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[[Image:siphon1.png|thumb|right|150px| Principle of a siphon filter]]
[[Image:siphon2.png|thumb|right|150px| Siphon filter as sold in shops]]
The Siphon filter is a candle-type water filter which uses siphon pressure to force water through a high-quality ceramic filter element. The innovative useage of the siphon results in a high flow rate of 4-6 liters per hour. The Siphon filter is very compact, as only a filter element, a plastic hose, and a valve are needed, while existing storage containers can be used. A washable fabric is used as a pre-filter before the water enters the ceramic element. Therefore, protecting the ceramic filter from premature clogging when using turbid water.The filter is designed as a point-of-use filter in households. The filter element is impregnated with silver in order to increase the efficiency of the filter. {{procontable | pro=- Easy to use: after 15-20 litres, the upper container has to be refilled- Colloidal silver creates some residual effect for 7.000 litres- It has a “backwash option”, to clean the filter – - It is small, which is attractive for transport and storage and results in less breakage than pot shaped filters.- It is user friendly, easy to maintain and lasts longer than other ceramic filters- It has a very low production cost and a very low cost for the users- High flow rate| con= - Clogging if water contains fine silts- No indicator/warning system for user when leakage occurs- No safe storage}}
==History and social context==
==Suitable conditions ==
The WaterPurifier is not designed to remove turbidity or chemical contaminants.
{{Potential_Treatment_Capacity_table
| highly=
- Bacteria<br>
- Parasites <br>
- Turbidity <br>
| somewhat=
- Viruses <br>
| not=
-Dissolved chemicals (standard filter) <br>
| process= Straining, Filtration, Silver inactivation
| watcrit= Contaminated fresh water
}}
==Technical specification==
====Operation====
The filter element is placed in a container with contaminated water, situated about 70 cm above the clean water container. The siphon action is started by squeezing the rubber bulb. The siphon pressure forces the water through the filter element, ensuring a high flow of water.
[[Image:siphon3.png|thumb|right|150px| Siphon filter demonstration in Mozambique]]
====Manufacturing====
The Siphon filter was developed and is now produced by Basic Water Needs India, a company based in Pondicerry, India. The ceramic filter is quite fragile, the plastic is robust. Presently, leakage problems are solved by gluing the candle caps under strict quality control. Plastic bulbs are made in one piece from EVA (material used in hospitals for plastic hoses).
It is not possible to produce the filter locally due to lack of quality control and unavailability of raw materials. It might be possible however, to produce some plastic parts. Local production will be applicable if there’s existing industrial infrastructure.
====Estimated Lifespan====
The filter element could produce up to 7.000 litres (enough for a large family for 1 year) of water before replacement.
The plastic parts last up to 5 years.
==Cost==Suppliers{{Treatment_Cost2|CapCost= € 7 - 9|OpCost=|ReplCost=€ 2/year|5yCost=The Siphon filter was developed and is now produced by Basic Water Needs India|m3Cost= € 0, a company based in Pondicerry48-0, India. 54}}
==Country experiences==
* [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NSSeHXymkBw CrystalPur advertisement on Cambodian television]
=External Links=Footnotes== ==Acknowledgements== ==References==
* [https://www.diageogivingforgood.com/how_filters_work.aspx information on the CrystalPur filter]
* Safe Water Today: Supporting Global Water Projects [http://www.safewatertoday.org/]