Mobile Water Filtration Units work by using portable, compact filtration systems to treat contaminated water and make it safe for drinking and other uses. These units can be equipped with various filtration technologies depending on the contaminants in the water, such as heavy metals, chemicals, or biological agents. Here’s how the process typically works:
- Water Intake
- Process: Contaminated water is drawn from the source (rivers, lakes, or groundwater) into the mobile filtration unit. The water intake system typically includes a pump to draw water into the unit.
- Mobile Feature: These units are equipped with flexible hoses or pipes, which can be deployed in different locations, allowing them to access various water sources easily.
- Pre-filtration (Sediment Removal)
- Process: The water first passes through a pre-filter that removes large particles, sediment, and debris. This is especially useful in areas affected by galamsey, where sediment and soil erosion increase water turbidity.
- Technology Used: This stage typically involves sand filters or cartridge filters, which remove suspended solids, improving water clarity and protecting more delicate filtration systems downstream.
- Main Filtration and Purification
- The main filtration stage targets specific contaminants, such as heavy metals (mercury, lead), chemicals (cyanide), and harmful microorganisms (bacteria, viruses).
- Filtration Technologies Used:
- Activated Carbon Filters: These remove organic pollutants, chemicals, and heavy metals. Activated carbon has a large surface area that adsorbs contaminants as water passes through it.
- Reverse Osmosis (RO): RO systems force water through a semi-permeable membrane that removes dissolved solids, including heavy metals, nitrates, and salts. This is a highly effective method for treating water contaminated by galamsey.
- UV Purification: In some mobile units, ultraviolet (UV) lamps are used to kill bacteria, viruses, and other microorganisms that may be present in the water. This is an added layer of safety to ensure the water is microbiologically safe.
- Chemical Treatment: In some cases, chemical coagulants or precipitants may be added to bind heavy metals or other pollutants, making them easier to filter out.
- Post-treatment (Polishing Stage)
- Process: After the main filtration, the water may pass through a final filter to ensure that all remaining particles or trace contaminants are removed.
- Technology Used: This stage may use fine-particle filters or additional activated carbon to ensure the water is of the highest quality for consumption.
- Disinfection
- Process: To ensure the water is free from pathogens, a disinfection stage is often included. This can involve:
- Chlorination: Small amounts of chlorine are added to disinfect the water.
- UV Light: If not already used in the main filtration, UV light can also be used to deactivate any remaining microorganisms.
- Purpose: This ensures the water remains safe during storage and transport, especially in hot or tropical climates where bacteria can grow quickly.
- Water Storage or Distribution
- Process: After filtration, the clean water is stored in onboard tanks or directly pumped into containers for distribution to the community.
- Mobile Feature: Units can either have inbuilt water storage tanks or be connected to external tanks or taps for immediate use. These units can distribute water to multiple locations or store water for later use if needed.
Powering the Mobile Unit
- Power Source: Mobile water filtration units often come with multiple power options, depending on the environment and location:
- Solar Panels: Many units use solar energy, especially in remote areas without electricity.
- Generators: Diesel or gas-powered generators can be used to power pumps and filtration systems.
- Battery Systems: Some units are equipped with rechargeable batteries, providing temporary off-grid power.
