Researchers from the Department of Environmental Science & Engineering at the Gwangju Institute of Science & Technology (GIST) have sent several nanofiltration water treatment systems to the earthquake victims of Haiti in January.
One unit is capable of producing about 13 liters (per minute) of safe potable water as untreated water is passed through a cartridge pre-filter and then a commercial-sized NF membrane module (2.5 inches in diameter; 40 inches long). Electricity is not required because the pressure needed to pump water is generated by pedaling the device like a bicycle or using a manual hand pump; therefore making 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 device makes them easy to transport and install. More units are 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, the village of Korr in Nigeria, and the village of 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. RO/NF membrane manufacturer Woongjin Chemical Co Ltd has been donating their CSM spiral-wound NF elements used in the systems to GIST. Alternate designs where more than one NF or RO element and larger sizes are used have also been developed.
About Gwangju Institute of Science & Technology (GIST)
GIST is a research-oriented graduate school that focuses on the essential fields of applied science and engineering. The institute was founded in 1993 by the Korean government to meet the nation’s need for advanced research and to enhance the development of higher education in science and engineering. It is expected to take a leading role in performing research and development in cooperation with industry sectors.
GIST website
Department of Environmental Science & Engineering website |
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