Frequently Asked Questions

We want to make sure you get all the answers you have about our processes and systems.

F.A.Q.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Atmospheric Water Generation?

Atmospheric water generation is a technology-based process used to condense water from the air, then capture and filter that moisture into drinkable water.

Under what environmental conditions is an atmospheric water generator able to produce water?

AW International’s technology will produce clean water effectively and economically from the air with humidity as low as 50%. This technology demonstrates cost savings and other notable advantages compared to desalination. Optimal water generation depends on average temperature and relative humidity. Higher humidity and temperature conditions improve the cost effectiveness of producing clean water.

What are the advantages of AW International systems?

There are several notable aspects that define AW International as a leader in the atmospheric water generation industry. These are:

Products can run on 100% outside air, which is essential for high condensate production.
Patented and exclusive coil coating or stainless steel coils used to eliminate metal oxide contamination or bacterial deposits.
Advanced filtering technology to ensure a reliable supply of fresh, pure, clean drinking water.
Easy to use, just turn it on and open the tap to get water.
Easy to maintain, just replace water and air filters periodically per manufacturer’s guidelines and do some occasional cleaning.
Commercial and Community water units can provide scalable solutions for delivery of clean drinking water by linking multiple units to meet volume demands.
Employs a high standard of purification of water from bacteria, air pollution and metal oxides.
Unit performance and maintenance needs can be monitored remotely by AW International (commercial and community models only).

How much water can be produced with AW International's systems?

Water production can range from up to five gallons/19 liters per day for the household and office models, to more than 400 gallons/1,500 liters per day for the community or commercial models, and even more through modular aggregation of these units. With the introduction of the AW 20K, more than 20,000 gallons/75,000 liters of water per day can be produced with just a single unit. Water generation efficiency depends on average temperature and relative humidity. When humidity is high, water can be generated and stored for use when humidity is significantly lower. Tables indicating the water production rate at various temperature and humidity conditions are provided in the data sheets for each unit.

What does it take to operate and maintain atmospheric water generators?

AW International systems are designed to operate continuously and only require modest periodic maintenance consisting of filter changes and general cleaning.

AW International’s commercial and community systems have an option of remote monitoring via internet service that allows for predicting scheduled maintenance and monitoring of key operational parameters of the equipment.

Air filters should be replaced four to six times a year depending on local atmospheric conditions. Water filters should be replaced two to four times per year depending on the model in service. These cartridges take only minutes to replace using an automated system shutdown feature. Typically no compressor maintenance is required.

It doesn’t rain much here, will this still work in my location?

Our technology will work anywhere with a temperate climate and moderate to high humidity. Our systems do not need the weather fronts and mountain ranges which usually produce rainfall.

How does it work?

AW International’s systems collect water from humidity in the atmosphere. This air is chilled to the “dew point” and the moisture is condensed onto stainless steel or specially coated coils, then channeled through advanced filtering chambers to provide a reliable source of clean drinking water. This technology enables significant amounts of water to be extracted from the air and purified efficiently at a relatively low cost per liter or gallon.

How pure is the water produced?

The water produced by AW International’s systems is free of impurities, such as air pollution and metal oxide contamination. The advanced filtering process works all day and night, non-stop, maintaining an optimal level of purification.

Water filtered with AW International’s technology has low TDS (Total Dissolved Solids, which is the amount of all inorganic and organic substances in the water).

What kind of energy is used and how much is required?

All of our systems use electricity with one special model using waste oil as the primary source of energy. AW International may develop options for using wind and solar energy in the future.

The residential Model 2500, for use in the home and office, uses 550 watts of electricity.

The power source for the AW400 is three-phase electrical power; the unit can be easily integrated into the existing electrical utility system, using 25kW of energy.

What models does AW International manufacture? How much pure water can each model produce? What are their potential uses and costs?

AW International produces atmospheric water generators for household and office use, as well as commercial and community use.

The Model 2500 is for use in homes and offices with 4 to 6 people. It can produce up to 5 gallons/19 liters of pure water per day in a high humidity, high temperature environment, and stores 3.5 gallons/13 liters. It uses 550 watts of electricity. It uses environmentally friendly refrigerant r134a. It is 14.9 inches wide x 20.3 inches deep x 21.7 inches high (380mm wide x 515mm deep x 550mm high) and weighs 86 pounds (39 kilograms). A few examples of where these units can be used include homes, small to medium-sized offices and small shops.

The AW400 and 20K are designed for outdoor commercial and community use.

The AW400 can produce between 300 and 600 gallons/1,136 and 2,271 liters of pure water per day depending on temperature and humidity, and uses 25 kW of 3-phase electric system power. Its storage capacity is 480 gallons/1,817 liters of water. The size of the Ambient Water 400 is 92 inches wide x 181 inches deep x 91 inches high (2,337mm wide x 4,597mm deep x 2311mm high). One unit weighs 4,757 pounds (2,162 kilograms).

The AW 20K will produce approximately 20,000 gallons/75,000 liters of water per day and is electrically powered by 3-phase electricity. Stay tuned for more information on the capabilities and capacities of this system as our design progresses.

These atmospheric water generators present a viable solution in water-scarce communities, urban neighbourhoods that lack drinking water, remote or mobile work stations (oil rigs, military bases, ships, etc.), hospitals, resorts, apartment buildings and humanitarian relief stations.

What kind of warranties and servicing are available for AW International's systems?

AW International has warranties that provide replacement of defective parts for up to one year (excludes regular maintenance items such as filters).

AW International anticipates very few problems with their units as production models have passed robust testing standards. There can be issues that are related directly to the lack of maintenance, such as dirty intake air filters and water filters that need to be replaced. The units have safety features that will prevent damage to the units from operating in temperatures above 44 C (111 F) or in freezing temperatures.

How does AW International provide after-purchase services in a foreign country?

AW International services the residential/office units through a distributor network. If service is required, simply contact your distributor for immediate help.

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