Water Softening

Water Softening

Water Softening

05/05/25

“How can we remove iron and manganese from water using positively charged sodium ions?”

Water Softening is a water treatment technique for iron and manganese. Water passes through a resin bed filled with positively charged sodium ions. These sodium ions “replace” the magnesium in the water, separating the latter from the substance. This technique is only recommended for water with pH greater than 6.7, water hardness between 50 – 350 mg/L, and dissolved iron concentrations less than 5 mg/L.

Image credit: https://kineticoutah.com/

Tropical Glaciers

Tropical Glaciers

Tropical Glaciers

05/04/25

“How can glaciers exist in the tropics?”

When people are told to think of the tropics, they tend to picture hot, humid beaches and jungles. But believe it or not, glaciers can also exist in the tropics. These Tropical Glaciers exist at high altitudes in tropical regions, such as the West Papua Highlands or the Andes Mountains. Many tropical glaciers are disappearing due to climate change.

Image credit: https://news.berkeley.edu/

Trenches

Trenches

Trenches

05/03/25

“What properties make up a trench?”

Trenches are a vital part of civil engineering and geology. But what properties make up a trench? Well, a trench is a depression that is longer than it is wide. Trenches are useful for laying underground infrastructure.

Slurry Walls

Slurry Walls

Slurry Walls

05/01/25

“How can we prevent groundwater from seeping into underground structures?”

Groundwater seepage is a threat to underground structure construction. But what if we built a trench around the structure and then fill it in with a slurry that blocks water? This is the idea behind Slurry Walls. Projects of all scales use slurry walls, from wells to the World trade Center.

Image credit: forgen.com

Why Sequencing Batch Reactors Can Potentially Be Less Expensive Because of Their Size

Why Sequencing Batch Reactors Can Potentially Be Less Expensive Because of Their Size

Why Sequencing Batch Reactors Can Potentially Be Less Expensive Because of Their Size

04/30/25

“Why are sequencing batch reactors potentially less expensive because of their size?”

The integrated functionality of sequencing batch reactors allows them to take up much smaller spaces than conventional wastewater filtration systems. By eliminating extra tanks and equipment, sequencing batch reactors are potentially less expensive to install and operate than general wastewater treatment plants like conventional activated sludge systems.

Exergy

Exergy

Exergy

04/27/25

“How can we quantify the potential of energy in a system that can do work?”

Anergy is the amount of energy in a system that can no longer do useful work. It’s complement, Exergy, is the amount of energy in a system that can do useful work. Exert plus anergy makes total work.

French Drains

French Drains

French Drains

04/26/25

“How can we drain water away to a specified flood zone?”

Water flooding is a major issue around the world. Massive damage can ensue if there’s no management. So what’s one way we can solve it? Well, what if we dig a trench, fill it with a gravel bed, insert a perforated pipe, and then file the rest with gravel? This way, the water will move from the gravel into the pipe, which can then transport the water into a specified flooding area. This technology is as French Drains, and is a common household flooding solution.

Image credit: https://lawn-expert.com/

Anergy (Energy)

Anergy (Energy)

Anergy (Energy)

04/25/25

“What is energy that can no longer do useful work?”

When energy is used, sometimes it can no longer do useful work without a renewed energy supply. This energy is termed Anergy. One common form of anergy is waste heat. According to the second law of thermodynamics, the amount of anergy in the universe always increases with physical processes.

Geotechnical Engineering

Geotechnical Engineering

Geotechnical Engineering

04/24/25

“What branch of engineering covers the use of earth materials?”

Humans modify the earth around us for a variety of reasons, whether it’s for building coastal defenses, drilling for ground-source heat pumps, or installing piping in the ground. People have gathered so much knowledge in this field that we’ve dedicated an entire course of study to it – Geotechnical Engineering. Geotechnical engineers apply their knowledge of soild and rock mechanics to solve technical problems.