The SAS Water Purification System: Utilizing Novel Chemical, Ionizing, Solar and Off Grid Thermal Induction Techniques for Chemical and Microbial Purification and Medical Sterilization of Water in Developing Communities

Overview

Clean water is vital for human consumption and medical treatment, as well as equipment sterilization. 80% of illnesses in developing countries relate to poor water quality and 3.4 million people die annually from contaminated water consumption. 1 in 5 people who undergo surgery in developing countries die from infection. The portable SAS Water Purification System (Sanitation And Sterilization) provides safe drinking water, power and medical-grade sterile water for communities in need. Chemical filtration, biological treatment and disinfection-based storage processes cohesively produce water suitable for human consumption. WHO recommendations were achieved with removal efficiencies of >90% barium (representing arsenic) and 78% fluoride. Reductions of >99% turbidity allowed for successful solar disinfection and copper ionization techniques, targeting microbiological purification. Faecal coliform enumeration revealed a reduction of 10,000 cfu/100 mL to <1 cfu/100mL. The SAS Solar Disinfection Colorimetry Detector accurately measures UV exposure during the solar disinfection process. The SAS system produces 50% more power than a standard fixed panel system. The “all in one”, self-contained sterilization unit utilizes the generated power to pressurize a portion of the treated water, successfully producing medical-grade sterile water for medical application. A world-first use of off-grid induction technology makes the SAS Water Purification System nearly four times more energy efficient than current off-grid sterilization units, which rely on electrical heating techniques / conventional fixed panels. The presented system fits within a standard sized car, making it portable, unlike its single 20-foot competitor which requires semi-trailer transportation.

Awards (3)

• Third Award of $1,000 $1,000
• Qatar Foundation, Research & Development: Award of $1,000 $1,000
• King Abdulaziz & his Companions Foundation for Giftedness and Creativity: $20,000 Scholarship for Sustainable Initiatives with Water Technology $20,000

Competition history

• ISEF 2018 Environmental Engineering · Entry ENEV069T

Resources

• ISEF abstract page ↗

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