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Post by woodscustom on Jun 2, 2012 16:24:50 GMT -7
Let's all throw some input on this one.
I'll Start things out...
I have a water source that looks pretty clear, but I don't know if it's contaminated. I have no way to make fire since there's no wood and nothing to burn. But I Did find a pile of empty water bottles.
What do I do?
WC
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Post by angelhelp on Jun 2, 2012 16:59:57 GMT -7
Fill 'em and arrange them so they receive maximum sunlight. Depending on how many, I'd set them up so that bottle usage was rotated. I would hope that there were enough bottles that I could obtain a gallon per day of properly UV-exposed water.
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Post by woodscustom on Jun 2, 2012 17:07:45 GMT -7
Can I use "ANY OLD BOTTLE?"
WC
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Post by geron on Jun 2, 2012 18:17:06 GMT -7
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Post by orly152 on Jun 3, 2012 13:05:24 GMT -7
That's a great idea geron...thanks for sharing that..I'm going to make me one of those
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Post by geron on Jun 3, 2012 13:30:56 GMT -7
Trying to stay on the OP challenge. Use most any reflective surface. Most carry a square of Aluminum foil . . . right? Sun blocking screen used in autos, HVAC duct or insulation off the duct work, whatever's salvageable.
Three essential items:
1. A reflective surface that can more or less focus the light from the sun. 2. A container blackened with paint, soot, mud, whatever. 3. Another container to shield the blackened container from the ambient air flow.
Adaptation of this process are being used/taught world wide.
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Post by woodscustom on Jun 3, 2012 16:02:42 GMT -7
Can a person use just "Any old bottle?"
WC
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Post by geron on Jun 3, 2012 16:33:50 GMT -7
Prolly be better off with a coke can (metal) or glass bottle (I use a mason jar) to hold the water. The other container would be anything that doesn't melt and is clear. Of Course if container for the water didn't melt you most likely at this point wouldn't be worried about BPA.
Edited: Any plastic bottle marked HDPE should be OK in constant temps up to 230* F. Even up to 248* for short periods which is all you'd need (short duration) to pasteurize water. .
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Post by woodscustom on Jun 3, 2012 17:56:27 GMT -7
What about PETE?
WC
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Post by wtrfwlr on Jun 3, 2012 18:23:33 GMT -7
Ok. A couple ideas. Could you take some salvage glass such as old window panes and brace up a sorta hot box to magnify the sunlight on the vessel? You mentioned reflective Geron. What about arranging old CD's that would form a mirror surface and magnify the light to the water filled vessel? How long does it have to be and how would one measure that temp to fell safe?
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Post by graf on Jun 4, 2012 1:12:55 GMT -7
Sodis method used largely in third world countrys or disaster areas- clear bottle preferably BPA free however in an emegency make the choice.
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Post by geron on Jun 4, 2012 3:48:13 GMT -7
200* F tops. You'd be pushing the envelope although you only need to hit 160-180* F. for Pasteurization. PETE can be melted and shaped with the sharp end of a plumb bob to make dart cones as well
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Post by cajunlady87 on Jun 4, 2012 4:09:27 GMT -7
I know most of us here are aware but I thought for others unfamiliar that I'd mention the fact that the water you collect should first be filtered to remove as much of the debris and other yuckies from it as possible. This can be done using a bandana, your shirt, a coffee filter etc. Orly, Geron mentioned the automobile window sunscreens. I have bought the aluminum ones at DollarTree. I bought several for $1. each, price can't be beat for their many uses.
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Post by ColcordMama on Jun 4, 2012 13:29:28 GMT -7
Sodis method used largely in third world countrys or disaster areas- clear bottle preferably BPA free however in an emegency make the choice. This is my choice. I would use any empty clear bottle I had on hand. I saw a program on National Geographic (or the History channel) about this being done and made a mental note to remember it JIC.
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Post by missj on Jun 19, 2012 22:34:41 GMT -7
I guess my question would be, how do I KNOW that I've achieved 180 degrees and sustained it for long enough? What I like about boiling is that once you've achieved boiling you know you've surpassed 180 and are safe.
But also, boiling takes a lot of energy/fuel that might be put to better uses.
With regards to the BPA issue....OK I do get it, really I do. But when we're talking about survival and the fact that you DIE of dehydration in about 72 hours, I'm not really so concerned with the possible elevated estrogen levels associated with BPA...ya know what I mean?
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