Welcome to the home of interactive3d learning objects

Pit latrine

There are a number of different pit latrines in existence, of which the ventilated improved pit latrine (VIP) is addressed here. Two other types of pit latrine are also shown for comparison purposes.

This learning object shows the main features of the VIP and helps you to understand how to dig a pit, build a VIP latrine, provide for correct ventilation and the importance of building the latrine so that the ventilation pipe faces the sun, to improve air flow.

It also shows the difference between the VIP, twin pit ventilated and unventilated pit latrines.

Hydro electric power scheme

The misperception sometimes exists in rural communities that hydro electric schemes consume water to generate power and that there will not be enough water available for local agricultural use.

This learning object aims to address this fear by showing how the principle of hydro electric power generation works, including the principle of "head", as well as showing the difference between hydro electric power and pump storage systems.

Micro hydro electric scheme

This learning object takes the concepts shown in the hydro electric scheme i3dlo further by demonstrating the general principles of micro hydro electric power schemes, which has the potential to be a good source of electricity in rural areas where there is sufficient rainfall throughout the year.

Water pump (Afridev)

The water pump learning object shows the Afridev hand-pump, which is a public-domain pump that can pump water from depths of up to 45 – 60 meters below ground level.

It features state of the art light weight, non-corrosive, easy-to-assemble materials. This i3dlo looks at the internal workings of the AfriDev pump, as well as some as maintenance issues.

Reverse osmosis water treatment

This simulation shows how Reverse Osmosis works - a process that is used to remove salts and other harmful chemicals from water. It uses a semi-permeable membrane to remove dissolved inorganic solids, organic material, bacteria, colloidal particles and viruses.In this way, 95% of the unwanted substances can be removed. This process produces two streams, the purified water and a concentrated brine stream that needs to be disposed of.

Sponsored by ESKOM (SACECS) in 2002.

Ozone disinfection of water

This simulation shows how a typical ozone water system pumps water into the mixing system, which in turn uses the venturi principle to suck outside air through the automatic dryer and ozone generator to disinfect water.

Sponsored by ESKOM (SACECS) in 2002.

Slow sand filter

This simulation shows how a “slow-sand water filtration unit” allows polluted water to pass through four sand layers. The water enters through the inlet at the top and parasites, bacteria and other solids are reduced or entirely removed as the water moves to the bottom. Once the water reaches the bottom, pressure pushes it through the pipe to the top, where the water can be either used immediately or stored.

Sponsored by ESKOM (SACECS) in 2002