Domestic water purification device produced on-site

Abstract

The present invention relates to a domestic water purification device that is produced on-site and, more specifically, to a domestic water purification device that is produced on-site, which is produced on-site using slow sand and activated carbon, and is capable of economically supplying safe and hygienic drinking water in agricultural areas in developing countries, and in island regions and agricultural areas where water supply is difficult. The domestic water purification device that is produced on-site, according to the present invention, is characterized in that contaminated water is purified by being passed through a filter medium, stacked inside a housing, whilst falling from top to bottom, the filter medium comprising, from the top: a first gravel layer; a first course sand layer; a slow sand filter layer; an activated carbon adsorption layer; a second coarse sand layer, and a second gravel layer.

Description

On-site manufactured home water purifier

[0001] The present invention relates to a field-fabricated household water purification device, and more specifically, to a field-fabricated household water purification device that is fabricated on-site using slow sand and activated carbon and can economically supply safe and sanitary drinking water in rural areas and island regions where water supply is difficult, and rural areas of developing countries.

[0002] Rural areas in developing countries struggle to secure a stable and safe drinking water supply due to infrastructure, resource, and economic constraints. Most drinking water is supplied from groundwater, stagnant water pools in shallow areas, and surface water such as rivers. However, these water sources often have poor quality due to suspended solids, pesticides, various water pollutants, and waste. Poor water quality can pose health risks to drinking water, exposing people to waterborne diseases and the spread of bacteria and viruses from unsterilized water. Furthermore, economic hardship in these rural areas often makes it difficult to invest sufficient funds in building and maintaining infrastructure, leading to inadequate development and maintenance of water supply facilities. Recently, climate change has led to increased frequency of droughts and floods, leading to water shortages caused by droughts and the risk of deteriorating water quality due to floods. Due to these challenges, providing drinking water in rural areas of developing countries remains a significant challenge. To address drinking water issues in rural areas of developing countries, international organizations, including the United Nations, have been focusing on developing wells and groundwater resources at the household and village level. However, groundwater contamination, following surface water and soil contamination, is worsening in rural areas, rendering wells and groundwater pumps useless.

[0003]

[0004] Activated carbon is an adsorbent used to effectively remove various contaminants. It consists of finely-sized carbon particles. Its unique surface structure allows it to adsorb and remove a wide range of substances. The surface of activated carbon is filled with microscopic pores and chemically active functional groups, allowing it to adsorb various chemical substances. Contaminants in water are attracted to and adhere to the activated carbon surface. The adsorption capacity of activated carbon is determined by its surface area and structure. The fine particle size and diverse functional groups enable the removal of organic matter, chemicals, microorganisms, odors, and tastes.

[0005]

[0006] The inventor of the present invention developed a water purification device using slow sand and activated carbon for the purpose of developing a semi-permanent, economical, and on-site production-capable water purification device in areas with poor water purification facilities, such as developing countries and rural areas, and confirmed the water quality improvement effect, leading to the invention of the present invention.

[0007]

[0008] The purpose of the present invention to solve the above problems is to provide a field-manufactured household water purification device that can economically supply safe and sanitary drinking water in rural areas and island areas where water supply is difficult, and rural areas of developing countries, by manufacturing the device on site using slow sand and activated carbon.

[0009] The field-fabricated household water purification device of the present invention for solving the above problem is characterized in that contaminated water is purified while passing through filter media layered inside a housing as it falls from the top to the bottom, and the filter media includes, from the top, a first gravel layer, a first coarse sand layer, a slow sand filtration layer, an activated carbon adsorption layer, a second coarse sand layer, and a second gravel layer.

[0010]

[0011] The above first gravel layer is characterized in that a biofilm is formed on the surface by filtration of contaminated water, and the contaminants in the contaminated water are removed by the biofilm.

[0012] As described above, the field-made home water purifier according to the present invention has the following effects.

[0013] 1. Hygienic area

[0014] If this locally manufactured home water purifier effectively purifies and treats water, providing local residents with safe, clean drinking water, we can expect a reduction in waterborne diseases. This, in turn, will contribute to a reduction in infant mortality and the maintenance of healthy lifestyles. Preventing waterborne diseases is a crucial aspect of hygiene. Improving water quality through home water purifiers not only reduces the risk of diarrhea, abdominal pain, and other gastrointestinal illnesses caused by raw water, but also improves residents' daily hygiene habits. Hygienically performing everyday activities such as food preparation, washing, and handwashing can reduce the transmission and spread of waterborne diseases. Ultimately, providing safe drinking water improves overall sanitation. Improved and preventative hygiene practices are expected to improve local hygiene conditions and enhance the quality of life in the community.

[0015]

[0016] 2. Technical area

[0017] The development and introduction of this home water purifier can provide an opportunity to transfer new technologies and knowledge within rural areas in developing countries and help strengthen local technological capabilities. Specifically, the design, manufacturing, and maintenance of home water purifiers require a variety of technical skills. This will enhance local technical capabilities and allow local talent to acquire and apply new skills through technology transfer and training. Furthermore, the manufacture, sales, installation, and maintenance of home water purifiers require a local workforce, creating local employment opportunities. The experience and technical knowledge gained through this home water purifier will not only be disseminated within the local community, but will also contribute to broader technological development and application.

[0018]

[0019] 3. Socio-economic sphere

[0020] If this invention is actively distributed in rural areas of developing countries, it can create employment opportunities through various activities related to the manufacture, installation, maintenance, and sales of household water purifiers. This will stimulate local economic activity and provide opportunities for earning substantial income. Through sales, maintenance, and technical activities of household water purifiers, local residents can generate additional income. Providing safe drinking water will also enable more efficient household chores, typically performed by women, allowing them to devote more time to education, economic activities, and social participation. This invention presents a solution to pressing challenges facing rural areas of developing countries and has significant potential for large-scale distribution in rural areas of developing countries through cooperation and support from international organizations, international NGOs, and governments of developing countries.

[0021] Fig. 1 is a cross-sectional view showing the layered structure of a field-made household water purifier according to the present invention.

[0022] Figure 2 is a cross-sectional view of an example in which a double-structured activated carbon adsorption layer of a field-made household water purifier according to the present invention is formed.

[0023] Figure 3 is a conceptual diagram showing the shape of a spiral pipe of a field-made home water purifier according to the present invention.

[0024]

[0025] 1: Housing

[0026] 5: Upper layer

[0027] 5a: Water treatment granules

[0028] 10: First gravel layer

[0029] 20: First coarse sand layer

[0030] 30: Slow sand filter layer

[0031] 40: Activated carbon adsorption layer

[0032] 50: Second coarse sand layer

[0033] 60: Second gravel layer

[0034] 70: Treated water supply unit

[0035] 71: Spiral pipe

[0036] 72: Transport pipe

[0037] 73: Control valve

[0038]

[0039] The specific features and advantages of the present invention are described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. If a detailed description of the functions and configurations of the present invention is deemed to unnecessarily obscure the gist of the invention, the detailed description will be omitted.

[0040]

[0041] The present invention relates to a field-fabricated household water purification device, and more specifically, to a field-fabricated household water purification device that is fabricated on-site using slow sand and activated carbon and can economically supply safe and sanitary drinking water in rural areas and island regions where water supply is difficult, and rural areas of developing countries.

[0042]

[0043] The term 'contaminated water' in the present invention refers to surface water, low-lying water bodies, groundwater, and rainwater in developing countries and rural areas that contain not only organic substances and nutrients but also heavy metals or E. coli that are harmful to the human body, or raw water that requires purification.

[0044]

[0045] The field-fabricated household water purification device according to the present invention purifies contaminated water by passing through filter media layered inside a housing as it falls from the top to the bottom, and the filter media includes, from the top, a first gravel layer, a first coarse sand layer, a slow sand filtration layer, an activated carbon adsorption layer, a second coarse sand layer, and a second gravel layer.

[0046]

[0047] Figure 1 is a cross-sectional view showing the layered structure of a field-made household water purifier according to the present invention.

[0048]

[0049] The above housing has a cylindrical structure with an upper opening, and may have a shape such as a cylindrical shape, a square cylindrical shape, etc., but the cylindrical shape is not limited thereto.

[0050]

[0051] The upper part of the above housing is formed with a cover and is opened when the contaminated water is supplied or when the filter material needs to be washed or removed.

[0052] The above cover can be fixed and connected to the housing body by a method such as a fitting connection or a hinge connection.

[0053]

[0054] The above housing can be formed of a material such as cement, plastic, or glass.

[0055] When the above housing is composed of cement material, it can be manufactured by injecting a cement composition into a formwork.

[0056] Preferably, a transparent material such as plastic or glass can be used to allow UV disinfection using sunlight. More preferably, an economical and portable plastic material can be used.

[0057]

[0058] The above housing container can be manufactured with a thickness of 25 to 35 mm, a width of 300 to 500 mm based on the inner diameter, a length of 300 to 500 mm, and a height of 900 to 1200 mm; however, the size of the container can be changed in design according to requirements and is not limited thereto.

[0059]

[0060] The above filter medium is for filtering pollutants in polluted water, and the filter medium includes, from the top, a first gravel layer, a first coarse sand layer, a slow sand filtration layer, an activated carbon adsorption layer, a second coarse sand layer, and a second gravel layer.

[0061]

[0062] Hereinafter, each layer constituting the above filter material will be described in detail.

[0063]

[0064] First gravel layer

[0065] The first gravel layer is the topmost layer of the filter media and is the layer through which contaminated water first passes.

[0066] The above first gravel layer adsorbs pollutants into the pores within the gravel layer, and simultaneously forms and grows a biofilm on the gravel surface through filtration of polluted water, thereby having the effect of removing pollutants within the polluted water through the biofilm. The biofilm can reduce pollutants by adsorbing and decomposing organic matter, nutrients, heavy metals, and E. coli within the polluted water.

[0067] The gravel accommodated in the first gravel layer may have an effective radius of 1 to 30 mm, preferably 5 to 20 mm.

[0068]

[0069] First coarse sand layer

[0070] The first coarse sand layer has a smaller grain size than the first gravel layer, and refilters the pollutants in the polluted water that have passed through the first gravel layer.

[0071] The first coarse sand layer can be accommodated in a bag for ease of backwashing, and when backwashing is required, the bag can be taken out of the housing, washed, and then reused.

[0072]

[0073] The effective radius (d10) of the coarse sand accommodated in the first coarse sand layer may be 0.6 to 1.2 mm.

[0074]

[0075] slow sand filter layer

[0076] Contaminated water passing through the first gravel and first coarse sand layers passes through the slow sand filter layer, where most suspended solids are removed. In particular, most suspended solids are removed from the upper 5-10 cm of the slow sand filter layer. To facilitate backwashing of the upper portion of the slow sand filter layer, the upper portion is stored in a bag. If the bag becomes clogged after repeated use, only the upper portion can be removed, cleaned, and reused.

[0077]

[0078] The above slow sand filter layer can also be accommodated in a bag for easy backwashing when backwashing is required.

[0079] Effective radius of slow sand accommodated in the slow sand filter layer (d) 10 ) has a uniformity coefficient of 0.25 to 0.4 mm (UC: Uniformity Coefficient=d) 60 / d 10 ) can be used in the range of 1.5 to 2.0.

[0080] Additionally, the above slow sand filter layer may additionally include mud.

[0081] Mud contains a large amount of minerals, including calcium, aluminum, and magnesium, and has the effect of supplying minerals to treated water. The mud can be mixed in at 10 to 30 wt%.

[0082]

[0083] activated carbon adsorption layer

[0084] Contaminants that are not removed while passing through the slow sand filter layer are finally removed while passing through the activated carbon adsorption layer.

[0085]

[0086] Activated carbon is a general term for porous materials with carbon as the main component, and is made from materials that can be supplied locally in developing countries, such as palm shells, sawdust, wood, coal, lignite, plants or fossil plants, or petroleum pitch.

[0087] Activated carbon is composed of 90-95% carbon by weight, with small amounts of hydrogen, sulfur, and ash. It has numerous pores. Activated carbon exhibits excellent adsorption properties due to its highly developed pore structure.

[0088]

[0089] Activated carbon can be classified into granular activated carbon and powdered activated carbon according to its shape, and the granular activated carbon includes shaped carbon and crushed carbon.

[0090] Coal is made by adding a binder to raw powder, forming it into a cylinder or sphere with a diameter of 1 to 5 mm, and then carbonizing and reviving it.

[0091] Destruction bombs are made by destroying, carbonizing, and reviving raw materials or molded products into an appropriate particle size.

[0092] Powdered activated carbon is a fine powder of 100 mesh or less.

[0093]

[0094] Granular activated carbon is mainly activated through gas activation method, and powdered activated carbon is mainly activated through chemical activation method.

[0095] The gas activation method is a method of carbonizing raw materials and then forming a pore structure by eroding the surface of carbon through a gentle oxidation reaction in a high-temperature gas atmosphere of 700 to 1,000°C with weak oxidation.

[0096] The chemical revival method is a method that involves adding chemicals such as zinc chloride and phosphoric acid to wood raw materials and calcining them at 600-700℃ to release hydrogen and oxygen in the raw materials as steam, leaving behind carbon with a porous structure.

[0097]

[0098] The activated carbon adsorption layer is formed as a double structure including a granular activated carbon layer (41) placed on top and a powder activated carbon layer (42) placed on the bottom of the granular activated carbon, so that pollutants can be effectively removed.

[0099]

[0100] Table 1 below shows the main characteristics of granular activated carbon and powdered activated carbon applied to the activated carbon adsorption layer of the field-made household water purifier according to the present invention.

[0101]

[0102] Item Granular activated carbon (GAC) Powdered activated carbon (PAC) Drying loss (%) 2~2.5 7.5~8.5 pH 8.5~9.0 5.5~6.5 Ignition point (℃) 380~400 - Hardness (%) 92~96 - Ignition residue (%) 0.8~1.0 1.0~1.5 Packing density (g / ㎤) 0.4~0.5 - Apparent density (g / ㎤) 0.7~0.8 - Surface area (㎡ / g) 1,100~1,400 1,000~1,200 Particle size (㎛) 200~1200 0.0 3~10

[0103] Figure 2 is a cross-sectional view of an example in which a double-structured activated carbon adsorption layer of a field-made household water purifier according to the present invention is formed.

[0104] The above activated carbon adsorption layer can also be accommodated in a bag for easy backwashing when backwashing is required.

[0105]

[0106] Second coarse sand layer and second gravel layer

[0107] The treated water that passes through the activated carbon adsorption layer remains in the second coarse sand layer and the second gravel layer, preventing the growth of microorganisms until the treated water is supplied, and has the effect of additionally removing residual pollutants.

[0108]

[0109] The treated water that has sequentially passed through the second coarse sand layer and the second gravel layer can be supplied to the outside through the treated water supply unit.

[0110]

[0111] The above-mentioned treatment water supply unit is formed at the bottom of the housing, and includes a spiral pipe having a plurality of holes through which treatment water flows in, a transport pipe for supplying the treatment water flowing into the spiral pipe to the outside, and a control valve connected to the transport pipe for controlling the discharge of the treatment water.

[0112] Figure 3 shows the shape of a spiral pipe of a field-fabricated household water purifier according to the present invention. In this case, the spiral pipe may be a fluid pipe made of synthetic resin.

[0113]

[0114] The control valve includes a faucet, and the height of the control valve is installed at a point 600 to 800 mm above the ground. However, the height of the control valve can be adjusted by taking into account the flow rate of the treated water, and is not limited thereto.

[0115]

[0116] upper layer

[0117] In addition, the field-fabricated household water purification device according to the present invention includes a supernatant layer on top of the filter material, and the supernatant layer can accommodate water treatment granules.

[0118]

[0119] The above water treatment granules have the effect of strengthening physical adsorption along with biological decomposition of pollutants before supplying polluted water to the first gravel layer.

[0120]

[0121] The above water treatment granules contain activzyme and bone char, which are starter agents. The activzyme performs the role of culturing and activating microorganisms, and the bone char performs the role of activating and adsorbing a microbial membrane.

[0122]

[0123] The above activzyme and bone char can be formed at a weight ratio of 1:50 to 100.

[0124]

[0125] Additionally, a transparent acrylic cover is placed on the upper layer of the supernatant, which is 10 to 20 cm thick, to allow direct sunlight to penetrate during the day, maximizing the sterilization effect through UV.

[0126]

[0127] Activzyme is a microbial starter that comprehensively combines dormant microorganisms, nutrients necessary for the initial growth of microorganisms, and enzymes that activate microorganisms. It exists in the air in the form of solid pellets, but when dissolved in an aqueous solution, the microorganisms awaken from their dormant state and begin to multiply rapidly. If an aerobic state is maintained continuously, it is very effective in removing high-concentration organic substances.

[0128]

[0129] The addition ratio of Activzyme varies depending on the water quality of the raw water, but generally, if one pellet-type Activzyme (50g) is added, microbial activity can be expected for one month per household water purifier for a family of four.

[0130]

[0131] Bone charcoal can be applied in areas where special substances such as fluorine are found, or used as a filter medium that adsorbs water pollutants and forms a microbial film.

[0132]

[0133] The above bone char is made by burning cow bones and is easy to procure and economical in developing countries. The above bone char is made of hydroxyapatite (HAP, Ca 10 (PO4)6(OH)2)) contains 65~70 wt%, and the OH of the above hydroxyapatite - Go F - By replacing it with water, it is possible to adsorb and remove fluoride in contaminated water.

[0134]

[0135] The bone charcoal applied to the field-manufactured household water purifier according to the present invention can be manufactured through the following process.

[0136]

[0137] Washed beef bones, dried and cut, and then heat-treated in an electric furnace at 400 to 500°C for 2 to 4 hours can be used. Preferably, washed beef bones, dried and cut, and then heat-treated in an electric furnace at 450°C for 3 hours can be used.

[0138]

[0139] The above bone charcoal has a specific surface area of ​​65 to 75 m 2 / g, pore volume 0.2 to 0.4 cm 3 / g and pore diameter 15 to 18 cm 3 You can use / g.

[0140]

[0141] The amount of bone char used can be changed depending on the raw water quality and the height of the supernatant, but about 10 to 30g of locally available powdered bone char is used per water purifier, and it can be placed on a coarse sand layer and used as a filter medium where a microbial film can be formed together with the coarse sand.

[0142]

[0143] Hereinafter, the present invention will be described in detail with reference to a preferred embodiment. However, the following embodiment is intended to specifically illustrate the present invention and is not intended to be limited thereto.

[0144]

[0145] 1. Manufacturing of water purifier

[0146]

[0147] The housing container was manufactured with a thickness of 30 mm and a width of 400 mm, a length of 400 mm, and a height of 1000 mm based on the inner diameter of the container.

[0148] It consists of an air layer of 50 mm, a superficial water layer of 100 mm, a first gravel layer of 50 mm, a first coarse sand bag of 50 mm, a slow sand bag of 100 mm, a slow sand layer of 400 mm, a granular activated carbon bag of 50 mm, a powdered activated carbon bag of 50 mm, a second coarse sand layer of 50 mm, a second gravel layer of 50 mm, and a spiral pipe (treated water supply section) of 50 mm.

[0149] (Here, the pocket refers to a cloth-wrapped form that can contain the filter media to facilitate reverse washing.)

[0150]

[0151] The bone charcoal added to the upper layer was prepared as follows.

[0152]

[0153] After drying and cutting the washed beef bones, the optimal heating conditions for excellent adsorption capacity were derived.

[0154] It was heated at 350, 450, and 550 ℃ for 1, 3, and 5 hours in an electric furnace (LOMF-702, SCI FINETECH, Korea).

[0155] The bone char, burned to suit each experimental condition, was sieved to 600–2,000 μm, the same size as the bone char used in developing African countries, and used in the adsorption experiment. Surface analysis of the bone char was performed using SEM and BET, and the column experiment was operated for 90 minutes at flow rates of 100, 200, 300, and 400 L / day at an initial fluoride concentration of 4.8 mg / L, and changes in turbidity, TOC, and fluoride concentration were observed.

[0156]

[0157] As a result, it was found that heating at 450℃ for 3 hours was effective in terms of turbidity and organic matter removal. Through SEM and BET analyses, it was confirmed that the surface roughness and specific surface area characteristics of bone charcoal affected the fluorine adsorption efficiency, and through a ash group experiment, it was confirmed that the manufactured bone charcoal had a high adsorption capacity of 3.7 mg F / g.

[0158]

[0159] The physical properties of the bone charcoal according to the present invention are BET 70.9 m 2 / g, Pore volume 0.3 cm 3 / g and pore diameter 17.1 cm 3 / g was confirmed.

[0160]

[0161] It was confirmed that the high-absorption bone charcoal according to the present invention not only can be produced locally, but also has a fluorine adsorption efficiency that is approximately 3.7 times more effective than that of existing bone charcoal manufactured by placing a large quantity of whole bones in a large kiln and firing them for a long period of time.

[0162]

[0163] Among the water treatment granules, activzyme and bone char were added at a weight ratio of 1:50.

[0164]

[0165] At this time, the effective radius of gravel is 10~12mm, and the effective radius of coarse sand is (d 10 ) 0.8~1.0mm, fine sand (d 10 ) was used with a thickness of 0.2 to 0.4 mm and a uniformity coefficient (UC) of 1.5 to 2.0.

[0166]

[0167] Granular activated carbon was used with a drying loss of 2.3%, pH 8.8, flash point of 390℃, hardness of 94%, ignition residue of 0.9%, packing density of 0.43 g / cm3, apparent density of 0.75 g / cm3, surface area of ​​1,220 m2 / g, and average particle size of 500 ㎛. Powdered activated carbon was used with a drying loss of 8.1%, pH 5.9, ignition residue of 1.3%, surface area of ​​1,060 m2 / g, and average particle size of 5 ㎛.

[0168]

[0169] A 400mm fluid pipeline was formed in a spiral shape at the bottom of the housing, and a 600mm pipe was connected to the faucet connection.

[0170]

[0171] 2. Water quality test results

[0172] The water quality of filtered water passing through a field-made household water purification device according to the present invention was analyzed for five major water quality items (BOD, SS, TN, TP, and E. coli) targeting domestically polluted class 3 river water, and the results were confirmed as shown in Table 2 below.

[0173] Water quality items Raw water quality (mg / L) Treated water quality (mg / L) Treatment efficiency (%) BOD 12~65 1.8~9.5 85% or more SS 32~197 1.2~7.3 96% or more TN 24~95 10~38 58% or more TP 1.3~4.8 0.4~1.665% or more Escherichia coli (CFU / 100mL) 6,700~86,000 65~810 99% or more

[0174] According to the above results, it was confirmed that there was a water quality improvement effect for all water quality items, BOD, SS, TN, TP, and E. coli, and in particular, the water quality improvement effect was excellent with treatment efficiencies of over 99% and over 96% for E. coli and SS (Suspended Solids), respectively.

[0175]

[0176] While the present invention has been described with reference to the attached drawings, focusing on preferred embodiments, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications and variations can be made to the invention without departing from the technical spirit and scope of the claims. Therefore, the scope of the present invention should be construed in accordance with the claims, which are intended to encompass these numerous modifications.

Claims

1. In a field-made home water purification device in which contaminated water is purified by passing through filter media layered inside the housing as it falls from the top to the bottom, The above filter material is characterized in that it includes, from the top, a first gravel layer, a first coarse sand layer, a slow sand filtration layer, an activated carbon adsorption layer, a second coarse sand layer, and a second gravel layer. Field-built home water purifier.

2. In paragraph 1, The above first gravel layer A biofilm is formed on the surface by filtration of contaminated water, and the contaminant in the contaminated water is removed by the biofilm. Field-built home water purifier.

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