Mist collectors used to supply domestic water in Vietnam

After a night, this device can collect about 25-30 liters of water used for cooking and
drinking without the need of filter as the net is implemented with antibacterial/antifungal silver
nanoparticles.
Witnessing the less privileged locals in Ha Giang and Lao Cai walking miles every day for
domestic water, scientists from the Institute of Materials Science in Vietnam Academy of Science
and Technology have researched on the remedy to collect mist for producing clean water.
This device, which collects mist overnight and turns into clean water, is called E. free-
WACO. It is based on the principle of Lotus effect and collision of droplets in the air. The material’s
surface is created with Polypropylen (PP) nets, joined from 30-µm-fibers. When meeting with the
net’s surface, mist is assembled, and water droplets are formed. After reaching the required
volume, they will flow through the channeling system of the device.
In order to secure the condensation process, the research group also attach the 30-nm-
silver-nanoparticles onto the PP surface. The particles have the anti-bacteria, anti-fungal values
and enhance the productivity of the water collecting procedure. For that reason, the collected
water can be used for cooking, drinking and other daily activities. The basic design consists of a
collective net with 1.5 meters in area, 60 centimeters of diameter and 80 centimeters of height.
In one night, this device can assemble 25-30 liters of clean water.
Nowadays, around the world, there are similar tools, but the average performance by net
square meter per night is only 5 to 10 liters. The common drawback of this type of equipment is
the low productivity due to the conditions of low wind velocity and high wind velocity, where
water is spilled.
On the contrary, that created by Vietnamese possesses more strengths. Scientists have
found the way to put many layers to prevent wasting water and enhance collecting productivity.
Especially, this device is designed aerodynamically so it can spin around without
electricity or batteries. With this model, water is collected from many directions, while those
from other countries can only perform in two direction which are perpendicular to the net
surface.
The Deputy Minister of Science and Technology, Mr. Tran Van Tung, highly appreciates
this device. It has contributed to the resolution in supplying clean water for the locals in the
highlands, the border defenses, islanders, and serves the socio-economic development.
“This is a potential remedy in providing more clean water sources for some mountainous
areas with frequent water shortage in the dry season in the North of Vietnam”, said the Deputy
Minister Tran Van Tung.
 Currently, the research group consists of Dr. Ha Phuong Thu, Dr. Nguyen Xuan Truong, Dr.
Nguyen Hong Nam, M.S. Nguyen Hoai Nam. The researchers are still studying how to upgrade
the device for the target of collecting 100 liters each night.
Dr. Ha Phuong Thu claims that the research group has no intention of commercializing
this device, and only hopes that the social organizations and programs can help the highlanders,
who are struggling for clean water, have the access to this device.
Bich Ngoc
Source: https://vnexpress.net/tin-tuc/khoa-hoc/trong-nuoc/thiet-bi-thu-suong-dung-
lam-nuoc-sinh-hoat-cua-nguoi-viet-3820750.html#ctr=related_news_click