Jala Filter

What it does

Jala Filter aims to tackle the water crisis in Bangladesh sustainably, whilst reducing waste by upcycling rice husks into biochar as its primary filtration process being an affordable low-tech solution.

Your inspiration

Following University research for other projects, the growing problem that Asia faces excessive rice husk waste presented itself. Realisation of pollution it causes after burned creating hot toxic piles of ash, lead to researching sustainable applications for rice husks. Building materials, fuel and soil fertiliser were all possible project ideas. The project that was most prominent was the sustainable water filter concept. Implemented in Bangladesh, producing 37 million metric tons of rice annually, a rice husk filtration device would be impactful. Bangladesh suffers from flooding due to low lying land contaminating water sources.

How it works

The filtration concept is inspired by the research carried out by Newly Joseph, K. A. Stella, P. W. Rosmy Elizabath, Sandhra Johny in the paper “Handmade Eco-Friendly Filter Using Rice Husk for Water Purification”. Researching alternative ways to utilise rice husks in the filtration process this was the most applicable filtration method for the proposed problem. The research discoverd an eco-friendly low-cost filter for every house. The device uses activated carbon, carbonised rice husk and pebbles as its filtration method, which can all be sourced from rural Bangladesh. Carbonised rice husk can be utilised as a filtration device because of its high specific surface area and activated carbon. It removes impurities in the water such as chlorine eliminating toxic components in the liquid. Published results show the capabilities of the carbonised rice husk filter when removing sediment to create safe drinking water. The concept can be applied to Bangladesh.

Design process

Design - Design language is inspired by the tiffin pot, the success of the tiffin pot in Bangladesh is due to a combination of factors including practicality, affordability and cultural significance. Its reliable way to carry handmade meals makes it so popular. The Jala Filter employs the same morals and aesthetic. Cultural significance is important because having a system that is popular adds a level of familiarity to the product. Experiment - I conducted an experiment to determine that biochar can be made in Rural Bangladesh by using local resources. The variables included aluminium can, wood for fuel and rice husk. The biochar was made by burning rice husks in a low oxygen environment. Successfully creating biochar at home has proven that this filtration method is applicable in Bangladesh because of the simplicity of the experiment can be achieved with just three variables. Prototyping - Experimenting with bottle sizes and faucets to create a universal lid for the filter to improve usability. 3D printing a full-scale prototype and testing it for functionality, strength, portability and usability. Prototyping different ways of carrying the filter settled on jute string waring the filter like a satchel.

How it is different

Unique to other water filters because it specifically sources its materials from Bangladeshis environment. Made from discarded or unwanted stainless-steel pots and pans sourced locally are to be recycled for the filter material. Jute string, grown locally, as its portability method. The filtration process uses rice husk biochar, a waste product, resulting in minimal cost to replace the filter. Rice husks are natural biproducts of farming rice once the filter contents has reached its filtering capabilities, the pebbles, rice husks and biochar, can be used as fertiliser or thrown out and left to biodegrade since its not harmful to the environment. It's stainless-steel shell possesses hygienic properties and durability suitable for hazardous scenarios. Its universal lid can be attached to both faucets and bottles enhancing the useability experience. Its simplistic 3 segment design makes replacing the filter self-explanatory and effortless to clean.

Future plans

Jala filter is a degree project with high future ambitions. Further research and development understanding more uses to reduce the impact of waste rice husk. Creating a functional prototype which uses the intended materials refining the manufacturing process. Testing the filters capabilities with different variables in the water. Implementing it in Bangladesh for testing in a multitude of different scenarios. Overall, the aim of Jala Filter is to aid the water crisis in Bangladesh sustainably and inexpensively.

Awards

Won the University of Lincoln Sustainability award, and featured in the arts exabit at the Lincoln Cathedral.