Design and Development of Ceramic Candle Filter From Ohiya Clay

This study investigates the design and development of Ceramic candle filters from Ohiya clay and their performances to improve the physical quality of drinking water.The ceramic candle filters were produced from Ohiya clay, feldspar, silica and hardwood sawdust mix.The optimal mixing ratio for clay, feldspar and silica in wt% was obtained as 36:30:12 at a firing temperature of 900oC.However, due to the low porosity value obtained, 22wt.% hardwood dust was added which was the most efficient and ideal mix.The water pH, total dissolved solids (TDS) and total suspended solids (TSS) of water sample after filtration were analyzed.In relation with filtration efficiency, 78.3% and 79.2% for the total dissolved solid (TDS) and total suspended solid (TSS) respectively were obtained.The water pH level obtained after filtration was 7.10.The results reveal the ability of the ceramic candle filters made from Ohiya clay as a viable water treatment alternative.