Ahmad Aftas Azman

A low cost nephelometric turbidity sensor for continual domestic water quality monitoring system

This paper focuses on the design and development of a low cost nephelometric turbidity sensor for the continuity of domestic monitoring of water quality. The electronic turbidity sensor operates based on the scattered light intensity with regards to light scattering in solids and liquids. The electronic turbidity sensor used Light Emitting Diode (LED) as light transmitter, Light Dependent Resistor (LDR) as receiver, PIC 16F777 as a main processor and RS232 module for the integrated sensor communication between the computer. Laboratory experiments have been done by comparing the self-developed sensor with commercial turbidity meter (Hach 2100P) output of NTU. The advantages of the electronic turbidity sensor are lightweight, user friendly, low-power consumption, easy to monitor and low cost. Conclusively, the electronic turbidity sensor can be used as part of a low-cost sensor to provide continuous turbidity information of water quality directly to consumer. Laboratory tests are conducted and proven that the proposed devices produced a comparable NTU reading as commercial turbidity sensor. Moreover, with a low development cost of RM196.95, has been savings money compared to commercial turbidity sensor. Therefore, the development of this device can save cost and benefited to consumer by providing the water quality reading instantaneously.

Development of Programmable Integrated Circuit (PIC) Module with Multiple Outputs for Students Psychomotor Skill Enhancement

Programmable Integrated Circuit (PIC) module for educational purposes is developed based on the existing unsatisfactory PIC simulation which is not able to achieve the objective and learning outcome in enhancing the student’s psychomotor aspect through circuit designing, installation and trouble shooting. The existing PIC programming through computer simulation, which students facing difficulty in observing and understanding the wiring assembly between the input module, PIC microcontroller and output modules. The development of PIC module has been designed and improved by increasing the number of output components,cost reduction and it is also user friendly. Furthermore, this PIC module is embedded with I/O module such as normally open push buttons, 12VDC motor, servomotor, LEDs light, LCD display, and seven-segment display. Newly developed PIC module can be programme and re-programme for various tasks. Based on students Lab Practical Assessment record, there is an average of 39% and 22% of improvement on knowledge and psychomotor skill respectively when students used newly developed PIC modules for laboratory practical work.

Multiple Outputs Programmable Integrated Circuits (MOPICs) Microcontroller Trainer for Educational Applications

Multiple Outputs Programmable Integrated Circuits (MOPICs) trainer for educational applications is fabricated based on unsatisfactory usage of PIC simulation which is not able to achieve the learning outcome especially in enhancing leaners hands-on skill through circuit designing, connection and trouble shooting. Current PIC programming is done through computer simulation, cause the leaners facing difficulty in understanding the wiring connection between the input component, PIC microcontroller and output components. The fabrication of MOPICs trainer was designed and improved by adding more output components, cost effective and user friendly. Moreover, MOPICs trainer are embedded with input component such as normally open push buttons, and 5 difference output components such as seven-segment display, servomotor, LEDs, LCD display, and 12VDC motor. Newly fabricated MOPIC trainer can be programme and re-programme for numerous tasks. Based on respondent questionnaire, it is show that on average of 92.59% agreed that newly developed MOPICs trainer is user friendly, safe and attractive to be used while 94.64% respondent agreed that there are enhancements in theoretical knowledge aspect and hands-on skill implementation in their learning process.

Review on significant parameters in water quality and the related artificial intelligent applications

This paper presents a review on significant parameters and techniques in water quality assessments used for drinking, domestic purposes and recreational purposes. To ensure water in good quality there are several parameters that have to be considered. Water quality index (WQI) is one of the most effective tools to an attempt to ascertain the water quality. There are many techniques on water quality assessments and some of them are regression analysis, fuzzy reasoning, support vector machine (SVM) and Artificial Neural Network (ANN). The objectives of this review paper are to determine the parameters and ideal technique for water quality assessment.

Evaluation on energy consumption in compact hydro distillation process between MPC and PID control

This paper presents the comparison of the MPC and PID control in compact hydro distillation process. Both of PID controllers and MPC undergone the performances of controller tests such as set point, set point change and load disturbances. The comparative performances of MPC and PID controllers (PIDCC and PIDZN) were evaluated and analysed based on transient responses performance and also in term of energy consumption via simulation. The simulation results show that MPC gives good performances in term of transient responses such as settling time, rise time and percentage of overshoot. Moreover, in term of energy consumption, the integral absolute control signal (IACS) has been used to simulate the energy that have been consumed. The result indicates that, MPC produces lower IACS compared to both PID controllers.

Design and development of infrared turbidity sensor for Aluminium Sulfate coagulant process

This paper presents on the design and development of infrared turbidity sensor for Aluminium Sulfate coagulant process. The electronic turbidity sensor operates based on the scattered light and absorption intensity with results to light scattering in solids and liquids. Natural environment is applied to this sensor to get the actual behavior of the water sample with NTU reading that is approximately similar to commercial sensor. Our turbidity sensor is created by a simple optical setup, which consists of (1) Infrared LED and (3) photodiode. The turbidity is determined by measuring the scattered Infrared LED light by the particles in the water sample and the absorption of light from the emitter. This project uses basic component and it is cost saving making it convenient for user. Conclusively, this electronic turbidity sensor can be used as part of a low-cost sensor to provide continuous turbidity information about water quality directly to consumers. Laboratory tests are conducted and it is proven that, the proposed device produced a comparable NTU reading as a commercial turbidity sensor. Other than that, electronic acquisition, signal conditioning and computing capabilities are included in the whole system.

Characterization of aluminium sulphate for control applications

Floods are a natural phenomenon that occur frequently. However, the flood could turn into disasters which causing widespread damage, health problems and deaths. Consequently, these phenomena affect the ecosystems and habitats. The source of drinking water is the most affected component due to floods. Many researchers have designed the methods to purify the turbidity of water. In this study, the water samples are obtained from Damansara river located nearby TTDI Jaya, Shah Alam. In light of this, the optimum aluminum sulfate dosage in purifying the water turbidity is the aim of this study. The outcomes of the research also comply the standard set by World Health Organization (WHO). The aluminum sulfate is used as a coagulant and coagulant auxiliary product, respectively. The efficiencies of coagulation-flocculation process are investigated on these samples. The jar test is conducted in this study which represents a pilot-scale test of the aluminum sulfate dosage used in water treatment plant. The aluminum sulfate dosage is measured based on the performance of coagulation process in the test. However, the accuracy of aluminum sulfate dosage is still underdeveloped for water purification. The optimized dosage of aluminum sulfate needs to meet the drinking water standards set by WHO. Conclusively, the optimum aluminum sulfate dosage could be determined based on the aforementioned standard and respective location. We also proposed an optimum aluminum sulfate controller device in this study.

Development of electro pneumatic trainer embedded with Programmable Integrated Circuit (PIC) and graphical user interface (GUI) for educational applications

Electro Pneumatic Trainer for educational applications is developed as supporting tools towards the existing typical teaching and learning process. The main objective is to improve the learning outcome towards students cognitive knowledge and practical skill where the existing teaching and learning for electro pneumatic courses conducted in the classroom without emphasizing on simulation and complex practical aspect. Generally, computer graphic or simulation can reduce the unsuccessful of practical implementation during the practical session through installation error. Visual Basic (VB) was used as the platform for graphical user interface (GUI) and using Programmable Integrated Circuit (PIC) as the interface between the GUI and hardware of Electro Pneumatic Trainer. The development of Electro Pneumatic Trainer interfacing between PIC and VB has been designed and improved by involving various types of electro pneumatics instruments such as single acting cylinder, double acting cylinder, semi rotary motor, air motor, and linear drive. Newly developed Electro Pneumatic Trainer controller interface are able to be re-programme for numerous combination of tasks. Based on Practical Work Assessment Form evaluated by the lecturers, there is an average marks of 40% and 40% of improvement on teaching and learning (cognitive) and practicals skill respectively when newly developed Electro Pneumatic Trainer were used by students during the teaching and learning process. It is also user friendly and embedded with systematics graphical diagram inspiring students for conducting the practical session.

Multiple input/outputs Programmable Logic Controller (PLC) module for educational applications

Multiple input/output Programmable Logic Controller (PLC) module for educational purposes is fabricated because of current PLC Kit that was unable to enhance learners theoretical understanding and hands-on skill especially for programming, wiring, design of circuit and problem solving. The available PLC Kit comes with a casing which learners struggling in comprehend the theoretical knowledge, cabling connection between input components, PLC modules and output components respectively. Newly designed PLC modules are developed and fabricated with additional input and output devices, cost effective and user friendly. Moreover, this module come with multiple Input/Output (I/O) devices such as push buttons (normally open), DC motor (24V), DC relay (24V), DC solenoid piston cylinder (24V) and DC light (24V) and able to interfacing with different kinds of PLC controller produced by Matsushita, Omron, Siemens and etc. Through conducted surveyed, it is found that on average of 93.20% agreed that newly developed Multiple I/O PLC module is user friendly, safe and attractive to be used while 95.70% participants agreed that there are enhancements in theoretical understanding and hands-on skill aspect in their learning process.