DIY Biochar Water Filter¶
Atmospheric & Fog Harvesting • Est. CapEx: $5 USD • Lifespan: 3 Years (Replace Element)
Technical Overview¶
A simple, low-cost point-of-use water filter constructed from locally available containers—plastic or ceramic pots with a bottom hole, or PVC pipe fitted with a mesh screen—packed with biochar produced from organic waste pyrolysis. Designed for households and off-grid communities seeking an affordable, chemical-free method to reduce organic contaminants and improve water clarity.
Key Specifications & Engineering Parameters¶
| Parameter | Specification |
|---|---|
| Category | Atmospheric & Fog Harvesting |
| Capital Cost (CapEx) | $5 USD |
| Power / Energy | 100% Gravity / Zero Power |
| Target Scale | Household (5–10 people) |
| Standard Lifespan | 3 Years (Replace Element) |
| Technology Maturity | Field Tested |
| Primary Mechanism | Contaminated water percolates through a bed of highly porous biochar created by heating wood, agricultural waste, or coconut shells in a low-oxygen environment (pyrolysis). The biochar’s vast internal surface area traps impurities via physical adsorption and ion exchange, binding organic compounds and some heavy metals while gravity drives flow without pumps or electricity. |
Cross-Reference & Interactive Tools¶
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