A Comparison of Fiber Types in Community for Mist Collection

Faculty of Architecture and Design, King Monkut’s University of Technology, Bangkok, Thailand

^* Corresponding author: onvalee.a@archd.kmutnb.ac.th

Abstract

The production of clean water from evaporated water in fog has been very attractive in recent decades. Massive fog accumulation combined with simple concepts and technologies with respect to water production has resulted in sustainable environmental impact in producing clean, low-cost water for arid areas around the world. Mist collection systems work best in locations with repetitive fog conditions where fog is driven by wind especially coastal areas. However, the technology can also be used in mountainous areas where there is water in the Stratocumulus clouds at elevations of about 2,000-6,500 feets. The purpose of this research was to compare the fiber types that collect mist water by testing with atmospheric conditions in Khao Yai Thiang, Nakhon Ratchasima Province, which is 800 meters above sea level to produce water for the community and suitable for Thailand. The test was carried out by stretching 12 different fibers to a wooden frame measuring 0.50 x 0.50 m² and installing it horizontally. Field tests found that three types of horizontal water droplet materials, which were the best mist water collector, are synthetic fibers: nylon net, plastic net, and polyethylene net. All three materials behave very differently. Especially, the temperature profile of the plastic net has the highest temperature in the afternoon and the lowest temperature in the night. Nylon net has a temperature close to the air temperature throughout the day but slightly lower. These materials will be used in the design of the moisture trap tower in the next experiment. In the first experiment, there was not much water and water droplets clinging to the fibers as blotted dots with tissue paper because the fog period is not long enough.