Device Purifies Water With Salt And A Car Battery

The device produces chlorine, which is effective in killing off bacteria to reduce the risk of waterborne diseases, according to Global Biodefense. The SE200, a small plastic canister, attaches to a battery and the user adds the indicated amount of salt and water. After pushing a button, the mixture undergoes a process called “electrolysis,” according to NPR’s Goats and Soda.

In a matter of five minutes, the electricity causes the salt to break apart into sodium and chlorine and eventually produces sodium hypochlorite, which is used to purify the contaminated water. Each batch of chlorine can purify 200 liters of water, the device has been tested in a number of underserved countries including Kenya, Mali and Zimbabwe. And while there are a number of other similar products on the market, the SE200 is easier to use and less expensive, according to NPR.

The SE200 costs $239 and was developed in conjunction with a number of Seattle-based nonprofits, including World Vision and the Washington Global Health Alliance, according to Global Biodefense.
Together with the Life Science Discovery Fund, World Vision will introduce 150 of the purifiers to communities in East and West Africa.

Posted in: TECHNOLOGY GADGETS