Ceramic Filter UTP

Target SDGs

Market Suggested Retail Price

$244.26

Target Users (Target Impact Group)

Household

Distributors / Implementing Organizations

The Water and Environmental Sanitation investigation group at Universidad Tecnológica de Pereira (UTP). See contact information.

Competitive Landscape

Direct competitors include EcoFiltro.

Countries

Colombia

Manufacturing/Building Method

Filters were designed and manufactured in Pereira from local-produced materials using the "sol-gel" ceramic construction method. ^{Interview with representative.}  These filters are however, no longer produced nor distributed by the Universidad Tecnológica de Pereira.

Intellectural Property Type

Open-source

User Provision Model

The product can be purchased by contacting the Water and Environmental Sanitation investigation group at Universidad Tecnológica de Pereira (UTP). See contact information.

Distributions to Date Status

Universidad Tecnológica de Pereira distributed 55 Ceramic filters in the Emberá Chami Indigenous community, located in the Municipality of Mistrató, Risaralda during 2013 and 2014. Overall a total of 100 filters have been distributed. ^{Interview with representative.}

Design Specifications

The Ceramic UTP filter is composed of a filtrating unit made of clay impregnated with colloidal silver which has a filtering capacity of 9 L of water at a flow rate of 1.5 L/h. It includes a plastic container with a capacity of 40 L (with a supporting circle and plastic top), a plastic spigot and comes with a plastic brush (for maintenance) and a mesh for filtrating out solids. Its dimensions are 500 x 450 mm and weights 6.5 kg. It removes microbiological contamination and suspended solids and can be used for surface or ground water that does not have sanitary contamination such as heavy metals, pesticides nor special characteristics of harness and alkalinity.

Product Schematics

Technical Support

Yes.  The Water and Environmental Sanitation investigation group at Universidad Tecnológica de Pereira (UTP) is in charge of installing and providing workshops. See contact information.

Replacement Components

Every 2 years the ICBF Service unit must contact UPT to evaluate the necessity of applying a new coating of colloidal silver or of replacing the filter. The ceramic component of the filter is recommended to be replaced every 3 years. See product guide.

Lifecycle

The lifespan of the Filtro Cerámico UTP is approximately 2 years, depending on periodic maintenance and the cleanness and hygiene where it is installed. There is no indicator of the end of the life of the filter but these are recommended to be changed every 3 years. Distributed filters had a 1-year manufacturers guarantee.

Manufacturer Specified Performance Parameters

This filter was designed to remove microbiological contamination and suspended solids. Designer specific performance targets include: low-cost, simple, easy administration and maintenance, adaptable and replicable to rural and urban contexts, generates changes in behaviors and habits in relation to water, health and well-being.

Vetted Performance Status

Testing performed by the Universidad Tecnológica de Pereira determined these filter remove contamination such as cloudiness, color, total dissolved solids and nitrites to levels accepted by Colombian law levels. The performance does not affect water pH and removes total coliforms and fecal coliforms by 3-4 log, and this is improved by colloidal silver to 4 -5 log. Filters were determined to be economical because production cost is 11 USD, and can produce water for 0.30 USD /m³ .

Safety

Potential hazards include the consumption of unsafe water that can lead to gastrointestinal problems due failure to follow the use and maintenance instructions of the user manual. These directions include warnings against using surface or ground waters that are suspected to have sanitary contamination such as heavy metals, pesticides or special characteristics of harness and alkalinity.

Complementary Technical Systems

No complementary technical systems are required.

Academic Research and References

Compliance with regulations

Testing performed by the Universidad Tecnológica de Pereira determined  that these filters remove cloudiness, color, total dissolved solids and nitrites to levels accepted by Colombian law levels and established under the category of safe water in compliance with Colombian Resolution 2115 of 2007. ^{Interview with representative.} 

Evaluation methods

This product was tested by the manufacturer for removal of cloudiness, color, total dissolved solids and nitrites and coliform and total coliforms and fecal coliforms.

Other Information

None