Technology development of a low-cost chlorine doser for shared water points in urban Bangladesh

Request for Expressions Of Interest

Technology development of a low-cost chlorine doser for shared water points in urban Bangladesh

Stanford University and the International Center for Diarrheal Diseases Research, Bangladesh have partnered to develop a sustainable and cost-effective solution to improving water quality in low-income areas of Dhaka, Bangladesh. The research team has developed a low-cost prototype that doses liquid chlorine and does not rely on electricity or moving parts. The device aims to provide an appropriate dose of chlorine proportional to the flow through manual handpumps and pipes carrying drinking water. The current design employs handpump suction to trigger chlorine dosing. The project is currently seeking a technical design or engineering consulting expert or firm to improve upon the prototype, by increasing dosing accuracy, lowering manufacturing costs, increasing product lifespan, and contributing to strategies for production and scale up. The project may require travel to Dhaka to understand the current state of the technology, local flow and pressure conditions, and other environmental and social factors that would affect device?s design. The main objective will be to develop a product that can accurately and consistently dose liquid chlorine within a safe and effective range at shared water points in Dhaka with a production cost below $20USD.

Interested parties should submit a cover letter including a summary of relevant qualifications, as well as send CVs of the proposed project team. Ideal applicants would have experience with technology development for low-income settings, international work experience, engineering and product design skills, understanding of design for future scale-up, and be familiar with fluid dynamics. Letters of interest should be emailed to no later than Nov. 5th, 2012 to amyjanel@stanford.edu and cooke@stanford.edu. Additional information regarding the current prototype and proposal guidelines will be made available to selected applicants.