2) Sabin Neupane. Bachelor`s in Mechanical Engineering. Advisor`s Name. Affiliation. Telephone. . Dean. Name. Signature.

Transcription

1 Name of the Team Contact Team Members Ceramics Water Filter 1) Shree Krishna Dhital 2) Sabin Neupane Field of study Bachelor`s in Mechanical Engineering Advisor`s Name Affiliation Telephone Dean Name Signature

2 KATHMANDU UNIVERSITY SCHOOL OF ENGINEERING DEPARTMENT OF MECHANICAL ENGINEERING DHULIKHEL, KAVRE, NEPAL PROPOSAL ON CERAMIC WATER FILTER PROJECT By: Shree Krishna Dhital Sabin Neupane ME III/II Submitted to: Turbine Testing Lab Kathmandu University Dhulikhel, Kavre

3 Abstract Countries like Nepal face tough challenges in terms of providing safe, clean drinking water for their citizens. The World Health Organization estimates that nearly 5 million people in Nepal lack access to safe drinking water while globally, 1.1 billion lack accesses to improved water supplies. Point-of-use water treatment technologies, such as household ceramic water filters, offer an affordable and effective means of treating water to standards suitable for drinking. The fact that ceramic water filters can be manufactured and produced by local ceramists with local materials makes ceramic filters particularly attractive as a point-of-use treatment technology that is affordable, appropriate, and sustainable. This thesis examines existing ceramic water filter technologies, production processes, and methods for bringing a low-cost ceramic water filter to market in Nepal. Three types of disk filters and five types of candle filters are evaluated in terms of microbiological removal efficiency and flow rate. A red-clay grog disk filter coated with colloidal silver and three of the five candle filters (Katadyn, Ceradyn, Katadyn, Gravidyn, and the Hari Govinda white-clay candle filter capped on both ends) also coated with colloidal silver, performed the best in terms of microbiological removal efficiency (>98%) and flow rate (ranging from 641mL/hr/candle (Ceradyn) to 844 ml/hr/candle (Gravidyn)). In addition to filter testing, a guideline for developing a ceramic water filter in preparation for bringing a product to market is presented, along with a discussion on the importance of laboratory and field testing to ensure overall product performance. A step-by-step summary of the production process is also presented along with a comparison of the theoretical flow rate through a candle filter versus a disk filter. Recommendations for future work include testing and modifying the current disk-filter prototype design and research on the most appropriate filter element for the proposed prototype.

4 Acknowledgements What impressed me the most in the research and projects on the community based projects is the number of individuals and organizations passionately engaged in the quest to improve the health and welfare of those in needs in countries like Nepal. Their hard work has inspired me to not only write this proposal, but to consider how I can incorporate development work into my career as an engineer. If engineering is about solving problems, then there is no greater a problem to solve right now than getting clean water to the 1.1 billion who lack access to safe drinking water. I hope this proposal, which is based on the hard work of the following individuals and many others, will contribute to solving this problem. I would like to express my gratitude to Mr. Hari Govinda Prajapati (Proprietor, Madhyapur Clay Crafts) for his valuable time and information regarding ceramic filters. I can`t stop myself without thanking Mr. Biraj Singh Thapa (Lecturer, Kathmandu University) for his valuable suggestions and encouragements. Thanks as well to Mr. Sudeep Adhikari (Research Assistant, Kathmandu University) for his motivations and suggestions regarding this project. Our special thanks to Dr. Rajendra Koju (Kathmandu University Hospital) and Dr. Sanjay Nath Khanal (Professor, Kathmandu University) for their kindest assistance regarding the E.Coli test in the water samples from the village.

5 List of Abbreviations Acronym Full Name CS -Colloidal Silver DWSS -Department of Water Supply and Sewerage ENPHO- Environment and Public Health Organization HDI -Human Development Index ICIMDS -International Center for Integrated Mountain Development IDE -International Development Enterprises LRV- Log Reduction Value NRs -Nepalese Rupee NWSC- Nepal Water Supply Corporation PFP -Potters for Peace POU -Point of Use PPM- Pottery Purification Media RWSSP- Rural Water Supply and Sanitation Support Program USD -United States Dollar WHO -World Health Organization

6 Chapter I Introduction Rationale Study: The global community faces a tough challenge: to halve the number of people without access to improved water supply and sanitation by the year This bold objective, also known as one of the Millennium Development Goals, was again committed to by governments from around the world during the 2002 World Summit on Sustainable Development in Johannesburg South Africa. Considering the World Health Organization s estimate of 1.1 billion people who lack access to improved drinking water supply, the Millennium Development Goal for water works out to delivering access to improved water supply at a rate of ~100,000 people per day between the years 2000 and Can governments alone realistically meet this ambitious goal by the year 2015 through conventional centralized water supply systems? In the pursuit of solutions to providing safe drinking water to those in need, point-of-use household water treatment has emerged as a complementary solution to centralized water supply systems. Household ceramic water filters, in particular, offer an affordable and effective means of treating water to a standard suitable for drinking. Although the use of ceramic water collection and storage vessels goes back centuries, there is little documentation and testing of the effectiveness of low-cost ceramic water filters both in the laboratory and in the field. What research has been done suggests that the commercially available ceramic water filter systems in places such as India, Nepal, Nicaragua, and Brazil are adequate, but could be improved to better meet the drinking water needs of citizens especially the poor. In particular, many commercially available filter systems are too expensive for the poor who are suffering the most from waterborne diseases. Problem Statement: Water is the basic source for life. Clean water is the key for a healthy society. But due to its geographical location and environmental conditions, the village of Phoolbari often lacks water or has no access to clean drinking water. The major water sources are taps, wells, springs (kuwa) where water is directly coming out of the ground, rainwater, ponds, etc. While people are getting

7 water from the wells they use a simple bucket to get the water up. People using water from the kuwa, they take it with a small pot. Wells, springs, rainwater (might be stored) are used of the whole year, while the kuwas are mostly used during dry seasons. There are several problems with water contamination. Especially, the contamination with dust and fecal bacteria reduces the water quality and may have severe influences on human health. Following problems and ways of contamination can be observed in the water sources of Phoolbari: During the rainy season or after heavy rain falls the rain water is getting too fast into the well and might bring dirt and bacteria, especially fecal bacteria, into the water. Cross contamination occurs when different buckets from different families are used to collect the water. The buckets are not always clean enough and they are thought to be a major source of water contamination with fecal bacteria. In rainy seasons the village people might not be able to go to the well so they have to use rain water. Rain water is suspected to be below drinking water quality and might cause health problems. Also during collection contamination with bacteria (from roof, pipelines and in water storage pond) can occur. In kuwa`s the contamination is a very severe problem. Often the kuwa`s are not properly protected from environmental influences such as dust, animals or other kind of dirt. Also people use soaps and detergents near the kuwas and contaminate the water with those. So people have to collect dirty water. They do it with a small pot and often mud or sand is also collect with the water. All these things reduces the quality of the water drastically. Due to the fact that people from Phoolbari village do not use any kind of water purification they have to use water from these different water sources. As listed above contamination with fecal bacteria and other kind of dirt is very probable and common. To give guaranty of clean water in drinking water quality, water filters are necessary.

8 Objectives: The project focuses mainly on providing safe drinking water to those who have less access to clean drinking water. This is a global campaign being started by many of the organizations in various parts of the world. Though it s not a new program in our country and community but still many of our community don t have enough safe drinking water. Every year many people die due to water borne diseases and many suffer due to polluted water. The project targets to reach within the unreached and raise awareness among them about the safe drinking water and its impact in the development of a healthy, happy society and a country. The main objectives of the project are: To promote awareness about the safe drinking water in the communities which lack access to safe and clean drinking water. To test the drinking water samples from the from the project site. To organize water sources sanitation campaigns and wash training workshops in the communities and local schools. To encourage local clubs, women groups and other local organization`s participation in the environmental and water related issues in their community. To research on the health/environment/water related issues in community. To distribute the ceramics water filters in the community to ensure people get safe drinking water. To train the locales about the proper use of the ceramics filter and its cleanliness.

9 Chapter II Discussion Methodology: The project is planned to be started in a local village which has very less access to clean drinking water and who are less aware of water sanitation and its consequences. This has to be operated in several stages in different timestamps to reach the targeted goals. S.N Stage Goal Time Frame Cost $ 1. Community visit Identify the problem May 11-May 18 $20 2. Water Sample Collection E.Coli test in water May 25 $25 samples 3. Awareness Program To overcome the test June 8-June 15 $45 results 4. Filter Distribution Program Approach to the problem July 13 $1000 encountered 5. Monitoring and feedback Ensure the sustainability Once a month after $60 of the project and result August for 6 months Total $1150 Overview of Ceramic Water Filters Ceramic water filters have been used in various places around the world as a means of treating drinking water at the household level. Some examples include the Potters for Peace Filtron (Nicaragua), the TERAFIL terracotta filter (India), and the candle filter (India, Nepal, Bangladesh, Brazil, etc.). Ceramic filters have micro-scale pores that are effective for removing bacteria from water. The filters are made from clay that is often mixed with materials such as sawdust or wheat flour to improve porosity. Colloidal silver, an antibacterial agent, can also be added to the filters. A low-cost colloidal silver-enhanced ceramic water filter; the Filtron Ceramic water filters can be categorized according to various key parameters: 1. Shape (e.g.: candle element, disk, and pot); 2. Type of clay (e.g.: white kaolin, red terracotta, black clay );

10 3. Combustible material (e.g.: sawdust, flour, risk husk ). Ceramic water filters can also be described by their function(s): 1. Microbial removal (e.g.: Potters for Peace Filtron); 2. Chemical contaminant removal such as arsenic and iron (e.g.: 3 Kolshi filter for arsenic) 3. Secondary contaminant removal like taste and odor (e.g.: Katadyn Gravidyn ceramic candle filter with activated carbon). Other key variables that influence the properties of ceramic water filters include: 1. Use of additional materials in production (e.g.: grog, sand, combustible materials ); 2. Firing temperature; 3. Mode of production (e.g.: hand mold, wheel, and mechanical press). The entire filter unit is often defined in terms of two components: the filter element or media (Filter Holder) through which water passes and the filter system (receptacle) which houses the media, usually consisting of an upper and lower storage vessel for holding water. Performance of a ceramics filter: Amount of Water Treated: Disk filters typically have a flow rate of 1 to 11 liters per hour and candle filters have a flow rate of 0.3 to 0.8 liters/hour. Under ideal filter conditions and 12 hours of continuous refilling, a filter with a flow rate of 1.7 liters per hour would provide less than 4 liters per day per person for a family of five. Contaminant removal: Disk and candle filters are generally effective for removing turbidity, iron, coliforms, fecal contaminants, and E. Coli from water. In studies, disk filters with colloidal silver have exhibited a 93 to 100 percent bacterial removal rate, and those without silver have shown an 80 percent removal rate. Candle filters with colloidal silver generally exhibit 100 percent bacterial removal, and those without silver average at 85 percent removal. Disk filters range from 83 to 99 percent turbidity removal. Ceramic filters are generally not effective for removing organic contaminants.

11 Ceramic filters are easily assembled, and no component construction is required of the user other than placing the filter into the container. Scrubbing the filter with a toothbrush is required monthly as maintenance. Annual colloidal silver recoating is also recommended. Filters typically come with illustrated instructions. The fragility of ceramic filters can make their transport difficult.10 Field studies have also indicated that heavy subsidization or free distribution of filters may result in maintenance negligence. The production of ceramic filters is a lengthy process that requires skill and quality control. Quality can be affected by variations in clay composition across geographic regions. Variability in weather conditions also makes long-term production planning difficult, and lack of storage can complicate stockpiling of filters. Ease of use: Ceramic filters are easily assembled, and no component construction is required of the user other than placing the filter into the container. Scrubbing the filter with a toothbrush is required monthly as maintenance. Annual colloidal silver recoating is also recommended. Filters typically come with illustrated instructions. The fragility of ceramic filters can make their transport difficult.10 Field studies have also indicated that heavy subsidization or free distribution of filters may result in maintenance negligence. The production of ceramic filters is a lengthy process that requires skill and quality control. Quality can be affected by variations in clay composition across geographic regions. Variability in weather conditions also makes long-term production planning difficult, and lack of storage can complicate stockpiling of filters. Aquasif Ceramic Silver Treated Filter: Very few disc filters appear to be manufactured within Nepal. One example; however, is a Aquasif Silver treated ceramic water filter manufactured at Madhyapur Clay Crafts in Thimi by Mr. Hari Govinda Prajapati (Figure below). The Clay that is used by Hari to produce the filter disc is brought from Bode and nearby places of Timi in Bhaktapur. The upper and lower containers are made of red terracotta clay from Thimi, Nepal. Each container has a holding capacity of approximately 12 L. The disk filter element is roughly 12 inches high and 10.5 inches diameter. The complete unit sells for approximately 650 NRs (USD $7.60 while replacing the filter disc element for the next time costs NRs. 250 (US $2.90). Typical replacement time for

12 ceramic candle filters is 24 months. The filters must be periodically cleaned with a brush to remove surface buildup of particles. Laboratory tests of the Hari candle filter were performed by Junko Sagara in Presence- Absence tests for both the unfiltered and filtered water showed positive readings suggesting that the filter was not effective at removing H2S-forming bacteria, which is used as an indicator species for the presence of pathogens. MPN results for the same filter showed a raw water microbial concentration >8 MPN (bacteria/100ml) and a filtered water microbial concentration of 3.9 MPN (bacteria/100ml) confirming the results obtained from the Presence-Absence tests. The flow rate per disc filter is at 4000 ml/hr. The results were more favorable, in terms of microbial removal rates especially for the filter unit that was coated with colloidal silver which removed >99% of the total coliform and E.coli bacteria given a raw water concentration of 89 cfu/100 ml and 56 cfu/100 ml for total coliform and E.coli, respectively. Project Cost: In the initial phase, we are planning to install about 120 Aquasif Ceramic filters in 120 households in Phoolbari Village. First of all, the water samples from around the village will be tested for E.coli and other microbes. Awareness campaigns will be organized for the villagers. The members of the families getting the filters will be first trained on how to clean and take care of the filter and its units. Also, awareness classes about unsafe water and its impact in the society will be organized with the help of local health workers and medical doctors/nurses. Other social organizations like Rotary clubs, Dhulikhel Hospital, Sponsoring NGOs/INGOs, local clubs and women group will be involved in the project to operate it smoothly and to monitor the project for the best output. The Project cost will be as follows:

13 S.N Particulars Rate (US $) Quantity Total (US $) 1 Filter Units Trainings/Awareness E.coli Test Transportation Miscellaneous Total US $ 1150 The chart below shows the expected amount of funds sought from different organizations: S.N Organization Expected Amount in $ 1. Kathmandu University $ Rotary Clubs and other NGOs/INGOs $ Local Villagers $350

14 Chapter III Conclusion Expected Result: Helps in providing safe, clean drinking water for their citizens. Solves in long term water problem and can be solution for better water supply. Advancements in low-cost ceramic water filter technology coupled with the pressing need for clean drinking water offers an attractive business opportunity for local Nepali entrepreneurs especially local ceramists who have the resources and capability to manufacture ceramic water filters. This projects aims in shaping a better society through better health. Project emphasizes on the use of the traditionally practiced and scientifically proved method of safe drinking water program. Approaches to create a disease free community with healthy citizens for a prosperous nation.

15 Some Pictures: Fig. Aquasif ceramic water filter

16 Fig: Disc Filter element used in the clay filter. Fig: Ceramics filter units.