accuracy first and switch to a conventional camera if we do not get the accuracy we want. The TCS3472 color light to digital converter chip provides us with color measurements. ### Components: RGB color sensor (e.g., The TCS3472 color light to digital converter chip provides us with color measurements.) LED illumination for consistent lighting ## Displaying Results Print over serial USB connection the measured concentrations of chemicals and minerals found in the water. ## Power System Powered from a standard wall outlet using an AC to DC converter. # Criterion For Success 1. The cartridge system is reliably able to dispense test strips to the feeder system. Able to do at least 5 water quality testing cycles automatically without jamming. 2. The feeder system can move and position the test strip underneath the water droplet dispenser and color sensor within half a centimeter. 3. The water droplet dispense system can dispense exactly one drop of water at a time accurately onto the square chemical papers such that the test square is fully saturated. 4. The color sensing system can accurately determine the concentration for each test within 10% accuracy compared to a human’s reading of the same test strip. 5. The system can reliably store used test strips in a removable container for the user to dispose. |
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