Field tests of a solar reactor to provide drinking water to small isolated communities in the Northwest of Argentina

M.A. BLESA, M.I. LITTER, P.Z. ARAUJO, C. NAVNTOFT, M.V. HIDALGO, M.C. APELLA, D. FERNÁNDEZ, M. E. PUCHULU

Buenos Aires

Otro; Environmental change and rational water use; 2005

IGU

In the SOLWATER reactor prototype, water is recirculated through 2 glass tubes that contain the photosensitizer supported in polymeric stripes and through two tubes with the photocatalyst supported on a cellulose matrix. Previous tests under controlled laboratory conditions were carried out in three laboratories in Europe, demonstrating the capability of the reactor to fulfill its purpose. The present paper describes the reactor and its operation under real field conditions. Tests are being carried out in the Province of Tucumán, in the Northwestern region of Argentina. The small village of El Churqui was selected as the actual site; the choice was made on the basis of technical and sociological considerations. Similar tests are being carried out in Mexico and Peru.