Rhett Bultler from SkyJuice Foundation Inc
Rhett Butler described a low-cost water treatment system that may be used to treat water for users at the 'bottom of the water pyramid'.
By introduction we discover that to meet the UN's MDGs we must connect 375,000 people per day to quality water supplies. Drinking water treatment systems must have community involvement, must be simple in design and reliable.
The system is a low cost, minimal energy system using gravity fed ultrafiltration (there may be no electrical requirement). RO is not particularly suitable because of the high set up costs and the operating costs for energy, chemicals, etc.
Materials may include reused ‘end of life’ components of RO desalination facilities.
Sky hydrants are described as small individual systems that cost less than $2K each and may treat up to 20m3 per day of water.
‘Sky Towers’ may be sold in kit form at a cost of $5-6K each. These may be sold to local entrepreneurs to set up ‘water kiosks’.
To date 850 units have been sold in 42 countries.
this is very interesting, one initial issue is how the water is pumped/obtained in the header tank of the skystation setup. I'll continue my reading on the product though as it seems great, especially for Africa.
ReplyDeleteHere's the SkyJuice website:
ReplyDeletehttp://www.skyjuice.com.au/
My understanding is that the system could work without electrical energy if necessary. The pumping to the header tank can be done manually if necessary.
I'm guessing SkyJuice will also be in Perth in September...
For the bottom of the pyramid, or anyone living in remote areas in most parts of the world classic sand water filter could also be used.
ReplyDeleteIt needs only coarse to fine sand and container to function. Fine treatment available by solar radiation in transparent container.
Cons:
It needs about 21 days, if I remember well, to get started as a biological filter.
Pros: It can be constructed by anyone with access to sand and container.
As described on http://www.cawst.org/