FORSI’s filter in Kaikoura
A Matamata invention will help generate clean, fresh water to South Island people affected by the recent major earthquakes.
FORSI Innovations, with SAFEH20 Ltd has deployed a portable water filtration unit to Kaikoura, which uses micro and nano technology to transform contaminated water into drinkable H2O.
The water filtration unit was initially sent to Waiau but will help Kaikoura people. It could later be dispatched where it’s needed in the South Island.
It was originally created for Manawatu filtration company SAFE H20 Ltd which wanted a filtration system to service and supply pathogen-free drinking water from tanks and bores.
SAFE H20 Ltd spoke to Byond Disaster Relief about how the unit could be used in aid relief when the earthquake hit on Monday last week, and within 12 hours the unit was on its way to Kaikoura.
SAFE H20 Ltd director Chad Meads said it was a thrill to able to offer help.
‘‘We always knew the system had potential to assist and we obviously partnered with the right people to get relief into this area. It’s an awesome feeling.’’
FORSI Innovations managing director Terry Hawes, described the smart system as a filtration plant room, compacted into a trailer.
The unit can filter 20,000 litres of water per hour and is powered by an on board petrol pump and generator.
The generator allows it to run with medium pressure whereas normally membrane systems required high pressure, up to 300 PSI.
The unit is self monitoring. It has built-in safe guards and alarms. Hawes said in the worst case scenario it would reduce the flow rate, not shut down.
He was thrilled to know the system was being used to offer aid, something hugely important to him.
‘‘We are ecstatic, we have always dreamed of sending our systems where they’re needed. It was designed to be used in emergency situations. The next stage for us is to have our system, through the SAFEH20 brand, being used where emergency clean water is needed in the Pacific Islands or in third world countries.
‘‘FORSI is always looking for more efficient ways of doing things, being innovative is what we do.’’