http://www.elementfour.com/
A device that extracts potable water from thin air.
I'm skeptical, myself. Anyone heard of these or seen them work?
Quote from: Felix on October 05, 2008, 08:38:21 PM
http://www.elementfour.com/
A device that extracts potable water from thin air.
I'm skeptical, myself. Anyone heard of these or seen them work?
I don't know about potable water but my parents have been using dehumidifiers for years. The problem is of course that A) it takes energy to draw humidity out of the air, usually by cooling a series of coils, and B) you have to have enough moisture in the air so there is a gradient. It also doesn't work well below certain temperatures.
Oh, and I forgot, its also distilled water, which is not healthy over extended periods.
What's wrong with distilled water?
Quote from: Felix on October 05, 2008, 10:06:02 PM
What's wrong with distilled water?
Because it lacks ions, it has a tendency to cause decline in concentration in tissues over time, especially bones. In metaphorical terms, since distilled water has nothing in it, it acts like an ion magnet, drawing ions downgradient out of cells.
Is it not a good idea to remineralize water? I'm not even positive that's a cogent question the way I phrased it.
There is nothing wrong with drinking distilled water if you're eating normally, but it's not good for you if you're fasting because it pulls too much mineral out of your body and can result in electrolyte imbalance.
Otherwise, it's fine. It's just water. You can add a pinch of salt if you're worried about ions, which you really probably don't need to be if you eat food.
Weirdly, I only know this because I just had this conversation with one of my two best friends, who is a doctor of chemistry. We were actually discussing that bottled water that has extra ions added and LOLing ourselves sick over the pseudo-scientifical jargon all over the label.
That's rather what I thought. As long as you're getting enough calcium, magnesium and sodium, you should be okay.
Alright.
I guess its still a good idea I don't drink distilled water. I don't eat a massive amount.
Quote from: Nigel on October 06, 2008, 12:32:08 AM
Weirdly, I only know this because I just had this conversation with one of my two best friends, who is a doctor of chemistry. We were actually discussing that bottled water that has extra ions added and LOLing ourselves sick over the pseudo-scientifical jargon all over the label.
Is that SmartWater?
Quote from: Roo on October 06, 2008, 12:51:23 AM
Quote from: Nigel on October 06, 2008, 12:32:08 AM
Weirdly, I only know this because I just had this conversation with one of my two best friends, who is a doctor of chemistry. We were actually discussing that bottled water that has extra ions added and LOLing ourselves sick over the pseudo-scientifical jargon all over the label.
Is that SmartWater?
I think that's the brand! Hilarious.
Kai, unless you are malnourished or drink too much water, you would be perfectly alright drinking distilled water, although honestly I think it tastes disgusting and no one should drink it.
I'm pretty sure minerals can be added for flavor and nutrition.
Quote from: Nigel on October 06, 2008, 01:13:55 AM
Quote from: Roo on October 06, 2008, 12:51:23 AM
Quote from: Nigel on October 06, 2008, 12:32:08 AM
Weirdly, I only know this because I just had this conversation with one of my two best friends, who is a doctor of chemistry. We were actually discussing that bottled water that has extra ions added and LOLing ourselves sick over the pseudo-scientifical jargon all over the label.
Is that SmartWater?
I think that's the brand! Hilarious.
Kai, unless you are malnourished or drink too much water, you would be perfectly alright drinking distilled water, although honestly I think it tastes disgusting and no one should drink it.
Out of all the bottled waters, that's probably my favorite. It's the only one that doesn't leave an aftertaste, imo. But considering that it's "vapor distilled", I guess it needs the extra ions?
Quote from: Felix on October 06, 2008, 12:33:04 AM
That's rather what I thought. As long as you're getting enough calcium, magnesium and sodium, you should be okay.
The bottled water that I have experience making adds magnesium sulfate, potassium chloride, and and sodium chloride. I assume because of the reasons Kai stated.
Quote from: Nigel on October 06, 2008, 01:13:55 AM
Quote from: Roo on October 06, 2008, 12:51:23 AM
Quote from: Nigel on October 06, 2008, 12:32:08 AM
Weirdly, I only know this because I just had this conversation with one of my two best friends, who is a doctor of chemistry. We were actually discussing that bottled water that has extra ions added and LOLing ourselves sick over the pseudo-scientifical jargon all over the label.
Is that SmartWater?
I think that's the brand! Hilarious.
:lulz: Yeah, they are a bit of a joke.
Quote from: Felix on October 06, 2008, 02:16:10 AM
I'm pretty sure minerals can be added for flavor and nutrition.
Yeah but then it's not "pure" anymore. Might as well just start out with delicious spring water with all of its delicious mineral impurities!
Quote from: Nigel on October 06, 2008, 01:13:55 AM
Quote from: Roo on October 06, 2008, 12:51:23 AM
Quote from: Nigel on October 06, 2008, 12:32:08 AM
Weirdly, I only know this because I just had this conversation with one of my two best friends, who is a doctor of chemistry. We were actually discussing that bottled water that has extra ions added and LOLing ourselves sick over the pseudo-scientifical jargon all over the label.
Is that SmartWater?
I think that's the brand! Hilarious.
Kai, unless you are malnourished or drink too much water, you would be perfectly alright drinking distilled water, although honestly I think it tastes disgusting and no one should drink it.
I'm pretty underweight. From a health related standpoint I don't think I can afford to drink distilled water.
I've taken physiology and understand osmotic potential. I also understand the what and why of ionic nutrition in your body, that is, why you need potassium and chlorine and sodium and calcium and magnesium. Though you may be able to live off distilled water, I would hold that evolutionarily, our physiology is not optimized for it.
Of course, nor is our physiology optimized for most of modern civilization.
Quote from: Roo on October 06, 2008, 02:19:34 AM
Quote from: Nigel on October 06, 2008, 01:13:55 AM
Quote from: Roo on October 06, 2008, 12:51:23 AM
Quote from: Nigel on October 06, 2008, 12:32:08 AM
Weirdly, I only know this because I just had this conversation with one of my two best friends, who is a doctor of chemistry. We were actually discussing that bottled water that has extra ions added and LOLing ourselves sick over the pseudo-scientifical jargon all over the label.
Is that SmartWater?
I think that's the brand! Hilarious.
Kai, unless you are malnourished or drink too much water, you would be perfectly alright drinking distilled water, although honestly I think it tastes disgusting and no one should drink it.
Out of all the bottled waters, that's probably my favorite. It's the only one that doesn't leave an aftertaste, imo. But considering that it's "vapor distilled", I guess it needs the extra ions?
I love that it's "vapor distilled" because I hate all of that distilled water that's not vaporized during the distilling process! Also that the special magic "ionic charge" is some salt.
OH hahaha I just mentioned the magic water to my housemate Rowan (she is working on her chemistry masters) and it turns out that SHE MAKES FUN OF IT TOO! But we have never made fun of it together. Yay Rowan!
It does taste OK, I bought some on a road trip recently and insisted my driving partner (the other chemist I mentioned) refer to it as "Magic Water" the whole time. The salt improves the flavor and mouthfeel considerably.
To make potable you ad in some coal filter and bam... not to hard.
Quote from: Dr Goofy on October 06, 2008, 03:40:33 AM
To make potable you ad in some coal filter and bam... not to hard.
Will that kill microorganisms?
Quote from: Kai on October 06, 2008, 03:23:58 AM
Quote from: Nigel on October 06, 2008, 01:13:55 AM
Quote from: Roo on October 06, 2008, 12:51:23 AM
Quote from: Nigel on October 06, 2008, 12:32:08 AM
Weirdly, I only know this because I just had this conversation with one of my two best friends, who is a doctor of chemistry. We were actually discussing that bottled water that has extra ions added and LOLing ourselves sick over the pseudo-scientifical jargon all over the label.
Is that SmartWater?
I think that's the brand! Hilarious.
Kai, unless you are malnourished or drink too much water, you would be perfectly alright drinking distilled water, although honestly I think it tastes disgusting and no one should drink it.
I'm pretty underweight. From a health related standpoint I don't think I can afford to drink distilled water.
I've taken physiology and understand osmotic potential. I also understand the what and why of ionic nutrition in your body, that is, why you need potassium and chlorine and sodium and calcium and magnesium. Though you may be able to live off distilled water, I would hold that evolutionarily, our physiology is not optimized for it.
Of course, nor is our physiology optimized for most of modern civilization.
Pre-industrial rainwater was pretty absent of minerals. Also, while I'm not arguing that your field of study has certainly armed you with an understanding of the mechanisms, the actual level of mineral leaching from drinking distilled water is exactly none if your intake of those minerals is adequate, and if it's not, you seriously need to look into that. If you're not taking in adequate minerals there is some leaching going on all the time from drinking anything, especially caffeinated beverages.
I'm certainly not an advocate of distilled water, I just think that your statements about why you should not drink it are a little dramatic. And don't try to one-up me with your biology degree because it won't work. :)
(http://oddee.com/_media/imgs/articles/a223_p3.jpg)
This is what happens when you're raised by a water-quality specialist. Shit. :( I'll stop now.
DIET WATER!!!
FUUUUUUUUUCK :tgrr:
Quote from: Nigel on October 06, 2008, 03:46:18 AM
Quote from: Kai on October 06, 2008, 03:23:58 AM
Quote from: Nigel on October 06, 2008, 01:13:55 AM
Quote from: Roo on October 06, 2008, 12:51:23 AM
Quote from: Nigel on October 06, 2008, 12:32:08 AM
Weirdly, I only know this because I just had this conversation with one of my two best friends, who is a doctor of chemistry. We were actually discussing that bottled water that has extra ions added and LOLing ourselves sick over the pseudo-scientifical jargon all over the label.
Is that SmartWater?
I think that's the brand! Hilarious.
Kai, unless you are malnourished or drink too much water, you would be perfectly alright drinking distilled water, although honestly I think it tastes disgusting and no one should drink it.
I'm pretty underweight. From a health related standpoint I don't think I can afford to drink distilled water.
I've taken physiology and understand osmotic potential. I also understand the what and why of ionic nutrition in your body, that is, why you need potassium and chlorine and sodium and calcium and magnesium. Though you may be able to live off distilled water, I would hold that evolutionarily, our physiology is not optimized for it.
Of course, nor is our physiology optimized for most of modern civilization.
Pre-industrial rainwater was pretty absent of minerals. Also, while I'm not arguing that your field of study has certainly armed you with an understanding of the mechanisms, the actual level of mineral leaching from drinking distilled water is exactly none if your intake of those minerals is adequate, and if it's not, you seriously need to look into that. If you're not taking in adequate minerals there is some leaching going on all the time from drinking anything, especially caffeinated beverages.
I'm certainly not an advocate of distilled water, I just think that your statements about why you should not drink it are a little dramatic. And don't try to one-up me with your biology degree because it won't work. :)
Sorry. Not trying to one up you. Trying to find biological rational for consumptive habits in order to be healthy. My health, really.
Quote from: Kai on October 06, 2008, 03:42:20 AM
Quote from: Dr Goofy on October 06, 2008, 03:40:33 AM
To make potable you ad in some coal filter and bam... not to hard.
Will that kill microorganisms?
After looking that up, I found out it was rumored to but does not actually kill pathogenic micro-organisms.
Farther investigation leads me to a couple different filters, one is built with 0.2 micron ceramikx/carbon, and one with coconut shell carbon. But for the best choice they use UV.
Quote from: Dr Goofy on October 06, 2008, 04:00:31 AM
Quote from: Kai on October 06, 2008, 03:42:20 AM
Quote from: Dr Goofy on October 06, 2008, 03:40:33 AM
To make potable you ad in some coal filter and bam... not to hard.
Will that kill microorganisms?
After looking that up, I found out it was rumored to but does not actually kill pathogenic micro-organisms.
Farther investigation leads me to a couple different filters, one is built with 0.2 micron ceramikx/carbon, and one with coconut shell carbon. But for the best choice they use UV.
UV is what this dehumidifier uses.
Then the water is free of pathogenic micro-organisms and is well filtered. It is the same system they use for streams.
Quote from: Dr Goofy on October 06, 2008, 04:09:46 AM
Then the water is free of pathogenic micro-organisms and is well filtered. It is the same system they use for streams.
You mean, municipal water works/treatment for drinking water?
IDK I did not look that up I looked up more what you could by being a farmer or a land owner. They said that would work for streams and wells so you could get a private filter for your water. It is drinkable.
Another related invention. "Slingshot" water filtration/generator can be powered by cow dung.
http://www.allwaterpurification.com/dean-kamen-water-purifier.html
Quote from: Dr Goofy on October 06, 2008, 04:30:02 AM
IDK I did not look that up I looked up more what you could by being a farmer or a land owner. They said that would work for streams and wells so you could get a private filter for your water. It is drinkable.
Yep. I was just making sure that you weren't indicating that sewage treatment effluent was potable. Although they use UV for bacterial removal at the end of the process, it isn't anywhere near safe to drink. Safe for fish though.
Fair Enough!
Quote from: Kai on October 06, 2008, 03:58:15 AM
Sorry. Not trying to one up you. Trying to find biological rational for consumptive habits in order to be healthy. My health, really.
Sorry for mother-henning. Seriously, though, if you are that close to malnourishment... do you at least take a multivitamin?
Quote from: Nigel on October 06, 2008, 05:39:23 AM
Quote from: Kai on October 06, 2008, 03:58:15 AM
Sorry. Not trying to one up you. Trying to find biological rational for consumptive habits in order to be healthy. My health, really.
Sorry for mother-henning. Seriously, though, if you are that close to malnourishment... do you at least take a multivitamin?
Never mind that! Kai, here, have some soup...
Is it Cream of Ion soup?
:lulz:
Quote from: Nigel on October 06, 2008, 05:39:23 AM
Quote from: Kai on October 06, 2008, 03:58:15 AM
Sorry. Not trying to one up you. Trying to find biological rational for consumptive habits in order to be healthy. My health, really.
Sorry for mother-henning. Seriously, though, if you are that close to malnourishment... do you at least take a multivitamin?
Yes. Every day.
Things are getting better but for a while there my options for food were very limited. It was like last summer all over again.
Quote from: Cainad on October 06, 2008, 03:51:55 AM
(http://oddee.com/_media/imgs/articles/a223_p3.jpg)
:x
(http://buydehydratedwater.com/shop/images/pouch.jpg)
Wow. Reminds me of Penn and Teller's attempt to ban water.
Quote from: Dr Goofy on October 06, 2008, 05:44:54 PM
(http://buydehydratedwater.com/shop/images/pouch.jpg)
I guess it is true, nobody ever went broke underestimating the stupidity of the human race. (or whatever the exact wording of that quote is, I just don't feel like looking it up)
Overestimating.
Quote from: Kai on October 06, 2008, 12:31:29 PM
Quote from: Nigel on October 06, 2008, 05:39:23 AM
Quote from: Kai on October 06, 2008, 03:58:15 AM
Sorry. Not trying to one up you. Trying to find biological rational for consumptive habits in order to be healthy. My health, really.
Sorry for mother-henning. Seriously, though, if you are that close to malnourishment... do you at least take a multivitamin?
Yes. Every day.
Things are getting better but for a while there my options for food were very limited. It was like last summer all over again.
I am a compulsive food storer, and so is my housemate. You ever need a box of food, give a holla.
Quote from: Nigel on October 07, 2008, 04:18:31 AM
Quote from: Kai on October 06, 2008, 12:31:29 PM
Quote from: Nigel on October 06, 2008, 05:39:23 AM
Quote from: Kai on October 06, 2008, 03:58:15 AM
Sorry. Not trying to one up you. Trying to find biological rational for consumptive habits in order to be healthy. My health, really.
Sorry for mother-henning. Seriously, though, if you are that close to malnourishment... do you at least take a multivitamin?
Yes. Every day.
Things are getting better but for a while there my options for food were very limited. It was like last summer all over again.
I am a compulsive food storer, and so is my housemate. You ever need a box of food, give a holla.
I think its largely fear of not having enough food that means I don't eat what I need. Calories are cheap and easy to come by. Healthy calories are more expensive and take more preparation. Thank you though, I'll keep that in mind. :) Right now I am okay. I think.
I was actually wanting to sell dehydrated water and that is how I found the site!
Quote from: Kai on October 07, 2008, 04:34:12 AM
Quote from: Nigel on October 07, 2008, 04:18:31 AM
Quote from: Kai on October 06, 2008, 12:31:29 PM
Quote from: Nigel on October 06, 2008, 05:39:23 AM
Quote from: Kai on October 06, 2008, 03:58:15 AM
Sorry. Not trying to one up you. Trying to find biological rational for consumptive habits in order to be healthy. My health, really.
Sorry for mother-henning. Seriously, though, if you are that close to malnourishment... do you at least take a multivitamin?
Yes. Every day.
Things are getting better but for a while there my options for food were very limited. It was like last summer all over again.
I am a compulsive food storer, and so is my housemate. You ever need a box of food, give a holla.
I think its largely fear of not having enough food that means I don't eat what I need. Calories are cheap and easy to come by. Healthy calories are more expensive and take more preparation. Thank you though, I'll keep that in mind. :) Right now I am okay. I think.
Coolio
I went though an extensive period of poverty and malnutrition (yay TMI!) when I was a kid, and I think my compulsive storage of nutrition-rich food storage is related to that.
that, and the impending zombie apocalypse.
Quote from: East Coast Hustle on October 07, 2008, 01:38:17 PM
that, and the impending zombie apocalypse.
I keep a baseball bat by my bed for that purpose.
I just had a mental image of Kai as a scholarly long-haired Bruce Campbell.
I have Swords for that!
Quote from: Dr Goofy on October 07, 2008, 08:37:22 PM
I have Swords for that!
(http://i209.photobucket.com/albums/bb163/wompcabal/goofysword.png)
:retard:
Fantastico!
I'm seriously considering joining WOMP.
Quote from: Vene on October 07, 2008, 09:54:05 PM
Quote from: Dr Goofy on October 07, 2008, 08:37:22 PM
I have Swords for that!
(http://i209.photobucket.com/albums/bb163/wompcabal/goofysword.png)
Zombies beware!
Quote from: Felix on October 07, 2008, 09:55:16 PM
:retard:
Fantastico!
I'm seriously considering joining WOMP.
do it. just WOMP.
@ OP
I used to have one like that in my house. Also I remember hearing the US Army was looking at them for use in desert campaigns, not sure how true that is though.
I always wondered, seeing as though they say it is sustainable, and environmentally friendly, how it would effect rainfall if, say, a whole city were to use them?
Shit, I don't know. Anyone here comfortable enough with meteorology to give some kind of statement on that?
Quote from: East Coast Hustle on October 07, 2008, 07:38:38 PM
I just had a mental image of Kai as a scholarly long-haired Bruce Campbell.
I haven't quite gotten around to grafting a chain saw to my arm just yet. Been talking with some bioengineers...
find out the surface of the area where the rain falls(any large surface will do pick your own state or country), multiply it with say 60 mm (close enough to average rainfall/month) that gives you an estimate of the total amount of rainwater that falls out the sky. call this A.
multiply the amount of people using this device(100.000) by the amount of water they will be using(5 litres daily= 150 litres/month) call this B.
pull an relevant percentage out of your hat (1%)
if B > 0.01xA then your city affects rainfall in the area.
lets do this for the netherlands
40.000 km2 = 4x1012 dm2
4x1012 dm2 x 0.6 dm = 2.4x1013 dm3 = 2.4x1013 litres/month = A
100.000 x 150 = 1.5x107 litres/month = B
B = 0.000001% of A so one city doing this has no effect at all.
I know nothing of meteorology but i wanted to sound smart.
That seems reasonable enough,
though B= 0.00001% of A
not that it really matters though