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“Water is the driving force of all nature.” – Leonardo da Vinci
Filtration System
This could be considered the most vital part of the overall system. This is where we need to turn our harvested rain water into a pure water that will quench the body and satisfy the soul.
The basic idea of a filter system is to remove particles down to a specific size and then remove or reduce common contaminants, cysts, virus’s, bacteria, chlorine, organic compounds and VOC’s – Volatile Organic Compounds, Heavy metals, pesticides and what ever else the filter is designed to do.
It would be lovely if we all lived next to a glacial river or on top of a ground water aquifer of the purest water. But many of us don’t so we need to work with what we have.
Now after you have collected your rain water, it is time to pass it through the filter. For this system we will be using three 30l blue barrels. All connected in series.
Picture 1
Filters 1 & 2
The first two filters are filled with different layers of filter substrate, which consist of;
6mm gravel (pea shingling)
6mm gravel is a type of aggregate commonly used in construction and landscaping. It consists of small, rounded stones with a diameter of 6 millimeters. This size makes it suitable for various applications, including creating a stable base for driveways, paths, and garden areas. The small size of the gravel allows for good compaction, making it ideal for use in projects where a solid and durable surface is needed.
Sharp Sand
Sharp sand, also known as coarse sand or grit sand, is a type of sand characterized by its granular texture and angular particles. Here are some qualities and characteristics of sharp sand:
- Particle Size: Sharp sand typically has larger and coarser particles compared to finer sands. The particle size can vary, but it is generally larger than that of builder's sand or play sand.
- Angular Particles: One of the defining qualities of sharp sand is its angular or sharp-edged particles. These angular grains make the sand well-suited for construction and landscaping purposes.
- Good Drainage: The angular nature of the particles allows for good drainage. Sharp sand is often used in construction projects where effective drainage is essential, such as in concrete mixes or as a base layer for paving.
- Stability: The angular particles interlock with each other, providing stability and strength. This makes sharp sand suitable for applications where a compact and stable base is required, like in the preparation of foundations for buildings or patios. (auto generated)
Mosquito netting, cloth, Filter fabrics or Silk
A layer of Mosquito netting, cloth, Filter fabrics or Silk, is added to the filters to reduce particles down to a certain size, and also prevent mosquito’s of very small insects from getting into the filter system.
The First two filters are filled with different layers of gravel and sharp sand. These are primarily used to reduce contaminants down to a specific size, sediment filtration.A layer of mosquito netting or filter fabric is also placed in each filter to help with this process.
A layer of charcoal is also added around the middle of each filter to being the process of binding any contaminants before the water reaches the final filter.
This design is to mimic the natural process that filters water in nature. For example mountain spring water will trickle down through layers of rock, sand and carbon filtering the water until it can be accessed for human consumption.
Filter 3
The final filter is mostly filled with Charcoal
Charcoal is a versatile material that comes in various types, each with its unique properties and uses. The main types of charcoal include:
- Wood Charcoal:
- Hardwood Charcoal: Made from hardwoods like oak, maple, hickory, and beech. It is dense and burns hotter and longer than softwood charcoal.
- Softwood Charcoal: Produced from softwoods like pine and spruce. It tends to burn faster and at a slightly lower temperature than hardwood charcoal.
- Lump Charcoal:
- Lump charcoal is made by burning wood in the absence of oxygen, leaving behind irregular chunks of carbonized wood. It tends to produce less ash and imparts a distinct flavor to food when used for grilling.
- Briquettes:
- Charcoal briquettes are manufactured by compressing charcoal dust or other combustible biomass material into uniform shapes. They often contain additives like binders and ignition accelerants. Briquettes are consistent in size and burn more slowly and predictably than lump charcoal.
- Activated Charcoal:
- Processed at high temperatures to create a highly porous structure, activated charcoal is used for various applications, including water filtration, air purification, and medical purposes. It's not typically used for cooking.
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Adsorption of Impurities:
Charcoal is highly porous, and its surface has a large area available for adsorption. When water passes through a charcoal filter, impurities such as organic compounds, chemicals, and contaminants can adhere to the charcoal surface, effectively removing them from the water.
Removal of Odors and Tastes:
Activated charcoal, a form of charcoal that has been specially treated to increase its porosity, is often used to remove unpleasant odors and tastes from water. It can absorb and trap various compounds that contribute to bad tastes or smells, resulting in cleaner and more palatable water.
Chlorine Removal:
Activated charcoal is particularly effective at removing chlorine and chlorine by-products from water. Chlorine is commonly used as a disinfectant in municipal water treatment, but it can impart a taste and odor to the water. Charcoal filters can help eliminate these unwanted elements.
Removal of Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs):
Charcoal filters, especially activated charcoal filters, are capable of adsorbing volatile organic compounds (VOCs). These compounds can include industrial pollutants, solvents, and other harmful substances that may be present in water sources.
Heavy Metal Reduction:
While not as effective as some specialized filters, charcoal can also help reduce the concentration of certain heavy metals, such as lead and mercury, through adsorption.
Biological Contaminant Removal:
Charcoal filters may also contribute to the removal of some biological contaminants, such as bacteria and algae, although their primary strength lies in adsorbing chemical impurities.
Emergency Water Filtration:
Charcoal filters can be used in emergency situations or during outdoor activities to filter water from natural sources like rivers and lakes. Constructing a makeshift filter with layers of sand, gravel, and charcoal can help remove impurities and make the water safer to drink.
Low-Cost Water Treatment:
Charcoal is relatively inexpensive, making it an attractive option for water filtration in regions with limited resources. It provides a simple and cost-effective method for improving water quality.