Our Decision MatrixIdea #1 - Ceramic FilterThis method uses an unglazed ceramic cup fill with activated carbon. The ceramic has pores that are only 0.2 microns, so they can filter out many contaminants and bacteria. once the water has passed through the ceramic, the activated carbon helps to purify the water chemically. The water that comes out of the spout at the bottom is purified, and the process should produce 1 gallon of clean water per hour.
Idea #2 - All-Natural FilterThis all natural filter uses gravel, rocks, and charcoal to help purify the water. The gravel and grass help to filter out large particles, and the charcoal cleans the water chemically. This process is not as efficient as the ceramic because its pores are not as small, but by pouring the water through the system multiple times, the water can become cleaner each time.
Idea #3 - Charcoal and Coffee Filters
This process is the most simple of the three filter ideas. It consists of multiple layers of activated carbon and coffee filters. This process is very simple and cheap, but it is not very effective at filtering because large particles could clog up the pores of the coffee filters or get stuck in the activated carbon.
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Design Brief
Client: the Mercy Corps
Design Statement: Design and create a cheap and effective water filtration system that can be used in a crisis situation to physically and chemically filter dirty water into safe drinking water.
Design Statement: Design and create a cheap and effective water filtration system that can be used in a crisis situation to physically and chemically filter dirty water into safe drinking water.
Criteria:
1. The system must be cheap. 2. The system must be effective at purifying water. 3. The system must purify at least 2 liters in 24 hours. 4. The system must be portable. 5. The system must be able to be used in a crisis situation. |
Constraints:
1. the device cannot be too big. 2. The purified water cannot have too many contaminants. 3. The device cannot be too complex. 4. The device cannot be too heavy. 5. The device cannot cost a lot to make. |
Initial Testing
Final TestingFinal Results: 10 min 21 sec
Total CostsWater bottle:
Activated Carbon: $5.00 Rocks: Free Grass Free Coffee filters: 5 cents Conclusion
The Aqua Fixers Water Filtration Device is a very effective and cheap device that can purify water. It's cost and the availability of the materials required for creating the device are very helpful in crisis situations where the device will be needed. |