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Trends in Mechanical Engineering & Technology Review Article

Comprehensive Analysis of Advanced Methods, Materials and Technologies for Portable Water Purifier in Domestic and Industrial Applications

  1. Ravikant Nanwatkar Department of Mechanical Engineering, Sinhgad Technical Education Society’s NBN Sinhgad Techical Institutes Campus, Ambegaon, Savitribai Phule Pune University, Pune
  2. Sahil Umbarkar Department of Mechanical Engineering, Sinhgad Technical Education Society’s NBN Sinhgad Techical Institutes Campus, Ambegaon, Savitribai Phule Pune University, Pune
  3. Sujal Thakur Department of Mechanical Engineering, Sinhgad Technical Education Society’s NBN Sinhgad Techical Institutes Campus, Ambegaon, Savitribai Phule Pune University, Pune
  4. Shrikant Raut Department of Mechanical Engineering, Sinhgad Technical Education Society’s NBN Sinhgad Techical Institutes Campus, Ambegaon, Savitribai Phule Pune University, Pune

Abstract

Safe drinking water is still a major problem in developing countries, especially in areas with water scarcity, pollution or poor infrastructure. Portable water purifiers have come to the fore as solutions that are realistic to narrow this gap providing flexibility and accessibility in household and industrial environments as well. In this study, promising techniques, materials and technologies used in portable water treatment equipment design have been reviewed. We review important purification technologies, such as membrane processes (microfiltration, ultrafiltration, and reverse osmosis), UV and LED-based disinfection, activated carbon adsorption, and new nanomaterial-mediated processes such as photo catalysis and nanofiltration. Special focus is laid on advanced polymeric materials such as graphene oxide, carbon nanotubes, zeolites, silver nanoparticles, performance enhancement, antimicrobial action, and sustainability. Beyond the technological advances, the study reviews the latest developments in hybrid systems combining several purification stages for high-quality water and energy effectiveness. The implementation of smart sensors and IoT-based monitoring for real-time monitoring of water quality is also presented. In addition, the design requirement and performance criteria for its application in domestic and industrial sectors are compared introducing the importance of factors such as scalability, low-cost, low energy consumption and compliance to international water safety standards. Case studies and systems’ comparisons are included for performance criteria, such as flow rate, contaminant removal efficiency, life cycle, and environmental impact. Of interest are not only the challenges on service and user accessibility, and material decay, but also the potential for sustainable deployment and design catered particularly for off-grid and emergency contexts. The results highlight the urgency of continued innovation and collaborative science in the development of next-generation personal water purification systems that are compatible with global health, environmental and economic priorities. The purpose of this review is to provide reference material for all stakeholders engaged in water purification technologies and their implementation.

Keywords

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