Portable Solar Desalination 'Plant' That May Aid In Third World Water Woes

'Water, Water everywhere, not a drop to drink' - That, unfortunately, is the situation faced by millions of residents in developing countries who are surrounded by oceans, but have no access to fresh drinking water. Now thanks to this ingenious portable ceramic desalination 'plant' created by Milan-based designer Gabriele Diamanti, there may be a viable solution.

The Eliodomestico works just like a coffee percolator except, upside down. It comprises of two ceramic pieces that sit on top of each other. Fitted inside the top piece is a black container into which, salt water is added and then tightly sealed.

The Eliodomestico is then placed in a sunny area causing the liquid in the container to heat up and turn to steam. Because the container is tightly sealed, the pressure starts to build up and the only place it can escape is down a tube that channels it into the container below. Since this is much cooler the steam condenses into water, which happens to be quite fresh and edible! All the user has to do, is pull out the bottom container out and take it home.

The best part is that this portable device can desalinate up to five liters of water at a time and after the initial purchase price estimated to be about $50 USD, costs nothing extra to operate. What's even more encouraging is that the Italian designer who spent seven years perfecting the product is not looking to make millions from it. Instead, he plans to share his design with anyone that is interested. His ultimate hope? Each country will modify the design and make it their own and that eventually some local craftsmen will set up businesses to manufacture the Eliodomestico!

Resources: Gizmag.com, gabriellediamanti.com