The system includes three filtering stages. First, a pre-filter captures large particles such as sand and plant fragments; the second stage consists of an activated charcoal powder that primarily removes undesirable odours and chemical contaminants. The third and most important part of the filter is a polymer membrane, designed by ETH doctoral students, that removes bacteria.
DrinkPure weighs less than 100 grams, lighter than most other filters, and the flow pressure is so high that you can purify as much as a litre of water in a minute just by squeezing the bottle with your hand. Another benefit is that the unit is less expensive and easier to manufacture than most conventional filters, according to its creator.
"What makes our DrinkPure filter unique is that you can screw it. It doesn't require a pump or a reservoir, so it's very easy to use," said the student, Jeremy Nussbaumer. "You simply screw the filter onto a bottle containing polluted water, then you can put it straight in your mouth and take a drink."
Concept development
The research team are looking for financial support via an Indigogo campaign. They will use the proceeds to purchase the tools they need to manufacture the filters. "As for what is left over, we will use 80% to produce the filter and transport it to Africa and 20% to further develop the concept," says Nussbaumer. They expect to have the first filters completed in January 2015.
