Design of a Portable Water Purifier for Get-Away Campers

Water is a necessity for survival for all and sundry. It is rightfully known as the elixir of life. It can be obtained from various natural sources of surface water, viz. ponds, lakes, rivers, ditches, puddles formed after rains, snow, streams, waterfalls etc.

For obvious reasons, these sources of water are also available for use to all the creatures residing in the vicinity, e.g. animals, insects, fishes, reptiles etc. While animals quench their thirst by this water, the insects often breed in such places. Also, the source may be open to various environmental agents or a mineral or chemical source. In any of such situation, the water body is prone to contamination.

This contaminated water, may prove harmful for the health of humans, if consumed without treatment. 

During get-away camping activities, where the campers stay away from the controlled lifestyle for significant amounts of time, in locations often far beyond the easy access of others, it becomes important that whatever they consume, is fit for their health. Otherwise, not only the camping experience may get ruined, but also, the infection may prove harmful enough to cause a long term disease and may even be fatal if the help is not made available soon.

Thus it is essential that pure drinking water is available to the campers in any situation, from any source.

This project attempts to create a portable, light-weight device, which could help to provide the campers with assured safe drinking water from absolutely any source, with least effort.

The project also attempts to provide possibilities of expanding the range to suit the requirements of Army soldiers stationed at remote battlefields, or of villagers who rely mainly on the ground/ surface water sources & pure water is not otherwise available to them.

On a camping trip to Kalsubai Hill and the Ratangarh Hill in Maharashtra, I was able to closely witness the problems which the campers have to face with respect to their supplies of water, and the measures they take to deal with them.

I studied the Polysulphone Ultra Filtration membrane Technology, as developed by the Desalination Division of Bhabha Atomic Research Center, Mumbai. This technology was found to be a convenient and affordable solution towards getting a completely pure water. 
Hence, the final product was built around the same technology, trying to make it more accessible to the users and giving it a right product manifestation to suit an outdoor situation.

STEP 1 : Hold the Bottle

STEP 2 : Open the Lid

STEP 3 : Fill the bottle from any surface water source

STEP 4 : Rotate the Lever Arm to Turn the Screw

STEP 5 : Hold the Unit in reverse position

STEP 6 : Open the cap to access the Pure water for drinking

Portable Water Purifier for Get Away Campers

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