A portable unihoused water purification and sterilization apparatus that can be deployed in emergency situations, specifically where safe drinking water is most needed, was invented by Filipino innovator Rodrigo Duque out of a passionate desire to provide solutions that can benefit underserved communities.
“Water supply can often be a problem in areas hit by disasters like typhoons or earthquakes. Drinking water could take some time to arrive in affected communities,” Duque said in a statement issued by the Department of Science and Technology’s Technology Application and Promotion Institute (DOST-TAPI).
His invention has the ability to purify water from various sources, including lakes, rivers, springs, deep wells, and rain that makes it a “versatile solution” for areas where safe drinking water is scarce.
He told DOST that he designed it to cater to communities affected by disasters like typhoons or earthquakes, where water supply could take some time to reach the affected areas.
“That is why I developed my invention as a way to provide clean water to people in evacuation centers. It can also prevent water-borne diseases in these areas,” Duque said.
Innovation process
The portability of Duque's water purifier sets it apart from traditional water treatment systems. Enclosed in a waterproof carrying case and powered by a 12-volt car battery, this technology can be easily transported to remote areas without access to electricity.
According to the DOST, the system utilizes special filters that eliminate contaminants like chemicals, heavy metals, and suspended solids, and removes turbidity, which makes the water clearer.
"The filters last longer and can be cleaned easily without clogging, unlike traditional filters on the market," it said.
The water purification procedure involves sterilization with ozone and UV radiation, which disinfects any leftover impurities. This portable water purifier can treat up to 200 liters of water per hour, depending on the turbidity of the source water.
"The water produced is safe, potable, and high in oxygen," it added.
Duque also shared that he envisioned this technology as an essential component of disaster response programs in towns, cities, and barangays.
“Imagine if all local government units, down to the barangay halls, will have this kind of unit. Not only will they have their own supply of drinking water, but they can also deploy the unit readily to their evacuation centers, or in areas hit by outbreaks of diseases, like cholera,” he said.
“This is also something that can benefit our military in the field. They can load a unit in one of their trucks and use the water from the mountains and rivers to produce clean drinking water for a whole battalion,” he added.
Furthermore, with the help of DOST-TAPI's many initiatives that encourage Filipino innovators, they offered financing and intellectual property protection for Duque's idea.
TAPI further urged Duque to enter numerous contests so that he could show off his idea to a broader audience, including possible collaborators.
In 2018, his technology received first place in both the Regional and National Invention Contest and Exhibits conducted by TAPI.
“There were a lot of inventors and exhibitors who visited our booth, and they were very interested in our technology,” Duque said.
His idea was also acknowledged worldwide at the 2019 International Exhibition of Inventions in Geneva, Switzerland, where his invention received a bronze medal and accolades from participants from all around the world.
“There were a lot of inventors and exhibitors who visited our booth, and they were very interested in our technology,” he said.
Moreover, the portable purifier won first place in the 2020 Socially Relevant Technologies competition by the Intellectual Property Office of the Philippines, second place in the 2021 Philippine Water Challenge by the United States Agency for International Development, and Most Promising Invention in the Health Category at the 2022 Inventor's Pitch competition by the Development Bank of the Philippines.