Bucket Treatment Unit Description
Description
The Bucket Treatment Unit is based on the principles of coagulation, co-precipitation and adsorption processes. It consists of two buckets, each 20 liter capacity, placed one above the other.
The chemical oxidant, potassium permanganate and the chemical coagulant, aluminum sulfate are pre-combined in a ratio of 1: 135. Approximately 4 grams of reagent is required for the treatment of 20 liters of water. The reagents are added to the top, red bucket and stirred vigorously 20 times. Then water is then left to settle for 2 hours to allow flocculation and sedimentation. After 2 hours, the water is drained to the bottom green bucket and filtered through a fine sand layer.
The Bucket Treatment Unit (BTU) is a promising technology for arsenic removal at household level at low cost. It can be built by locally available materials and is effective in removing arsenic if operated properly.
Development
BTU was developed by the Department of Public Health Education (DPHE) in cooperation with the Danish International Development Agency (DANIDA) and tested by Water Aid - Bangladesh.
The Bucket Treatment Unit is based on the principles of coagulation, co-precipitation and adsorption processes. It consists of two buckets, each 20 liter capacity, placed one above the other.
The chemical oxidant, potassium permanganate and the chemical coagulant, aluminum sulfate are pre-combined in a ratio of 1: 135. Approximately 4 grams of reagent is required for the treatment of 20 liters of water. The reagents are added to the top, red bucket and stirred vigorously 20 times. Then water is then left to settle for 2 hours to allow flocculation and sedimentation. After 2 hours, the water is drained to the bottom green bucket and filtered through a fine sand layer.
The Bucket Treatment Unit (BTU) is a promising technology for arsenic removal at household level at low cost. It can be built by locally available materials and is effective in removing arsenic if operated properly.
Development
BTU was developed by the Department of Public Health Education (DPHE) in cooperation with the Danish International Development Agency (DANIDA) and tested by Water Aid - Bangladesh.
Benefits & Drawbacks
Benefits
- Communities enthusiastic about BTU technology; community members can be trained to administer the reagents; home mixed reagents are available in local markets.
- High fecal coliform contamination when sand is not properly disinfected; several possibilities for human error.
Costs
- Capital Costs: $7.00 US
- Operating & Maintenance: Cost of chemicals and disposal
Resources
References
& Links
Contact Information
- Mr. Jens Thogersen, Technical Adviser.
Danish International Developmet Agency
Email: [warerap [at] dhaka.agni [dot] com] - Ms. Elizabeth Jones
Water Aid Bangladesh
Email: elizabeth [at] bdonline [dot] com