POTORI, a Machine that Produces Potable Water from the Air
POTORI is a solution to water scarcity and contamination challenges in developing countries. This innovative system extracts moisture from the air, bypassing the need for traditional water sources like rivers or groundwater. Through a unique process, POTORI converts air moisture into clean, drinkable water, offering a sustainable and efficient alternative for communities facing water shortages.
The POTORI machine can remove dirt and dust from the air through a cartridge filter and create water by forcibly condensing the moisture in the air using a heat exchanger. Clean drinking water can be obtained through three water filtration filters and repeat the cycle using their unique technology. The machine is available in 3 sizes and can provide 50L, 200L, or 1,000L of water per day, depending on the machine installed.
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Major Features and Advantages
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Independence from traditional sources: Technology generates water from the air without relying on rivers, lakes, or groundwater, which is ideal for regions with water scarcity, pollution, or disaster-affected areas.
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Easy installation: Requires only a power source for effective operation, minimizing construction needs and enhancing usability.
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Customizability and scalability: Can be tailored to suit different needs, from small-scale individual units to large industrial plants.
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Direct provision of safe drinking water: Bypasses extensive purification processes, offering immediate access to clean water.
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Positive socio-economic impact: Liberates time spent on water collection, enabling women and children to engage in other activities, fostering economic and educational development.
Technology Data
Possible applications
The characteristics of this technology make it suitable for the following applications:
- Water supply for disaster-struck regions and communities
- Water supply for communities, hospitals, and public facilities with a lack of water sources nearby
- Water supply for small-scale and large-scale plants
Water scarcity and contamination are critical issues in many developing countries, hindering economic and social development. Pollution from industrial waste, inadequate sewage systems, and agricultural runoff often pollutes natural water sources like rivers and lakes, increasing the demand for clean water and leading to waterborne diseases, particularly affecting vulnerable populations.
This technology offers independence from traditional water sources, making it suitable for regions with scarcity or pollution. Its easy installation, requiring only a power source, enhances its applicability across various settings. Customizable to fit different country, community, and industry needs, it provides a versatile solution to water challenges.
Beyond providing clean water, this technology has significant socio-economic benefits. In developing countries, where water collection consumes much time, especially for women and children, this technology frees up time for other activities like education and employment, contributing to overall economic and educational advancement.
Competitive advantage
Multiple production volumes:
The technology can provide 50, 200, or 1,000 litres daily, depending on the machine installed. This flexibility allows users to select equipment that aligns perfectly with their water consumption requirements (such as individual use or large-scale commercial applications)
Customisability to match various business or country-specific needs:
In addition, the product by FREE also stands out for its applicability to suit large-scale, commercial applications compared to other market offerings. Customisability to match each client’s unique requirements is also a vital strength of the product, with the machine being able to be modified to fit specific needs. Examples of custom-made products include units equipped with generators, ideal for locations with limited electricity supply, to systems powered by solar generators, aligning with sustainable energy goals.
Can make water from the air:
The fundamental advantage of the product is its ability to produce water directly from the air. This eliminates the need for traditional water-sourcing methods like pumping or transportation, significantly reducing the logistical and environmental footprint associated with water procurement. By harnessing the humidity in the air, the systems provide a sustainable and efficient solution to water scarcity, especially in areas where conventional water sources are inaccessible or contaminated.
Performance
The technology is available with the specific specifications and requires the following electricity supply:
| Type | Water temperature | Electricity |
| 1,000L/day | Room temperature | AC200V 50/60Hz 18.5kW |
| 200L/day | Cold/hot | AC200V 50/60Hz 5.5kW |
| 50L/day | Cold/hot | AC200V 50/60Hz 1.35kW |
| 50L/day | Room temperature | AC200V 50/60Hz 0.95kW |
Technical maturity / Past record of introduction
Installation results in Japan since December 2021:
- 1,000L/day type (room temperature water): 1 unit
- 200L/day type (cold/hot water): 5 units
- 50L/day type (cold/hot water): 8 units
Information on patent related to this technology
N/A
Company Data
| Name | FREE Co., Ltd. |
| Address | ITSUKI Bid, 1F, 5-15 Reisenmachi, Hakata-ku, Fukuoka City, Fukuoka Prefecture |
| Capital | 12 million yen (as of December 2023) |
| Contact person | Mr. Soichiro TABO E-mail: info@freerf.biz TEL: +81-92-262-4084 |
| Number of employees | 7 (as of April, 2022) |
| Date of company foundation | 21 November, 2012 |
| The type of business | ・Air water conditioner business ・Solar business ・Printer business ・LED business |
International operation
| Number of employees for international operation |
1 |
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| Overseas offices |
City, Country | Name of Company (if applicable) |
| N/A | N/A | |
Modality of business transaction
Direct Investment
If product quality can be maintained and the project is reasonable, FREE will consider direct investment in the future.
Partnership
FREE wishes to outsource maintenance and repairs.
FREE would like to consider operating a local factory through a joint venture if order volumes are large.
They will use a local partner company as a sales agent to outsource the sale of our products.
Licensing of patent
Intend to manufacture in Japan, and considering licensing.
Contact Person(s)
*Please mention that you saw UNIDO's website when making the first contact with the company.
Registered Category
- Agribusiness Technologies : Water resource management
- Human Health Technologies : Public health