The Desolenator: producing purified water

During travels across Thailand in the 1990s, William Janssen was impressed by simple rooftop solar heating systems found on many homes. These systems absorbed solar energy through a plate to heat water for household use. Two decades later, Janssen evolved this basic concept into a portable device that harnesses solar power to purify water.

B

The Desolenator functions as a portable desalination unit capable of purifying water from various sources like the sea, rivers, wells, and rainwater for human consumption. It proves especially beneficial in areas where natural groundwater has been contaminated or where seawater serves as the only available source.

Upon moving to the United Arab Emirates and witnessing large-scale water treatment processes, Janssen recognized the urgent need for sustainable water purification solutions, both in developing and developed countries. He noted the substantial carbon footprint attributed to extensive desalination activities in Gulf nations.

C

The Desolenator can produce 15 liters of potable water daily, sufficient for cooking and drinking needs of a family. Its primary advantage over traditional desalination methods lies in its reliance on sunlight rather than a power grid. Measuring 120 cm by 90 cm, it is easily portable with its two wheels. Water enters through a pipe and flows as a thin layer between a double-glazed sheet and a solar panel surface, where solar heating occurs. The heated water moves into a small boiler, powered by a solar battery, converting it into steam. Upon cooling, the steam condenses into distilled water. The device includes a simple filter to capture particles, easily removable by shaking. It features two outlets: one for waste liquids—salt from seawater, fluoride, etc.—and another for distilled water. Performance metrics are displayed on an LCD screen and transmitted to the servicing company as needed.

D

Recent analysis reveals that at least two-thirds of the global population faces severe water scarcity for a month each year. Janssen predicts that by 2030, half of the world's population will experience water stress, where demand exceeds supply periodically. 'Introducing a sustainable solution to assist these populations is crucial,' he emphasizes. Many countries lack funds for costly desalination plants, their operation, and the diesel needed to run them, exacerbating the situation.

E

Targeting a diverse user base, from homeowners in developing nations with unreliable water access to off-grid residents in rural America, the Desolenator's initial commercial deployment is slated for India next year, following field tests. In developing countries, the market is bifurcated: those unable to afford upfront costs can opt for microfinance, while middle-income households may lease the equipment. 'In India, people don't buy refrigerators outright; they pay over six months. Similarly, they would install the Desolenator on their roofs, connecting it to municipal supplies for reliable daily drinking water,' explains Janssen. In developed regions, it targets specialized markets lacking tap water, such as camping, marine, or military applications.

F

Prices will vary by location; in developing nations, aid organizations negotiate pricing deals, while in developed countries, units are expected to cost around $1,000 (£685), according to Janssen. 'We are a venture with a social mission. Our envisioned product primarily addresses needs in the developing world and humanitarian sectors, which guides our business approach. However, we recognize the importance of maintaining financial viability,' he notes.

G

Headquartered at Imperial College London, the company is led by CEO Janssen, who resides in the UAE. To date, it has secured £340,000 in funding. Within two years, the company aims to sell 1,000 units monthly, primarily targeting the humanitarian sector. Sales are anticipated in regions like Australia, northern Chile, Peru, Texas, and California.

Sections 14-20

Reading Passage 2 has nine paragraphs, A-H

Select the appropriate heading for each section from the list of headings provided

Write the correct number, i-x, in boxes 14-20 on your answer sheet.

List of Headings

i       Getting the finance for production

ii      An unexpected benefit

iii     From initial inspiration to new product

iv     The range of potential customers for the device

v      What makes the device different from alternatives

vi     Cleaning water from a range of sources

vii    Overcoming production difficulties

viii   Profit not the primary goal

ix     A warm welcome for the device

x      The number of people affected by water shortages

14   Section A

15   Section B

16   Section C

17   Section D

18   Section E

19   Section F

20   Section G

Questions 21-26

Complete the summary below.

Choose ONE WORD ONLY from the passage for each answer.

Write your answers in boxes 21-26 on your answer sheet.

How the Desolenator works

The energy required to operate the Desolenator comes from sunlight. The device can be used in different locations, as it has 21………………… . Water is fed into a pipe, and a 22………………….. of water flows over a solar panel. The water then enters a boiler, where it turns into steam. Any particles in the water are caught in a 23………………… . The purified water comes out through one tube, and all types of 24………………… come out through another. A screen displays the 25………………… of the device, and transmits the information to the company so that they know when the Desolenator requires 26…………………. .

Answers:

14. iii (Đoạn A, “Travelling around Thailand in the 1990s, William Janssen was impressed with the basic rooftop solar heating systems that were on many homes,…”)

15. vi (Đoạn B, “The Desolenator operates as a mobile desalination unit that can take water from different places, such as the sea, rivers, boreholes and rain, and purify it for human consumption.” )

16. v (Đoạn C, “Its main selling point is that unlike standard desalination techniques, it doesn’t require a generated power supply: just sunlight. “

17. x (Đoạn D, “A recent analysis found that at least two-thirds of the world’s population lives with severe water scarcity for at least a month every year.”

18. iv (Đoạn E, “The device is aimed at a wide variety of users – from homeowners in the developing world who do not have a constant supply of water to people living off the grid in rural parts of the US.”)

19. viii (Đoạn F, “…said Janssen. ‘We are a venture with a social mission. We are aware that the product we have envisioned is mainly finding application in the developing world and humanitarian sector and that this is the way we will proceed.”)

20. i (Đoạn G, “ It has raised £340,000 in funding so far.”)

21. wheels (Đoạn C, “It measures 120 cm by 90 cm, and it easy to transport, thanks to its two wheels.”)

22. film (Đoạn C, “Water enters through a pipe, and flows as a thin film between a sheet of double glazing and the surface of a solar panel,…”

23. filter (Đoạn C, “When the steam cools, it becomes distilled water. The device has a very simple filter to trap particles, and this can easily be shaken to remove them.)

24. waste (Đoạn C, “There are two tubes for liquid coming out: one for the waste – salt from seawater, fluoride, etc.”