A Bahraini-based start-up has launched a water purification device, offering an innovative solution to contamination and the likely subsequent diseases.
Candela ME Consultancy WLL, together with its parent company, Candela Research Centre Pvt Ltd, India, has developed Candela UV, which uses germicidal radiation to treat stored water.
Indian expatriate Nikhil Somanadhan from Juffair invented the filter. He was supported by Prince Jose on operations and Aji Kumar on technical production, both of who live and work in Bahrain and are bonded by common interests.
The techie has been working on the project for the last six years and initially developed a water turbine model, which was then modified into an LED-based solution, both of which had limitations. After further experimentation, the final product was developed and tested this year.
The underwater UV reactor operates directly inside the storage tank, continuously recirculating stored water through a dedicated UV-C treatment zone to help maintain microbiological water quality until the point of use.
A water sample tested at Bahrain Medical Laboratory showed 98.5pc reduction of bacteria after using the device.
“I came up with a solution and created the world’s first double quartz glass UV underwater reactor,” Mr Somanadhan told the GDN.
“The last two years, we were testing different kinds of bulbs and different kinds of apparatus in the water. And finally, we had a breakthrough with this particular device,” he added, highlighting that they are in the process of filing a patent.
One of the most overlooked stages of drinking water safety is the disinfection of water stored in residential and commercial storage tanks.
According to World Health Organisation, water contamination drives 1.4 million preventable deaths annually. Although municipally supplied water is disinfected before distribution, the residual chlorine, typically 0.5 parts per million, present in the water gradually diminishes over time during storage as chlorine evaporates.
As water remains in rooftop or underground tanks, conditions may become more favourable for microbial growth, particularly where tanks are not cleaned or maintained regularly.
The innovation reduces reliance on residual chlorine and helps extend the interval between tank cleaning operations. It filters the water multiple times a day and while it can be connected to an external electrical source (it is an 85-90 watt consumption device), it also works on solar power, offering an eco-friendly solution.
Additionally, it is easy to install and designed as a compact plug-and-play solution, intended for villas, apartments, hospitals, schools, hotels, commercial buildings and industrial facilities.
“We have tested the product for the last two years at a local plant in Ras Aljamjur with positive results,” Mr Somanadhan said. “We have been reaching out to companies with our invention and have experienced positive reactions,” added the mechanical engineer from Juffair, who came to Bahrain in 2004.
Retired Indian Army officer and safety manager Mr Jose arrived in Bahrain eight years ago. The pair met at Almoayyed International Group where Mr Somanadhan previously worked and bonded over their love for technology and invention, as well as scuba diving.
Together, they have participated in technology events, including in neighbouring Saudi Arabia where they pitched Mr Somanadhan’s patented underground pipe couplings invention that facilitates emergency repair in case of breakage.
“I have always had a penchant for inventing things,” he explained. “As I graduated, I made a dental device, inspired by my father’s work in the industry.
“My other inventions include a low-tech coconut scraper, which is a hit with my wife, and my one-bed air conditioner that I had intended for low-income families. Sadly, it was not commercially viable,” said the professional with more than 20 years’ experience in the industrial construction sector.
One of his well-known local projects includes the construction of the 15km sewerage pipe in Diyar Al Muharraq. He is currently working on a leak detection system that could not only help to save water but also reduce revenue losses, nodding to his environmental and community streaks of success.
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