Solar distillation is a process that removes salt from water by using the sun as the primary heat source. Impure water is heated to turn it into steam, which condenses back into purified water. Solar stills can be freestanding, in a basin, or in a ground pit. This low-tech technology is useful in poor countries and emergency situations, and is a necessary skill for outdoor explorers.
Distillation is the process of removing salt from water. It is done by applying a heat source to water to turn it into steam, thus purifying the water. Solar distillation uses the sun as the primary source of heat. It is a relatively old technology, with the first solar distillation sill put into service in 1872 in Chile.
During distillation, impure water is exposed to heat. The heat causes the water to turn into steam. The water vapor condenses and turns back into liquid water. The condensed water is free from salt and other impurities.
A solar windowsill has a few basic parts. Typically, a cover sits over a basin containing a shallow pool of impure water. Nearby is a storage tank where freshly purified water is stored. Sometimes the solar distillation sill is a separate basin, while other times it is placed in an earth pit.
A basin still is a freestanding unit. It is covered by an arched glass top. The bottom of the tank is usually black or dark in color to attract the heat of the sun. The impure water turns into steam inside the tank and collects on the glass lid. Condensed water flows down the sides of the glass top into a series of gutters and collects in a storage tank below.
Solar distillation is also possible in ground pit. A conical hole is dug in the ground and a cup is placed in the bottom. A sheet of plastic is suspended above the cup, with the lowest point resting directly above the cup. A small rock in the center of the plastic generally weighs it down and defines the lowest point. Larger rocks fix the plastic above the surface. The water collects on the plastic and flows into the cup.
The fact that the technology is low-tech and uses a free resource as a primary energy source makes it a good choice for poor countries and in emergency situations where standard energy sources are not available. Hurricane-prone areas of the United States, such as Florida, are likely to have water distillation areas in case of power outages or contamination of the water supply. The ability to produce an effective solar still area is also considered a necessary skill for outdoor explorers. Campers and survivors should know how to set up a makeshift pond to collect rainwater and distill it, and should bring necessary supplies.
Protect your devices with Threat Protection by NordVPN
