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Testing the Water Purifier
06/03/2016 at 04:28 • 0 commentsThe strip on the right was treated with the purifier for 30 sec. It looks like it definitely did something.
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Filter Assembled
05/29/2016 at 15:46 • 0 commentsThe next step will be to work on the electronics. Sadly, my high voltage module suddenly died. I think I know why (I will explain this later). I have ordered another one to experiment with. Hopefully I can get this module to work reliably for a long time. If not , I will most likely resort to using a flyback transformer taken from a CRT.
I have some bacteria testing strips for water that I can use for proof of concept. I will have to resort to more precise analysis down the road.
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Spark Gap Assembled
05/29/2016 at 15:34 • 0 comments4-40 stainless steel screws were bent to form the spark gap.
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PVC Parts Purchased
05/29/2016 at 15:12 • 0 comments -
PVC Construction
05/28/2016 at 17:51 • 0 commentsA basic sketch of the physical construction of the filter (precise length will be decided later). Besides drilling two holes in the PVC plug and endcap, you pretty much just fit the PVC parts together.
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Testing the High Voltage Module
05/28/2016 at 01:34 • 0 commentsThe high voltage module was tested with a 25 F supercapacitor, charged to 4.93 V. The module ran for 30 sec, producing arcs of about a cm in length. A voltage of 1.35 V was then measured on the capacitor.
Questions to ask:
1) How much water will 30 sec. of run time purify (With just the UV light) ?
2) How long would a solar panel take to charge the supercapacitor? (assuming I purchase one within my budget)
These will be investigated in future experiments.
This little module packs quite a punch. I have attached a video of it.
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High Voltage Source
05/27/2016 at 15:49 • 0 commentsFor the high voltage, there are two main ideas:
1) Flyback transformer stolen from a CRT TV set:
One could perhaps make use of the tremendous amount of e-waste in third world countries. On second thought, having to disassemble a CRT does not exactly make it easy to assemble. Its still an idea though.
2) High Voltage Module: http://www.amazon.com/Ardokit-3-6V-6V-Module-Voltage-Generator/dp/B00K5OWR2U
I really like this module for several reasons. First, it is very affordable, and very easy to use. I recently received one in the mail, and it is very powerful for its size. Its the perfect HV supply for a supercapacitor, because of its low voltage, high current input.
My only concern is the lifetime of the device. I suspect that proper care of the device will result in a very long lifetime.