An AfriClay Filter pot

Each AfriClay Filter comes with a bucket, a lid, and a tap which allow hand-free filtration and safe storage of filtered water. The filter is designed to rest directly on the rim of the bucket.

Cross section of AfriClay Filter in bucket

Water is then poured into the filter pot, and gravity pulls the water through the pores left in the clay during firing. Water will pass through the filter more quickly when the pot is full, so it is normal for the speed to decrease as the water empties into the bucket. NOTE: Never try to lift the pot when it is full of water as this may break the rim.

Water is poured into the filter pot

Sediment and bacteria are filtered out in several ways:

1. Physical straining: the particles are too large to fit through the pores in the clay
2. Sedimentation or adsorption: particles come to rest on or stick to the clay
3. Inertia: friction in the pores keeps the particles from passing through

Bacteria are also killed by a coating of colloidal silver (a disinfectant), which we apply to all filters that pass our quality control tests. While sediment and bacteria are filtered out, the molecules of water are small enough to pass through the pores in the clay.

Filtration mechanisms

Filtered water collects in the bucket where it is stored safely until use. A tap allows the water to be safely dispensed without re-contaminating the rest of the supply (which may happen if a cup or bowl is used to fetch water from the bucket).

Filtered water collects in the bucket