There are various water treatment techniques such as bio-sand filters, ceramic filters, boiling water, and solar disinfection. These are in common practice at the household level of many developing countries where centralized water treatment systems are limited. Among these household treatment methods, Ceramic Water Filter Cartridges are one of the promising and affordable solutions for developing countries.
Ceramic filter cartridges are easy to make and can be easily manufactured by local ceramists using local materials that make it affordable. But it is not just affordable but also an effective point-of-use treatment technology. Adding more value to it, this type of filter can be used in different forms such as cartridge, pot, and disc. It physically eliminates colloidal particles which make water turbid, removes odour and microorganisms including pathogens.
Ceramic water filters are being used in various places across the world as a means of treating drinking water at the household level. Some examples include the Potters for Peace Filtron (Nicaragua), the TERAFIL terracotta filter (India), and the Cartridge filter (India, Nepal, Bangladesh, Brazil, etc).
Market Potential
Cartridge filters can be manufactured at a local level and contribute to the development of local commerce. The local production process provides financial support to household and voluntary labourers. The filter cartridges are mostly imported although few firms are manufacturing these items in Calcutta, Madras, Karnataka, Hyderabad, and Delhi. There is not even a single unit in Bihar.
The demand of this item is being met from manufacturers of Calcutta. The total estimated annual requirement is 12 lakhs against the present status of 7 lakhs. The demand may likely to increase further due to the civilized living standards, consciousness hygiene among the common people, and also the replacement of used cartridges.
Product Usage and Development
Ceramic cartridges used for water filtering are tubular porous ceramic products closed at the top and fitted with metal l part at the bottom and with opening. For filtering water to get it bacteria-free, ceramic water filter cartridges are widely used. These are made of various ceramic raw materials like china clay, alumina, quartz, feldspar and combustible materials. A among the two varieties in use are:
Cartridges which gives bacteria free water
The other gives water free from suspended impurities.
As per rate of filtration the cartridges are classified as domestic type and community type in which rate of filtration is 2 to 3 litres per hour and 6 to 7 litres per hour respectively.
Water Filter Cartridge Manufacturing
The setup of a water filter cartridge manufacturing plant is fairly convenient. There is a very reasonable investment needed for setting up a manufacturing unit and starting the process of manufacturing. This is why it can be a good option for aspiring entrepreneurs to explore this business opportunity.
Raw Materials Required
The raw materials required for the manufacture of water filter cartridges are Calcined alumina powder, China clay, Coal dust, Feldspar powder (200 mesh), Fire clay, Metal parts, Packing material, Quartz powder (200 mesh), and than clay.
Financial Investment
The manufacturing business of Water Filter cartridges does not require an extensive capital investment. With an initial capital investment of around 15 to 20 lakhs one can start this business and generate a good amount of revenue with a gross profit margin ranging from 15 to 20 percent. The investment includes the cost of Plant and Machinery acquired for the manufacturing setup. The investment required for working capital will be around 6 to 8 lakhs.
Space and Human Resource Required
You will need an estimated area of 1, 500 – 2, 000 sq. ft. to set up a Water Filter Cartridge manufacturing plant. This space will be sufficient enough for storage of raw materials, operating the machineries, storage of finished products, administrative and all other purposes.
Manpower is also an essential input in business. The average number of staff can range between 6 to 8 persons including skilled and unskilled staff. A power load of 30 KWH shall also be required which shall be applied with the power corporation.
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Institute for Industrial Development provides incubation to budding startups and businesses to help them grow in their initial stages and helps them avail schemes and loans by providing them bankable project reports. It also provides courses and programs to empower entrepreneurs and small businesses.
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