The clay mix process for RDIC's ceramic water filters requires an even mix of components - clay, laterite, rice husks and water. Dried then ground, the clay, laterite, and rice husks are mixed together in a dry mix process. Next it's essential to add the water (12.5L to a mix of about 40 kg of the other ingredients) evenly to get an even clay mix, and consistent performance of the filters.
An automatic water spray system for the clay mix process was set up by Fred an engineer from the US. The system ensures sufficient mixing during the dry mix and the wet, and an even spray of water into the mix. So here's where my lesson came in....I took it backwards from a functioning system to see how the timer's different phases, the float switch, the 2 pumps and the manual switches came together to operate the system....then had to work out how to explain it clearly for use by people with differing degrees of technical background. Some google time later...on electronic diagrams, different switch and circuit techniques I got pretty close...or so Fred tells me! Whilst engineers and scientists may have some core skills, working in an operational environment often requires you to teach yourself a whole lot of new ones. For someone most experienced at researching, analysing, and assessing at a computer, I find it an exciting challenge!
