Scheme and Technical Issues in Water Quality Control

The primary objective of this study was to develop a proof-of-concept system demonstrating the applicability of mixing systems in agriculture for managing Electrical Conductivity (EC) in water before its use in irrigation. The system was constructed using two tanks, simulating different water sources typically found on a farm, such as a borehole and a dam. The water from these sources was directed to a mix tank with a valve controlled outflow, mimicking the expected setup of a irrigation pump system. Fluid control methods, in the form of the algorithms applied and the hardware utilised are explored and contrasted. Specifically, for the required implementation of fluid control, the control algorithms of On/ Off control and Split Range control for water quality control of Electrical Conductivity are implemented and contrasted. The simulated experimental setup comprises of multiple input sources which are mixed to an output (buffer tank) for ensuring a desirable water output quality in the agricultural setting. The hardware implemented for the fluid control techniques considered, are variable frequency drive controlled pumps as well as control valves. The applicability of these control methods is contrasted and discussed for an agricultural setting.