Fisat students receive patent for portable water purification device

Kochi: A group of students from department of electrical and electronics engineering (EEE) at Federal Institute of Science and Technology (Fisat), Angamaly, has received patent for a portable water purification device titled HydraPure – Smart Portable Filter Bottle. The innovation was developed by final-year students Anna Shijo, Appu Anikumar, Abhay Sajesh and Mohammed Shareef under the guidance of assistant professor Rinku Scaria. The patent application was filed through the institution’s intellectual property rights cell. According to the student team, HydraPure is designed as a portable water treatment solution for commuters, travellers and others who depend on public water sources. The bottle combines a three-stage purification system consisting of activated charcoal filtration, ozone generation and ultraviolet-C (UVC) treatment.The activated charcoal filter is intended to reduce chlorine, odours and certain chemical impurities in water. The bottle also incorporates a miniature ozone generator and UVC LEDs operating in the 250–280 nanometre wavelength range. The purification process is controlled through an embedded microcontroller. “We wanted to work on a socially relevant innovation and eventually focused on the need for an affordable drinking water purification system,” said Anna Shijo. She added that the prototype was developed at a cost of less than Rs 1,000 and that large-scale manufacturing could potentially reduce production costs further. The device is powered by a rechargeable battery and supports charging through a USB type-C port. “The invention reflects the application of engineering concepts to address practical challenges related to water use and sustainability,” said Scaria, who mentored the project. The students said they hope the technology can contribute to accessible and portable water purification solutions in the future.