The National Nanotechnology Center (NANOTEC) today hand over the System of Salinity “SOS- t1” to the Hydro and Agro Informatics Institute (HAII) at the Sri Sothorn Army Engineer Corps in Chachoengsao province. The SOS-t1 is a result of a research contract commissioned by HAII to NANOTEC.
The SOS-t1 is a 7 stage filtration system in which nano ceramic filters are used. The system is capable of producing 200 liters of clean drinking water per hour. Tests indicate the SOS-t1 is capable of filtering salinity water concentration to an acceptable level of 0.25 grams per liter at an inflow of 2.0 grams salinity per liter. The incoming water pressure can be adjusted up to 48 psi water pressure with output of 30 psi.
“The problem of water salinity and saltwater intrusion into freshwater reservoirs for most part is seasonal occurrence in Thailand” said Dr. Royol Chitradon, HAII Director. “This year in particular the Bang Pakong river basin area has experienced limited runoff as a result of the dry season. This has caused several problems to the communities who depend on freshwater for both consumption and livelihood. We are pleased to be able team up with NANOTEC to integrate nanotechnology to a water filtration system to produce clean drinking water in areas affected by saltwater intrusion. It is a complimentary system that will work well with our existing water salinity monitoring unit”.
Prof. Sirirurg Songsivilai, Executive Director at NANOTEC informed that the development of the salinity removal nano filtration technology is under the Clean Air Flagship program at NANOTEC. “Our flagship goal is to turn undrinkable fresh water into clean and safe water by focusing on the development of nano-filtration and nano-sensor systems. The availability of drinkable water is already a global issue and Thailand must be in a position to do what it can to help mitigate affected communities. The silver impregnated ceramic filter will also help prolong the life of the filter system”.
In addition to salinity removal in water, NANOTEC Clean Water flagship program is also working on heavy metal removal, portable water filtration, cyanotoxin removal, and sensor test kits.
