Thaka.AiReviewed 16 October 2026 · schematic not to scale
Build a small evaporation and condensation experiment. The supplied wooden-still image is labelled AI-generated; it does not provide a validated construction drawing.
- 1Sunlight heats saline feed
- 2Sealed transparent cover
- 3Vapour condenses and drips inward
- 4Separate collection cup
Site and operating requirements
- Identify intended use and likely biological, chemical and salt contamination before choosing treatment. Obtain suitable water testing.
- Keep raw-water and treated-water containers, tools and hands separate. Use clean covered storage.
Tools and measuring equipment
- Graduated vessel, timer, clean handling kit, source-specific test equipment and the selected manual’s tools; trained construction for biosand.
Output and operating conditions
Measure collected millilitres per trial. No daily drinking-water yield is established.
FSEC/UCF classroom method; use clean tap water plus salt as the test feed. Dimensions below describe that demonstrator, not the pictured wooden unit.Parts, quantities and dimensions
| Part | Quantity | Specification / dimensions |
|---|---|---|
| Basin and collection cup | 1 + 1 | Glass/metal basin; clean cup with rim about 25 mm below basin rim. Record both actual diameters. |
| Cover and central weight | 1 set | Clear food wrap, elastic band or tape, small stable weight; cup remains separate from saline feed. |
| Measuring equipment | 1 set | Graduated cylinder, timer, thermometer and notebook. |
Preparation and component checks
- Read the complete linked method, mark its edition, and create a measured component list and a labelled sketch before starting. Keep experimental changes separate from the published procedure.
- Prepare the work area and inspect every component. Run the lowest-risk dry or unpowered check before water, heat, moving parts or crop material are introduced.
Procedure
- 1
Wash and rinse the basin and cup. Put the empty cup centrally in the basin on a stable level surface.
- 2
Pour the saltwater outside the cup, below its rim. Record feed volume and water depth; do not splash feed into the cup.
- 3
Seal the clear cover around the basin. Place the small weight above the cup so the cover slopes toward the collection point without touching the feed.
- 4
Place in sun and record weather, temperatures and condensate at consistent 30–60 minute intervals. Keep the setup undisturbed between observations.
- 5
Remove the cover without dripping feed into the cup. Measure collected volume, note leaks and repeat with one changed variable.
Safety and inspection
Educational water only. Distillation does not remove every volatile contaminant; clean collection surfaces and source-specific testing are required for any drinking-water application.
Verify the result
Compare mL/hour using equal trial durations. Salt rejection or clear appearance alone does not establish microbiological or chemical safety.
Measurement log
- Source identity, intended use, method/device, batch volume, time, temperatures/flow where relevant, completed treatment indication and laboratory test results.
Maintenance and repeat checks
- Inspect and clean after each trial following the source method. Record wear, contamination, leaks or loose components; do not restart until the cause is corrected.
- Use the source’s service intervals and replacement limits. Recheck the result whenever a component, material, input condition or method changes.
Troubleshooting
- Flow/cycle outside the documented range or failed test
- Do not use the output for drinking. Recheck raw-water quality, batch volume, seals/media/device status and the complete source instructions. Retest after correction.