Tulip Table Top Filter

Target Users (Target Impact Group)

Distributors / Implementing Organizations

Basic Water Needs works with local partners in Ethiopia, Zambia, Ecuador and Guatemala. NGOs, commercial networks, national, regional and community entrepreneurs.

Manufacturing/Building Method

Ceramic candle filters are manufactured in China using diatomaceous earth, nano silver, and activated carbon. Production location is India. Many international agents import the candles and assemble them locally.

Intellectural Property Type

Other

User Provision Model

The filter can be ordered from the Basic Water Needs (BWN) website or local agents in various countries worldwide. Basic Water Needs partners with local entrepreneurs, NGOs and other organizations to establish local distribution networks. Individuals can contact them if they wish to purchase locally. The product is also available online.

Distributions to Date Status

Including filter models in addition to the Table Top model, roughly 500,000 Tulip units have been distributed.^{Correspondence with manufacturer}

Design Specifications

The Tulip Table Top is a two bucket system. Water is poured into the top container, filters through the ceramic candle filter into a safe storage container. There is a tap for dispensing treated water.

Technical Support

Filters are cleaned by scrubbing the ceramic filtering element with a cloth to remove accumulated particles. For more information, see the user manual.

Replacement Components

BWN ensures there are sufficient spare parts available. They can be found through local supplier or through contacting the manufacturer.

Lifecycle

~7,000 liters per candle filter, or until filter diameter less than indicated by tool.

Manufacturer Specified Performance Parameters

Capable of removing 99.995% bacteria, >99.995% protozoa, and 99% turbidity. Flow rate is 2-3 Liters per hour.

Vetted Performance Status

The Tulip Technology has been tested both internally and externally by several agencies. Amongst those are the Waterlaboratorium Noord, Environmental Monitoring Service and the Malawian Ministry of Water. Additional test results can be found here.

Safety

Clean the filter when the flow rate reduces.

Complementary Technical Systems

Water supply source

Academic Research and References

Compliance with regulations

The water surpasses WHO standards and is in Tier 3 of WHO criteria for HWTS products

Other Information

Nominated for 2014 Best Existing Partnership Award