Continuous Flow Density Driven Passive Solar Water Pasteurization

A solar water pasteurization system with a total collector area of 0.45 m², an operating temperature of 80°C, and a holding time of 30 seconds has been constructed. The system was most recently tested in Fort Collins, Colorado during September/October of 2003. The system is capable of producing 80–90kg of treated water during a sunny day. To establish the potential effectiveness of the system, studies on the thermal resistance of waterborne pathogens that the World Health Organization has classified as having high health significance have been assembled and evaluated. It was determined that the process should be highly effective against most enteric pathogens. However, more information is needed about thermal resistance of some important virus families.