Wellspring-G

Product Description

Wellspring-G is a gravity-driven point-of-use water filter that uses a three-stage water purification process. It consists of Activated Carbon Filter (AF), Direct filter (DF) filter, and hollow fiber membranes. The portable water purifier comes in a -5L water container bag which can also be connected to a bucket to meet various users’ needs. This purifier is commercially available and is developed Wellspring brand.

Target SDGs

SDG 6: Clean Water and Sanitation

SDG 3: Good Health and Well-Being

Market Suggested Retail Price

$55.00

Target Users (Target Impact Group)

Household, Small and Medium-sized Enterprises, NGOs

Distributors / Implementing Organizations

This product is currently being distributed through the company itself and implemented by Wellspring other distributors.

Competitive Landscape

Direct competitors include Pure Hydration Thirst Aid Station, LifeWell Water Filter, WateROAM ROAMfilter Lite, and DayOne Waterbag.

Manufacturing/Building Method

Wellspring-G is designed and manufactured by PHILOS in South Korea.

Intellectural Property Type

Trademark

User Provision Model

Users can obtain this product by directly contacting the manufacturer.

Distributions to Date Status

Unknown

Target use case

Place with no electricity, at time of emergency and place with water crisis. Also used for outdoor activities like camping.

Manufacturer-specified flow rate (L/hr)

0.3 -0.5 L/min

Bacteria reduction

Log 5

Type of membrane filtration

Hollow Fiber membrane

Virus reduction

Unknown

Protozoa reduction

Log 3

Heavy metals and/or arsenic reduction

Arsenic, heavy metal, compounds of calcium can be removed by applying separate selective absorbent filter.

Maximum recommended influent turbidity level (NTU)

5 NTU

Effluent turbidity levels (NTU)

Unknown

Material of construction

Urethane as potting material, Polysulfone (PSF), Polyether sulfone (PES) as membrane material.

Safe water storage capacity (L)

4 L

Manufacturer-specified lifetime volume (L)

10000 L

Design Specifications

Wellspring-G is a portable water purifier with a hanging bag design which can also be attached to a bucket according to users need. The system works on gravity to filter contaminated water through a 3-step filtration process which induces; DF, Activated carbon filter, and Hollow fiber membrane. These interchangeable DF, activated carbon and hollow fiber membrane filters are responsible for the removal of large suspended particles, toxic organic herbicides and pesticides and bacteria, and protozoa up to 99.999%, 99.99% respectively. The life of the filter is increased through repetitive backwashing with a syringe every once in a while. More information on design specifications and working principles can be found here.

Product Schematics

Technical Support

Technical support for this product is not available. However, the manufacturers provide a product's manual for its users.

Replacement Components

The replacement components for Wellspring-G includes: 1. Water bag 2. Silicone Hose 3. Filter (Membrane & Activated carbon) 4. Syringe for backwash 5. Replaceable filter (Activated carbon) 6. Replaceable filter (DF)

Lifecycle

4,000 L

Manufacturer Specified Performance Parameters

This filter was designed to reduce bacteria by 99.999% and protozoa by 99.9%. It was also designed to remove toxic organic herbicides and pesticides together with bad taste and odor. Also, the designer specified performance targets include: lightweight, durable, portable, and usable without electricity. Interview with manufacturer 2020

Vetted Performance Status

Testing performed by KEWI Verified 99.999% removal of bacteria and 99.9% of protozoa. Interview with manufacturer 2020

Safety

No known safety hazards are related to this product.

Complementary Technical Systems

A water bag or a water container (plastic bucket) together with a syringe for backwash is required for the operation of this product.

Academic Research and References

Maeng, M et al., 2015, Reduction of organic matter in drinking water using a hybrid system combined with a rock biofilter and membrane in developing countries, International Biodeterioration & Biodegradation, 102, pp.223-230.

“Goal 6.” n.d. Sdgs.Un.Org. https://sdgs.un.org/goals/goal6

“PHILOS.” n.d. PHILOS. https://www.pmbr.co.kr/en

“?????.” n.d. Wellspring. https://www.wellspring.co.kr

“Wellspring-G.” n.d. Wellspring. https://philoswellspring.wixsite.com/wellspring/products

Compliance with regulations

The Wellspring-G meets the EPA maximum allowable level of E. coli bacteria in drinking water i.e. 99.99%. It also complies with (Food and Drug Administration) FDA and (Restriction of Hazardous Substances) RoHS for having safe and toxic-free products. Interview with manufacturer 2020

Evaluation methods

This product is tested for the removal of bacteria, protozoa, and chlorine by independent and qualified research laboratories. Interview with manufacturer 2020

Other Information

Wellspring-G video