Sunday November 30, 2003
If you've ever experienced the singular joys of a stomach "bug" like giardia you will appreciate the MIOX water purifier - a light-weight, compact unit that requires no pumping, maintenance or iodine with which to inactivate viruses, bacteria, giardia and cryptosporidium...
The MIOX Purifier uses common camera batteries and salt to create a powerful dose of mixed oxidants (MIOX) which are used to treat water. The process is simple: add water, shake, and press a button. The time it takes to inactivate different nasties - viruses and bacteria hade a dwell time of 15 minutes, giardia is 30 minutes and cryptosporidium is four hours.
Developed in conjunction with the U.S. military, the product offers an easy and reliable means of purifying large volumes of water and the lightweight is a bonus for outdoor recreation or business travel.
The device operates by converting a brine solution to a mixed-oxidant solution with a small charge of electricity. Each Purifier utilises two 3V lithium camera batteries, a salt pellet and a tiny electrolytic cell. The Purifier will treat approximately 50 litres of water on one salt pellet and 200 litres of water on one set of batteries.
The Purifier can re-used, making water treatment an inexpensive procedure after the initial purchase and the use of salt - which has an infinite shelf life - means the Purifier will still function after a long period of storage.
The disinfectant solution does not leave an aftertaste at standard doses, unlike chlorine or iodine tablets. Each dose will treat anywhere from 1/2 litre to 4 litres of water and the disinfectant will inactivate a number of common pathogens, including E. coli, Giardia, and Cryptosporidium.
The Purifier has passed the EPA Purifier Protocol, achieving more than 10 times the level of disinfection than required for normal waters. Safety Indicator Strips are also included to verify the effectiveness of treatmnet in "worst case water" situations.
The MSR MIOX Purifier costs around AUD$260. For further information call the Australian distributor, Spelean, on 1800 634853 or visit www.spelean.com.au.