The ClariWash Filtration System
The use of complex drinking water treatment processes is unsustainable in remote parts of the developing world and in disaster response situations due to a lack of access to technical support, skilled operatives, spare parts and treatment chemicals.
Technically complex water treatment systems are exported to developing countries to improve water quality but are expensive and require technical support often beyond the financial capacity of the community. The longevity of such solutions is likely to be limited.
Such technologies may initially work well for limited periods but break down without appropriate servicing and specialist replacement parts which may be inaccessible to a poor community. A community may then have no choice but to revert to the original contaminated source.
The ClariWash filtration system has no complex or moving parts and is self washing providing a sustainable long term solution to these issues.
WATER PURIFICATION
PROCESS FEATURES
The system provides a multi-barrier to purify water comprising aeration, clarification, filtration and disinfection targeting micro-biological pathogens, turbidity, ammonia, suspended solids, particulate iron etc. Where possible the use of treatment chemicals is minimised.
The self-washing system utilises established hydraulic principles in a novel way to periodically self-wash the system without a control system. Both the clarifier and the filter are cleaned in one cycle.
WATER PURIFICATION
The multi-barrier process and high quality activated filter media used in the filtration process provides good water purification. This photograph from an installation in the Philippinnes shows the turbid water before entering the ClariWash filter and the clear filtered water leaving the system.
A PRACTICAL SOLUTION FOR WATER TREATMENT IN DISASTER RESPONSE SITUATIONS
The small footprint and compact, lightweight arrangement of the ClariWash system allows manhandling off-road to remote locations minimising the need for crane access. The self washing design reduces the need for site manning which is beneficial in a disaster situation where human resources are scarce. The system can be set up quickly on a flat base. If required, multiple units can be installed in parallel to serve larger populations.
As the system has no control system, power supply or need for operator intervention, has no moving parts or need for spare or replacement parts, It is suitable for long term use in off-grid locations.