 |
|
'Air shower' set to cut water use by 30 per cent
November 10, 2006As Australians become increasingly alert to the importance of using water wisely in the home, CSIRO researchers have found a way to use a third less water when you shower - by adding air.
The scientists have developed a simple 'air shower' device which, when fitted into existing showerheads, fills the water droplets with a tiny bubble of air. The result is the shower feels just as wet and just as strong as before, but now uses much less water.
The researchers, from CSIRO Manufacturing Materials Technology in Melbourne, say the device increases the volume of the shower stream while reducing the amount of water used by about 30 per cent.
Given the average Australian household uses about 200,000 litres of water a year, and showers account for nearly a third of this, the 'air shower' could help the average household save about 15,000-20,000 litres a year. If you extend this across the population, that is an annual saving of more than 45,000 Olympic-sized swimming pools.
The Aerated Showerhead creates the sensation of having a full and steady stream of water even though the water is now more like a wet shell around a bubble of air.
While the general concept of using an aerated showerhead to save water is not new, the technology behind the CSIRO's device is novel.
Developed by a team led by Dr Jie Wu, the aeration device is a small nozzle that fits inside a standard showerhead. The nozzle uses a small Venturi tube - a tube for which the diameter varies, creating a difference in pressure and fluid speed. Air is sucked into the Venturi tube as a result of the partial vacuum created, causing air and water to mix, forming tiny bubbles within the water stream.
"The nozzle creates a vacuum that sucks in air and forces it into the water stream," Dr Wu says.
"We make the water droplets in the stream hollow and the bubbles expand the volume of the shower stream."
Small-scale experiments using the aeration device found that people detected no difference in water pressure, sensation, or overall perception of showering.
After almost two years of research and development, CSIRO is ready to take the aerated shower head technology to the commercialisation stage.
"We have very promising results on the aerated showerhead's water-saving potential. Now we are looking for commercialisation partners who will be involved in the development needed to turn the technology into a marketable device," Dr Wu says.
He expects the nozzle would cost less than $20 and could be installed by householders.
CSIRO Australia
Given the average Australian household uses about 200,000 litres of water a year, and showers account for nearly a third of this, the 'air shower' could help the average household save about 15,000-20,000 litres a year. If you extend this across the population, that is an annual saving of more than 45,000 Olympic-sized swimming pools.
The Aerated Showerhead creates the sensation of having a full and steady stream of water even though the water is now more like a wet shell around a bubble of air.
While the general concept of using an aerated showerhead to save water is not new, the technology behind the CSIRO's device is novel.
Developed by a team led by Dr Jie Wu, the aeration device is a small nozzle that fits inside a standard showerhead. The nozzle uses a small Venturi tube - a tube for which the diameter varies, creating a difference in pressure and fluid speed. Air is sucked into the Venturi tube as a result of the partial vacuum created, causing air and water to mix, forming tiny bubbles within the water stream.
"The nozzle creates a vacuum that sucks in air and forces it into the water stream," Dr Wu says.
"We make the water droplets in the stream hollow and the bubbles expand the volume of the shower stream."
Small-scale experiments using the aeration device found that people detected no difference in water pressure, sensation, or overall perception of showering.
After almost two years of research and development, CSIRO is ready to take the aerated shower head technology to the commercialisation stage.
"We have very promising results on the aerated showerhead's water-saving potential. Now we are looking for commercialisation partners who will be involved in the development needed to turn the technology into a marketable device," Dr Wu says.
He expects the nozzle would cost less than $20 and could be installed by householders.
CSIRO Australia
Cosmic rays hunted down
A thin rain of charged particles continually bombards our atmosphere from outer space. The mysterious particles were first detected 100 years ago but until 10 years ago when a new type of telescope began to come online physicists weren't sure where the "cosmic rays" came from or how they were generated.
Milagro detects cosmic ray hot spots
The University of Maryland-led Milagro collaboration, comprised of scientists from 16 institutions across the United States, has discovered two nearby regions with an unexpected excess of cosmic rays.
Radiation flashes may help crack cosmic mystery
Faint, fleeting blue flashes of radiation emitted by particles that travel faster than the speed of light through the atmosphere may help scientists solve one of the oldest mysteries in astrophysics.
High-energy particles from violent black holes travel to Earth
Ultra-high-energy particles from just outside enormous, active black holes in nearby galaxies travel as far as 250 million light years to make it all the way to Earth, an international team of 400 physicists and astronomers from 17 countries reports in the Nov. 9 issue of the journal Science.
Auger Observatory links highest-energy cosmic rays with violent black holes
Scientists of the Pierre Auger Collaboration, which includes New York University Physics Professor Glennys R. Farrar, have concluded that active galactic nuclei are the most likely candidate for the source of the highest-energy cosmic rays that hit Earth.
More Air Shower Current Events and Air Shower News Articles
 |
L'Air Du Temps By Nina Ricci For Women. Shower Gel 6.6 Oz. by Nina Ricci Launched by the design house of Nina Ricci in 1948, L'AIR DU TEMPS PERFUME is classified as a refined, flowery fragrance. This feminine scent possesses a blend of gardenia, musk, rose, carnation and sandalwood. It is recommended for evening wear. |
 |
Extensive Air Showers: High Energy Phenomena and Astrophysical Aspects - A Tutorial, Reference Manual and Data Book (Astrophysics and Space Science Library) by Peter K. F. Grieder (Author) Extensive air showers are a very unique phenomenon. In the more than six decades since their discovery by Auger and collaborators we have learned a lot about these extremely energetic events and gained deep insight into high-energy phenomena, particle physics and astrophysics. In this Tutorial, Reference Manual and Data Book Peter K. F. Grieder provides the reader with a comprehensive view of the phenomenology and facts of the various types of interactions and cascades, theoretical background, experimental methods, data evaluation and interpretation and air shower simulation. He discusses astrophysical aspects of the primary radiation and addresses remaining puzzling questions that cannot yet be answered. They remain as a challenge for present and future research in the... |
 |
Hansgrohe HG28417001 Raindance Imperial Square AIR Shower Head, Chrome by Hansgrohe Hansgrohe 28417001 Raindance; Imperial Square AIR Showerhead, ChromeThe Hansgrohe brand brings innovation, quality and stylish designs to homes and businesses around the globe. You can choose just the right shower, bath or kitchen product from Hansgrohe's wide selection of bath, shower and kitchen products. Hansgrohe 28417001 Raindance; Imperial Square AIR Showerhead, Chrome Features:; Ceiling flush mount with 20" spray face; 358 no-clog spray channels; 3 spray modes: Rain AIR XXL, Rain AIR, Whirl AIR and 2 combinations; Requires basic set # 28414181; Requires Axor EcoMax/Axor Ecostat valve, volume control valve and Axor Quattro valve |
 |
Aquasana Shower Filter and Wand Combo by Aquasana Aquasana's best product, AQ-4100 in combination with a hand-held wand. This great combo will get you clean healthy water and convenience of a hand-held wand in minutes! Voted "Product of the Year" by Cosmetology Today Magazine. Comes with a 2-stage US-patented shower filter cartridge that is capable of filtering 10,000 gallons, and can last 6-9 months. The granular copper/zinc and coconut shell carbon replaceable filter effectively removes 99% of chlorine, reduces VOCs, heavy metals and other chemicals, and enhances pH. Take a shower in natural spring water! No tools necessary for installation, although pliers may be helpful. |
 |
Eikosha Air Spencer JDM (Shower Cologne) Giga Giga2 and Bijou Clip on Air Freshener Refill (2 Boxes) by Eikosha "Work With Giga, Giga 2 and Giga Bijou Clip on vent Air Freshener Model. Interchangeable, refill with same or another fragrance! " |
 |
Barbie Shower & Show Horse by Mattel BARBIE SHOWER & SHOW Horse: A groom and glam horse from shower to show! Place the horse in the glitter-pink tub and use the real working shower head with water to reveal pink color change streaks on her mane and tail, plus colorful body art designs! Add the glam saddle and Tawny horse is ready for show! Color change in icy and warm water. Includes trophies, ribbons and treats too! |
 |
General Electric FXSCH REPL SHOWER FILTER by General Electric REPLACEMNET FILTER |
 |
SudaCare Shower Soothers Vaporizing Shower Tablets, 7-Count Tablets (Pack of 2) by Sudacare From the makers of Sudafed Nasal Decongestant. Comforting care when you are congested. Releases soothing eucalyptus, menthol & camphor vapors. SudaCare Shower Soothers react with the water in your shower to create steamy vapors of eucalyptus, menthol, and |
|
Demeter Fragrance Library - Salt Air Foaming Bath & Shower Gel 4.0oz by Demeter F.L., Inc. Demeter captures the true essence of each scent. Whether it be Gin & Tonic, Leather or Angel Food, Demeter's technologically advanced fragrances allow you to scent the skin, as well as your personal space with scents that harken back to childhood memories. | |
|
Air Force Falcons Royal Blue Shower Flip Flops by Football Fanatics Add some school spirit to your summertime or shower time with these team colored flip flops featuring the university wordmark on the footbed! |
| © 2010 BrightSurf.com |