Microbial contamination in municipal water supply network and in building water distribution system is a serious problem. Water filters are usually installed to overcome this problem, however, microorganisms were often found to remain viable on the filter system which in turn shorter the filter lifespan. The Pulsed- electric Field (PEF) system provides an alternate solution to this problem. A miniaturized PEF unit is demonstrated to carry out a high throughput disinfection. The design has been aimed at fitting into the hose of tap water in household. It has been optimized between disinfection rate and energy efficient. In laboratory testing, reduction of 90% of <i>E.coli</i> can be observed at a flow rate of 1 L/min. Preliminary result shows that the water quality parameters such as chlorine, pH, ion concentration were not significantly altered throughout the process. It is believed that the miniaturized PEF unit has high potential to solve the microbial problem in the water system in modern cities as well as to provide cleaner water for developing countries.

High throughput water disinfection using pulsed electric field

253rd National Meeting (2017)

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