Murugappa Chettiar Research Centre (MCRC) — Innovative solar water purifier

Chennai, December 27, 2004: Shri AMM Murugappa Chettiar Research Centre (MCRC), a community-based initiative of the Murugappa Group today announced that it has developed a "Solar Water Purifier", an innovative product to purify saline, brackish and polluted water into hygienic potable water. This cost effective device made primarily of Kadappa slab and sheet glass could be fabricated at an affordable cost of Rs 3,000.

The MCRC spokesman said, "In addition to the water shortage we face almost every year, poor quality due to the presence of disease-causing agents in the water affects a large segment, especially the weaker sections, of society. The Kadappa solar water purifier is a positive step in making the best use of the available water resources as it is designed to purify water from any source using solar energy."

Many models of the solar water purifier have been developed by MCRC after several years of innovative thinking and relentless teamwork. However, this product is simplest to use. It could be easily installed anywhere including rooftops. This model is designed to produce 2.5 to 3 litres of potable water per day under South Indian conditions. For more details on this product e-mail: energy1@vsnl.com or energy@mcrc.murugappa.org.

Shri AMM Murugappa Chettiar Research Centre was set up for the purpose of developing technologies for application in rural development especially for the poor. It has been a pioneer in the country in research on the alga, Spirulina, and has developed technologies on organic farming, vermicomposting, permaculture, wasteland development, natural dyes, paper making through ecofriendly process, biological production of hydrogen, anaerobic digestion systems, non-conventional energy sources and many more. MCRC is involved in researches that are path breaking in nature and can provide answers to problems in the areas of energy, waste management and optimum resource utilisation. MCRC has won numerous awards both national and international in recognition of its research activities. MCRC is a recognised institution for the Ph.D programmes of the University of Madras.

The Murugappa Group, with a turnover of Rs 5,200 crore, is a pioneer and market leader in several fields with manufacturing operations in 12 states. The group has a strong presence in farm inputs, engineering, cycles, sugar, abrasives, finance, general insurance, sanitary ware, plantations, bioproducts and nutraceuticals.