Ceramic Filter UTP

The Ceramic UTP filter is composed of a filtrating unit made of clay impregnated with colloidal silver which has a filtering capacity of 9 L of water at a flow rate of 1.5 L/h. It includes a plastic container with a capacity of 40 L (with a supporting circle and plastic top), a plastic spigot and comes with a plastic brush (for maintenance) and a mesh for filtrating out solids. Its dimensions are 500 x 450 mm and weights 6.5 kg. It removes microbiological contamination and suspended solids and can be used for surface or ground water that does not have sanitary contamination such as heavy metals, pesticides nor special characteristics of harness and alkalinity.

Yes.  The Water and Environmental Sanitation investigation group at Universidad Tecnológica de Pereira (UTP) is in charge of installing and providing workshops. See contact information.

The lifespan of the Filtro Cerámico UTP is approximately 2 years, depending on periodic maintenance and the cleanness and hygiene where it is installed. There is no indicator of the end of the life of the filter but these are recomended to be changed every 3 years. Distributed filters had a 1-year manufacturers guarantee.

Testing performed by the Universidad Tecnológica de Pereira determined these filter remove contamination such as cloudiness, color, total dissolved solids and nitrites to levels accepted by Colombian law levels. The performance does not affect water pH and removes total coliforms and fecal coliforms by 3-4 log, and this is improved by colloidal silver to 4 -5 log. Filters were determined to be economical because production cost is 11 USD, and can produce water for 0.30 USD /m³ .

Potential hazards include the consumption of unsafe water that can lead to gastrointestinal problems due failure to follow the use and maintenance instructions of the user manual. These directions include warnings against using surface or ground waters that are suspected to have sanitary contamination such as heavy metals, pesticides or special characteristics of harness and alkalinity.