DRDO develops hand-operated water purification system for soldiers in the field

The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) has developed a portable water desalination gadget to meet the drinking water requirements of a small group of soldiers in the field.

Christened Sea Water Desalination System (SWaDeS), it can be operated manually or run by an engine. Developed by the Defence Laboratory, Jodhpur, in response to the requirements projected by the Tri-command services, it can also be used by the civil sector in fresh water stressed areas.

According to scientists, the system is suitable for naval operations and coastal installations for purifying seawater as well as for inland use in areas like the Pangong Tso, a huge saline water lake in Ladakh near the border with China where a sizable troop concentration is maintained.

The manual version of SWaDeS can be carried by a single person and can meet the emergency requirements of a group of 10-12 personnel who may be out on a long range patrol or deployed in remote areas where the availability of fresh water is restricted. It can purify saline water to permissible drinking standards.

The engine operated system has the capability of purifying sea water having a salinity of 35,000 milligrams per litre of total dissolved solids (mg/L TDS) to less than 500 mg/L TDS to meet the requirement of 20-25 soldiers.

DRDO has developed a range of water purifiers for military and civilian applications under different climatic and terrain conditions, including a household unit that is designed to remove arsenic, iron and manganese impurities.

These systems include a Chemical Biological Radiological and Nuclear Water Purification System for use in contaminated environments. While some of these are large, fixed units, others are transportable or vehicle mounted.