Dr. David Ward managed a 320k project to develop a new media pressure filter over 3 years in collaboration between Industrial Purification Systems Ltd. and the University of Liverpool. This resulted in a patented design for a filter with a swirl inlet that suppresses cake buildup and reduces head loss, improving performance. Pilot and field prototypes were designed, built, and tested, demonstrating the effectiveness of the new design. The project was successfully completed on time and on budget.

1. Development of a Media Pressure FilterDevelopment of a Media Pressure Filter
by Dr David Wardby Dr David Ward
Managed 320k product development project toManaged 320k product development project to
successful conclusion.successful conclusion.
3 year KTP collaboration3 year KTP collaboration
Industrial Purification Systems LtdIndustrial Purification Systems LtdIndustrial Purification Systems LtdIndustrial Purification Systems Ltd
University of LiverpoolUniversity of Liverpool
Patented designPatented design
Potential market leaderPotential market leader
2 international publications2 international publications

2. Tangential
Inlet
Principle Design ImprovementsPrinciple Design Improvements
Conventional
Inlet
Surface Cake Layer
AFM Bed
Would-be cake
held in turbulent
suspension
Swirl Flow
Inlet
L H
∆P
L H
∆P
Sand Bed AFM Bed

3. Performance ImprovementPerformance Improvement
Suppression of ‘Cake’ & Related Head LossSuppression of ‘Cake’ & Related Head Loss
0.8
1.0
1.2
HeadLoss,bar
40
50
60
ResidualLoad,ppmbyvolume
Conventional Inlet Head Loss Patented Inlet Head Loss PPMv Load
Test Conditions:
Flux Rate = 60 m
3
/h/m
2
3
0.0
0.2
0.4
0.6
0 4 8 12 16 20
Time, h
HeadLoss,bar
0
10
20
30
ResidualLoad,ppmbyvolume
Recirculation Tank = 4.4 m
3
Recirculation Rate ~ 1 per 20 min
Test Duration = 21 hr
Particulate = Silica Test Dust

4. What I contributedWhat I contributed
Took ownership of project and was responsible for meeting objectives and outputTook ownership of project and was responsible for meeting objectives and output
deliverables.deliverables.
Designed pilotDesigned pilot--scale laboratory based prototype filter and managed university technicalscale laboratory based prototype filter and managed university technical
staff in construction.staff in construction.
Conceived and demonstrated effectiveness of patentable design improvement.Conceived and demonstrated effectiveness of patentable design improvement.
Based on laboratory optimisation tests, designed an automated mobile field prototype.Based on laboratory optimisation tests, designed an automated mobile field prototype.
OutOut--sourced construction after tendering process. Monitored output quality.sourced construction after tendering process. Monitored output quality.
Managed onManaged on--site installation and commissioning of field prototype using IPS engineers.site installation and commissioning of field prototype using IPS engineers.
Conducted trials at 3 industrial locations while working closely with onConducted trials at 3 industrial locations while working closely with on--site personnel.site personnel.
Carried out HAZOP assessments.Carried out HAZOP assessments.
Developed Excel based Design and Performance Toolkits to assist IPS staff whenDeveloped Excel based Design and Performance Toolkits to assist IPS staff when
developing quotations and plant design.developing quotations and plant design.
Prepared and delivered regular written and verbal reports to MD/directors andPrepared and delivered regular written and verbal reports to MD/directors and
management committee.management committee.
Successfully supervised 4 student research projects.Successfully supervised 4 student research projects.

5. What I learnedWhat I learned
Developed technical expertise in field of media filtration.Developed technical expertise in field of media filtration.
Further developed and refined project management skillsFurther developed and refined project management skills
(planning/Gantt charts, budgeting, reality checks, monitoring,(planning/Gantt charts, budgeting, reality checks, monitoring,
closure/handclosure/hand--over, etc).over, etc).
Enhanced people and communication skillsEnhanced people and communication skills –– understanding,understanding,Enhanced people and communication skillsEnhanced people and communication skills –– understanding,understanding,
managing and influencing others (project stakeholders, comanaging and influencing others (project stakeholders, co--workers,workers,
team members, superiors, clients, suppliers, etc).team members, superiors, clients, suppliers, etc).
Further developed ability to work as an interactive team member,Further developed ability to work as an interactive team member,
serving team objectives.serving team objectives.
Additional software expertiseAdditional software expertise –– AutoCad, MS Project, Advanced MSAutoCad, MS Project, Advanced MS
Exel and MS Visio.Exel and MS Visio.
NVQ Level 4 in management.NVQ Level 4 in management.