Future of Engineering

'The pores are 15nm and the smallest virus is 25nm. There's nothing smaller than a virus — it pretty much stops everything,'

"Water, water, everywhere, nor any drop to drink", lamented the ancient mariner who was stuck in the middle of the sea. People stuck in disaster prone areas or warzones echo the words of the mariner even today. The arrival of the lifesaver is sure to break this universal chant.

The 2004 Tsunami inspired UK entrepreneur Michael Pritchard to create the Lifesaver bottle that uses the innovative nanoscale filtration membrane to remove bacteria, viruses, and all other water-borne pathogens from water instantly.

The operation is quite simple. One just has to fill the bottle with water, unlock the pump handle at the base and build up pressure inside the filter with a few quick pumps. Contaminated water flows through a membrane to become sterile.

The ultrafiltration technology isn't entirely new. It has been used by the water processing industry already. The genius of Pritchard's invention lies in incorporating this technology in a 12in plastic bottle.

Pritchard has also invented a FAILSAFE technology that shuts off the bottle’s cartridge upon expiry, preventing contaminated water from being drunk. Proper handling and maintenance makes it last for five years.

Though it would be extremely useful in warzones and disaster prone areas, it would also be a innovative accessory for hikers and campers.

Source - Lifesaver systems

Labels: innovation, Instrumentation-Engineering, Safety