Pedal-powered nanofiltration kits sent to Haiti
01 Mar 10 by desalination
Researchers from the Department of Environmental Science & Engineering at South Korea’s Gwangju Institute of Science & Technology (GIST) sent several human-powered nanofiltration (NF) water- treatment systems to the earthquake victims of Haiti in January.
One unit is capable of producing about 13 L/min of safe potable water from untreated water passed through a cartridge pre-filter and then a commercial-sized NF membrane module (2.5 in diameter; 40 in long). Electricity is not required because the pressure needed to pump water is generated by pedaling the device like a bicycle or using a handpump.
This makes them ideal for disaster-stricken and third world countries where electricity is usually inaccessible and water scarcity is a serious threat. Furthermore, the small scale of the devices makes them easy to transport and install. More units were planned for delivery to Haiti within February.
These water treatment systems are already being used in regions where it is difficult to obtain clean water for human consumption. Some of these places include Angkor Wat in Cambodia and the villages of Korr in Nigeria and Agangril in Sudan. GIST will continue to provide these devices to improve water quality and prevent water-borne diseases in a cooperative effort with missionaries, NGOs, other academic institutions and system/component manufacturers.
The spiral-wound NF elements used in the systems have been donated to GIST by Woongjin Chemical Co Ltd, manufacturer of CSM reverse-osmosis (RO) and NF membranes. Alternative designs, where more than one NF or RO element and larger sizes are used, have also been developed.
Comments
Login on register to comment
Related content

Desalination
A world leader committed to preserving resources through desalination and reuse
The Group designs
Desalination
Leading expert delivers online masterclass on membrane fouling
There is only one week left to register for this exciting new format of online event and deepen your understanding of membrane fouling in only one hour.

Desalination
Singapore International Water Week Turns 10 Years: Celebrating a Decade of Accomplishment in the Global Water Industry
The Singapore International Water Week (SIWW) is the world's premier platform to connect the water industry for innovative solutions and sustainable urban water management. The biennial event gathers stakeholders from the global water industry to share best practices
Related supplier content
Desalination
Great results with Osmotech® for RO make-up water
Reduction of total operational costs even in limit make up water conditions
Desalination
Great results with Osmotech® for RO make-up water
Reduction of total operational costs even in limit make up water conditions

Desalination
Our Project history
The list is an example of the work successfully completed by SO4 Offshore engineers