About this Abstract |
Meeting |
MS&T22: Materials Science & Technology
|
Symposium
|
14th Symposium on Green and Sustainable Technologies for Materials Manufacturing and Processing
|
Presentation Title |
How to Start and Maintain a Low-cost Ceramic Water Filter Factory |
Author(s) |
Ian Nettleship |
On-Site Speaker (Planned) |
Ian Nettleship |
Abstract Scope |
Low-cost ceramic water filters are a proven appropriate technology in the fight against waterborne diseases in marginalized communities around the world. They are an example of an appropriate technology, specifically designed to be manufactured from locally sourced clay and a waste material such as sawdust. The efficacy of low-cost ceramic filters has been demonstrated many times in terms of laboratory testing of bacteria removal and in terms of the reduction of disease burden on communities. This presentation will introduce the wider issues that complicate the practice of establishing and maintaining a water filter factory and limit the scaling the technology. It will also discuss contributions that the materials engineering community could make through collaborations that develop better engineering standards, improved manufacturing practices and enduring relationships that provide social capital to small-scale filter factories. |