Abstract
Solar-based water pasteurization method is used in most developing countries as means of securing safe drinking water. Water reaching the boiling point is usually an indicator that it has been pasteurized; however water is fully pasteurized at a temperature well below the boiling point i.e. 65 degrees Celsius. [10] Water Pasteurization Temperature Indicator (WAPI) is a device that indicates when water has reached pasteurization temperature. WAPIs save time when using solar-based pasteurization kits and fuel when using traditional fuels. Developing countries like Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda depend on industrialized countries for supply of WAPIs. Developing countries that already produce their own WAPIs are struggling with consistency and producing good quality WAPIs. This situation is not sustainable. WAPIs are supplied from industrialized countries. For organization that make their own WAPIs, candle flame and a pair of pliers are used to seal both end of the body of ball point pen. This method doesn’t produce consistently good quality WAPIs This thesis will present the design and manufacturing of a compact WAPI maker. The design is to be simple enough to be adopted by developing countries and yet good enough to consistently produce high quality WAPIs. The design is to be made of materials that are affordable and accessible to developing countries in East Africa. Three sets of WAPI makers were made, tested and then donated to Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda together with a set of instructions on how to operate them. A follow up on the performance of WAPI makers in these countries was made and the results will be analyzed. Partners from East African countries found the technology in new WAPI maker relatively easy to master and they reported that it produced consistently good quality WAPIs.