Proof Of Concept

Takats'Eau has implemented its first autonomous and self-sustainable water purification system in a ranger camp near Phalaborwa at the Kruger National Park by the end of November 2021. This project is the outcome of a collaboration between SANParks and Takats'Eau under a Proof of Concept Agreement for a duration of one year. We are proud to highlight that the project is now fully commissioned. The purification plant produces 500 litres per hour of safe drinkable water in order to meet the ranger camp water requirements. The plant extracts water from the Groot Letaba River in order to purify it and make it safe thanks to the purification systems. The solution fits into a container and has been implemented next to the ranger camp where it runs completely off grid thanks to the installation of a renewable energy power plant (solar panels). For more information take a look at the SANParks Confirmation Letter

Technical Analysis

  • The objectives of this exercise were as follows:

    1. Design a water purification system that manages to purify the current water supply from its highly saline nature to potability.

    2. Design and size a photovoltaic power plant that is able to power the purification system for 20hrs per day.

    3. Integrate the two solutions to the existing infrastructure, to allow for seamless transition from the old water supply system, to the new.

    4. Construct, install and commission the purification plant.

    5. Construct, install and commission the power plant.

    6. Demonstrate that the technology adopted has the efficiency and efficacy to provide the desired quantity and quality of the water.

    7. To optimize the process and plant parameters, to accurately match the water use patterns of the ranger camp.

  • Outcomes achieved:

    1. The purification system designed produced the following results when analyzed for chemical composition
01-Dec-21 28-Jan-22
Paramater Units Raw Water Purified Water SANS 241 Raw Water Purified Water SANS 241
CA mg/l 133,1 13,4 150 132,9 18,7 150
Cl mg/l 50,4 40 300 496 32 300
F mg/l 1,2 0,13 1,5 1 0,12 1,5
FE mg/l <0,1 <0,1 300 <0,1 <0,1 300
K mg/l 5 0,9 50 5 2 50
Mg mg/l 133 8 70 135 10 70
Na mg/l 320 22 200 315 23 200
NO3 mg/l 4 <1 11 8 <0,1 11
P mg/l <0,1 <0,1 1 <0,1 <0,1 1
PH - 6,94 7,36 5,0 - 9,7 6,7 7,1 5,0 - 9,7
SO4 mg/l 97 <0,1 500 170 3 500
TDS ppm 2285 50 1200 2404 41 1200
COND mS/m 269 72 170 280 6,1 170

This shows that the purification system greatly outperforms the SANS 241 Standard for drinkable water.

  • 2. The water produced by the system was also analyzed for microbiological containments, and brought up the results below
07-Dec-21
Parameter Units Raw Water Purified Water SANS 241
MICROBIAL
ANALYSIS		 e.coli cfu/100ml 48 0 0
enterobacter cfu/100ml 14 0 0
psuedomonas cfu/100ml 146 0 0

  • Observations:

    1. The system is producing 500 litres per hour, powered exclusively by solar.

    2. The produced water meets and exceeds the minimum quality parameters for the SANS 241 standard.

    3. The water produced meets SANS 241 safety parameters with respect to microbiological analysis.

    4. The water produced meets SANS 241 safety parameters with respect to microbiological analysis

  • Conclusions

    1. It is possible to purify saline water using a purification plant that is fully autonomous, and powered exclusively by renewable energy.

    2. When applied correctly, Takats'Eau’s engineering and technology adaptation approach can be effectively deployed to far-flung areas, and supply drinkable water.

Our impact in the Kruger

Testimony of Dr. Eddie Riddell on Takats'Eau's purification plant in the Kruger National Park.