Introduction: The Gravity Fed Grey Water Home Filter (GWHF): a Zero Energy, Anti Bypass System for Source Level Chemical Remediation.

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Project Overview: Solving Diffuse Chemical Pollution


The Grey Water Home Filter (GWHF) is a zero energy, gravity fed system designed to intercept and remediate chemical pollution (surfactants, microplastics, and pharmaceutical residues) at the household source. Existing commercial filters are typically expensive, complex, and pump-dependent, making them prone to failure.

The GWHF providing an ecologically superior, low-liability, and commercially viable alternative built for a quick swap, subscription based maintenance model.

Note:This system is strictly designed for Gray Water (sinks, showers, washing machines). Black Water (toilets) must be routed separately to the municipal sewer.

Supplies

Structural Specifications: The Three-Zone Adsorption Chamber


The GWHF chamber is a 60 cm x 39 cm x 32 cm (L x W x H) unit molded from 20 mm thick Recycled Industrial Plastic (HDPE/PP), ensuring chemical resistance and structural integrity.

The chamber is functionally divided into three zones:

Zone 1: Sedimentation/Pre-Filter

  1. Primary Function: Initial separation of large particles and settling of heavy solids.
  2. Design Features: High Inlet Pipe. Sliding Mesh Screen (for easy removal of hair and lint).

Zone 2: The Sealed Filtration Core

  1. Primary Function: Chemical adsorption and guaranteed pollutant removal.
  2. Design Features: Vertical Slot (to house the 20 cm cartridge). Forced Horizontal Flow 100% guaranteed filtration).

Zone 3: Clean Water Buffer

  1. Primary Function: Collection of treated water and final safe exit point.
  2. Design Features: High Exit Pipe/Weir (ensures full water retention for maximum contact time).

Step 1: The Quick-Swap Cartridge (The Adsorption Core)

The core asset is the standardized, quick swap cartridge designed for instant, tool-less exchange by a service crew.

  1. Dimensions: 30 cm high x 35 cm wide x 20 cm thick.
  2. Media Layers (Flow direction is horizontal, through the 20 cm width):
  3. Coarse Nylon Mesh: Initial mechanical filtration.
  4. Coarse Sand: Mechanical filtration.
  5. Activated Carbon: High-surface-area core for chemical binding of complex organic pollutants and drug residues.
  6. Fine Fibre Mat: Polishing layer to prevent carbon dust from exiting the system.

Step 2: Anti-Failure and Low-Pressure Features

The design incorporates several features essential for user acceptance and long-term resilience:

  1. Tool-Less Access: The insulated chamber lid is secured by large plastic wing nuts (butterfly screws), ensuring an airtight seal for odor control and allowing service crews to perform the filter swap in seconds without tools.

Step 3: Anti-Failure and Low-Pressure Features

Anti-Backflow System: A spring-assisted flapper valve is installed in the incoming pipe. This low-resistance valve prevents filtered water from backing up into the house and, critically, uses a light spring to maintain a seal against sewer gas and odor intrusion. This valve is designed to be a separate, easily replaceable element.

Frost Resilience: The chamber’s buried placement and the sealed, insulated lid provide superior thermal protection, guaranteeing continuous function in northern climates.

Economic Viability: The quick-swap cartridge model transforms a high-cost pollution problem into a reliable, recurring revenue stream for utility or maintenance companies, ensuring the commercial success of the ecological solution.