Akvouser
122
edits
Changes
no edit summary
A new alternative to conventional ceramic candle filters is the CSP filter. This model has a pot-shaped ceramic filtering element that is treated with colloidal silver. It has a bigger capacity and is easier to produce locally than candle filters. Also leakages are easier to detect than in candle filters so there is less risk in use.
Evaluations, including a USAID-funded test in Nicaragua, indicate that CSP filters remove turbidity and harmful bacteria that cause diarrhoea, cholera and other waterborne diseases. Maintenance consists of cleaning with a brush and changing the ceramic element every 2-3 years. If filled twice a day the filter produces enough for a family of six. Field studies have shown that investment in a filter is "paid back" within 3 to 6 months because of savings on expenses for medicines, fuel wood and labour. In Nicaragua, Guatemala and Cambodia the production of this filter is a commercial activity and production is starting up in six other countries.
[[Image:Ceramic_filter.PNG|thumb|right|150px|Family using a CSP filter in Zapatera, Nicaragua.]]
! style="background:#ffdead;" | Disadvantages
|-
| valign="top" | Bigger capacity , easier to produce locally and safer than candle filters.<br>
| valign="top" |<br>
|}
== Capacity ==
10-20 litres/day. If filled twice a day the filter produces enough for a family of six. == Maintenance == Cleaning with a brush and changing the ceramic element every 2-3 years.
== Costs ==
Complete filter (off-factory): US$ 8 in Cambodia US$ 10-15 in Nicaragua.
Field studies have shown that investment in a filter is "paid back" within 3 to 6 months because of savings on expenses for medicines, fuel wood and labour.
== Applying conditions ==
<ul>
<li><b>Cost of introduction:</b> US$ 15,000 - 30,000 for project incl. training, machinery and a first production of 500 filters. US$ 50,000 - 100,000 for project incl. production shop, training, first promotion, and 5,000 filters</li>
</ul>
== Examples and initiatives ==
150,000 filters are used in Central America, Asia and Africa.
CARE, UNICEF, Red Cross amongst others use the filter.
In Nicaragua, Guatemala and Cambodia the production of this filter is a commercial activity and production is starting up in six other countries.
== Production manual ==
