We have a medium size filter in our hostel which has two halves. Top part contains the impurity one and bottom or lower layer has the purified water which has a tap fitted to dispense water.
I am trying to develop a module which can one:
Tell how much level of water is there in each half
Dispense purified water in 5 liters batch (5-5 liters for 10 lts - I am not sure how I can directly measure dispense of water as rate of flow may vary depending upon water storage) - I am planning to attach a container of 5 liters to which the tap would be connected (concealed as a part of filter) . Now a solenoid valve sensor can be opened once the container if full. So I would probably need a float sensor - I presume. When the float sensor gives signal 0 meaning the container is empty I would need to close this valve, open another solenoid valve to fill the same container, close the valve and then again open the valve connected to tap. Is my approach correct?
However I am not sure how I can achieve the below objectives:
What are the different sensors I need to make use?
Measure the impurities content in water?
Where to place the sensors ? How and where should I place my Arduino controller - so that it is not tampered / destroyed by rain or dust etc?
Is my design concept fine - later our hostel office might want to dispense water on some charges - say 1 dollar for 10 lts.
Which sensors should I make use of. Thanks in advance.