Portable Solar Desalination 'Plant' That May Aid In Third World Water Woes
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'Water, Water everywhere, not a drop to drink' - That, unfortunately, is the situation faced by millions of residents in developing countries who are surrounded by oceans, but have no access to fresh drinking water. Now thanks to this ingenious portable ceramic desalination 'plant' created by Milan-based designer Gabriele Diamanti, there may be a viable solution.
The Eliodomestico works just like a coffee percolator except, upside down. It comprises of two ceramic pieces that sit on top of each other. Fitted inside the top piece is a black container into which, salt water is added and then tightly sealed.
The Eliodomestico is then placed in a sunny area causing the liquid in the container to heat up and turn to steam. Because the container is tightly sealed, the pressure starts to build up and the only place it can escape is down a tube that channels it into the container below. Since this is much cooler the steam condenses into water, which happens to be quite fresh and edible! All the user has to do, is pull out the bottom container out and take it home.
The best part is that this portable device can desalinate up to five liters of water at a time and after the initial purchase price estimated to be about $50 USD, costs nothing extra to operate. What's even more encouraging is that the Italian designer who spent seven years perfecting the product is not looking to make millions from it. Instead, he plans to share his design with anyone that is interested. His ultimate hope? Each country will modify the design and make it their own and that eventually some local craftsmen will set up businesses to manufacture the Eliodomestico!
Resources: Gizmag.com, gabriellediamanti.com
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162 Comments
- Jewel Nevineabout 9 yearsI think this a very good invention and I hope it will make the world a better place and nobody will be thirsty or sick and not drink salt water
- A Guyover 9 yearsGreat Invention
- Cynthia Taylorover 9 yearsI want one I live in California. I live by the sea. This is perfect. I live in my van. How much does it cost in the U.S.?
- cynthia taylorover 9 yearsIs the portable desalinator available in the U.S.?
- cynthia taylorover 9 yearsHow much does it cost? I wish to buy one. Where can I purchase it?
- fordHalmost 10 yearsAlthough this technology works, and could provide drinking water to those near the oceans there are a number of problems. For one if they live near or on the ocean they are likely to be in a rural community of some sort, often with high population. For this to work it would need to be left in the sun for an extended time, which also leaves it vulnerable to theft. Additionally, it only affects one family at a time, while there is nothing wrong with that, the end cost to provide every family with this would be ridiculous. Not to say that this doesn't work, but it would only be useful in certain situations. It takes a Multi Criteria Analysis of each specific rural community to determine an effective solution to the numerous problems when it comes to water distribution. But this is a great invention that could inspire even more, it's a cool concept.
- aaaaaaaaaover 10 yearsI think that this is a great idea
- :Dover 10 yearsthat is a cool design. props to whoever made it
- coolabout 11 yearsthere should be a design that has a tap in it :)
mintshineover 11 yearsGreat job to whoever invented that!