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The working of the AME
AME follows the precepts of nature almost literally. It draws air from the atmosphere into a very cold space, wherein the vapour is transformed into a condensate (water) due to heat exchange, just as it does in a natural rainfall.
AMEs work effectively, even at low relative humidity levels such as 50%, and ambient temperature, in shade, of 90-95 degrees. |
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Compressed refrigerant gas moves through the condenser and looses both pressure and heat. It then passes through copper pipes and capillaries, into the evaporator, wherein it chills the fins. Fresh air is induced through air filter into the evaporator by a fan, and in the chilled ambience of the evaporator, it loses moisture. This pure water is collected in a stainless steel receptacle and transferred, via stainless steel pipes, into a container, wherein it is filtered and stored. The equipment is regulated by an electronic timing device, which allows the equipment to stop for ten minutes after every ninety minutes, which brings in sufficient rest for the system. |
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| A Comparative note on AME and RO Processes |
From the point of its application as a source of clean and potable water, AME has often been compared to Reverse Osmosis or RO technology. It would be relevant to consider this comparison in a little detail. First, and foremost, we must know that the two technologies serve two different ends, which are not comparable. Reverse Osmosis (RO) treats ground or surface water for impurities, and is, therefore aimed only at filtration of water. It is part of GSWES. On the other hand, AME involves extraction of moisture in the atmosphere, and is a more advanced technology, which makes water rather than merely filter it.
However, let us compare the two as sources of potable water. The Table below serves towards this end. |
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S. No |
Criteria |
RO |
AME |
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1 |
Durability |
Less, because with increasing use, the ground water TDS load on the RO plant increases, till the membranes break-down. |
More, because it does not use ground water, but uses only air. Much longer life than RO plants. |
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2 |
Effectiveness in ensuring purity of water |
Yes, but depends upon frequent changes of filter membranes. Over time its effectiveness declines. |
Yes, and remains so for ever, because its effectiveness is independent of any component of the machine. Effectiveness never declines. |
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3 |
Effluent water |
Yes, and effluent ratio keeps rising as ground water level is depleted |
None at all |
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4 |
Short run costs per liter of potable water |
Lower. Operating costs are lower as are capital costs |
Higher on both counts. |
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5 |
Long run costs per liter of potable water |
Possibly very high. In the long run (i.e. after 6 years) the RO plant might have to be abandoned due to excessive TDS in ground water leading to frequent collapse of membranes. |
Very low, because atmospheric water quality is always very high and stable. |
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6 |
Environmental resource depletion |
Certainly very high. RO often uses up nearly 2.5 liters of ground water to obtain 1.0 liter of potable water. High rate of depletion of ground water. |
None at all. Generation of water vapor in the atmosphere is the only perennial source of water. |
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7 |
Microbial presence |
Yes if membranes are inefficient; water might need UV treatment |
Nil | |
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