Rotary Water Filter Wheel
Rotary Water Filter Wheel
Zambales, a province in the Philippines, often faces challenges related to water scarcity,
particularly during calamities such as typhoons and floods. The need for clean water becomes
acute during these times, and traditional water purification methods reliant on electricity can be
ineffective due to power outages. To address this issue, the Rotary Water Filter Wheel offers a
The project aims to design and implement the Rotary Water Filter Wheel, a mechanical,
gravity-powered water filtration system that provides clean, potable water during emergencies
and in remote areas, ensuring resilience in water management even without power.
Project Description
The rotary water filter wheel is a large, rotating drum made from durable materials like
mesh screens for removing large debris, activated carbon for chemical and odor removal, and
ceramic or hollow fiber membranes to eliminate pathogens and fine particles. Water is directed
into the drum from a rainwater catchment or natural source, filtered, and then stored in a
reservoir. The wheel can be rotated either manually using a crank or naturally by attaching a
wind-powered turbine.
Materials Needed:
Durable Materials:
Mechanical Components:
• Crank mechanism for manual rotation.
• Optional wind vane or turbine attachment for natural rotation.
• Water storage tank or reservoir.
Construction Tools:
• Welding equipment, hand tools, and other assembly materials.
The system is suitable for use in remote villages, such as areas in Zambales that are
difficult to access, especially during emergencies. It is also ideal for disaster-affected areas that
have been hit by typhoons, floods, or other natural disasters where infrastructure is
The primary users of this system include local communities in remote or disaster-prone
areas who need a reliable water supply during emergencies. It is also intended for disaster relief
organizations, such as NGOs and government agencies involved in disaster response and
recovery. Local governments, including municipalities and authorities responsible for managing
emergency resources and infrastructure, can also benefit from this system.
Project Needs and Key Personnel
This project requires affordable, easily accessible materials. The main components
include UV-resistant plastic or lightweight metal for the drum, mesh screens for large debris
filtration, and activated carbon for basic chemical and odor removal. To keep costs low, the
crank mechanism can be built using basic hardware components like screws and gears. Basic
construction tools, such as hammers, screwdrivers, and saws, can be borrowed or sourced from
the school’s workshop. Rainwater catchment can be made using inexpensive materials like
Given that this is a student-led project, we will be responsible for managing all stages,
including design, construction, and basic testing. We will divide the tasks among ourselves, with
roles such as building the drum, assembling the filtration compartments, and performing initial
functionality checks. Our faculty advisor will provide essential guidance and technical support
on a voluntary basis, helping us ensure that the project meets both technical and academic
volunteers to assist with installation and offer training for simple maintenance.
The total expected cost is reduced to PHP 10,000 to PHP 15,000, detailed as follows:
Materials: PHP 8,000 - PHP 10,000 for UV-resistant plastic or lightweight metal, mesh screens,
and activated carbon. Repurposed or donated materials can be used where possible to further
reduce costs.
Construction Tools and Equipment: PHP 1,000 - PHP 3,000 for basic tools and hardware.
Tools can be borrowed from the school or sourced from community workshops to minimize
expenses.
Basic Testing: Testing will be limited to simple functionality checks, like verifying water flow
and initial filtration performance, which can be done using basic methods without additional
cost.
construction methods, relying entirely on student effort and creativity, making it feasible for a
Impact of Project
The rotary water filter wheel project is designed to make a substantial impact by
improving access to clean water in remote and disaster-affected areas. By offering an effective,
low-cost filtration solution, the project will help enhance public health and safety, reducing the
risk of waterborne diseases and alleviating the strain on emergency response systems. It will also
Additionally, the project will serve as a valuable educational opportunity for students, allowing
them to apply their knowledge in a practical setting and engage with local communities through
volunteer efforts. This holistic approach not only addresses immediate water needs but also