Bermuda: A Lifesaver Seawater Purifier

Marco Antonio Barba Sanchez's Innovative Solution for Fishermen

Sanchez's design is unique in its functionality and cost-effectiveness. Unlike similar products, Bermuda occupies minimal space, can be used repeatedly, and serves as a lifesaver due to its structure and the air inside. It can contain around 7L of seawater, producing between .5L to 3L of drinking water, sufficient for those facing water scarcity to survive and maintain good health.

Bermuda is made from durable plastic materials resistant to the sun and seawater. Its inflatable body, developed from a patented PVC laminate, streamlines the purification process. The purifier also features a filter containing activated carbon coconut, zeolite, and other elements to remove harmful particles and minerals. The design team is currently exploring more environmentally friendly or recycled materials that are economically accessible for users.

The purifier operates through the evaporation process, facilitated by sun exposure and low pressure generated inside the device. The upper part of Bermuda features a filling cap with a valve for air introduction. The inclined upper part allows condensed water droplets to fall into the distilled water tank. Once a certain amount of water accumulates, the valve empties through a filter, further purifying the water for consumption.

The project, initiated in 2017, was completed in 2018 in Merida, Yucatan. Bermuda has since won the national James Dyson Award in September 2018, the Clap award in December 2018, and was nominated for the a! design award in February 2019. The design was created to address the needs of the 100 million fishermen worldwide who lack efficient and updated equipment, putting them at high risk of shipwreck. The challenge now is to make Bermuda accessible to all those who need it.

Bermuda's design is not only practical and functional but also aesthetically pleasing. Its shape, materials, and low production cost make it a valuable tool for fishermen. The purifier's soft lines, textures, and colors convey a sense of hope, and its alert state, coupled with good hydration, increases the chances of being saved. Bermuda was awarded Silver in A' Social Design Award in 2019, a testament to its outstanding expertise and innovation.