Post by jeff on Feb 28, 2016 22:28:04 GMT
In my exploration of anaerobic digesters, i have also come across aerobic systems, including this, which i think is one of the better composting toilet designs. What it lacks, is primary urine separation, before going through the system. that can be easily remedied, in a number of ways, such as providing urinals and separating toilets. One of the better features is scalability. By knowing the typical rate of defecation and the number of occupants will help tremendously. The average rate, according to one source, is about 1 oz., per lb. of body-weight, per day. That equates to ~1 lb of feces for a 160 lb person, per day, or ~30 lbs. per month, for each 160 lbs of body weight. ymmd
Anyway, the multiple chambered composting toilet consists of chambers in a 'cassette', that is periodically rotated, and each chamber is periodically emptied, then reinserted into the rotation. IMHO, 6 chambers on a 2-month rotation would yield almost a year of decomposition, for each chamber, providing a near optimum schedule, prior to mixing with other compostables, for finishing, prior to utilization as fertilizer.
This particular system was made and used by Bob Crosby, of Biorealis Systems, Inc. Bob and I have communicated several times, via email, in my development of my digester. Last i heard, he was in South America, working on a commercial-scale digester, for municipal sewage.
biorealis.com/composter/rotating/
A Low Cost Site-Built Composting Toilet System
Copyright © 2006-2009
R.L. Crosby, Biorealis Systems, Inc
Introduction:
There is tremendous worldwide demand for safe, reliable, affordable sanitation systems able to provide the convenience of flush toilets in locations where water supplies and wastewater disposal options are limited. Aerobic composting toilets offer one viable solution to the problem. Existing commercially available units generally fall into two categories: units sized for small families and/or weekend cabin use, costing about $1,500-$2,500 (e.g.BioLet, Envirolet, Sun-Mar, etc.); and larger, full capacity units sized for larger families and full-time residential use (e.g. Clivus Multrum, Phoenix, AlasCan, etc.). These units typically start at about $6-7,000, and go up from there, with installed costs reportedly running as high as $25,000.
Neither option provides a satisfactory solution to the general problem. The smaller units tend to be inadequate for full time residential use and require more attention and energy (manufacturer's claims notwithstanding), while the larger units are generally priced beyond the reach of those who need them the most.
Following is a description of a simple, large capacity composting toilet system developed by Biorealis Systems, which can be owner-built for less than the cost of typical smaller units, yet provide performance and features not found on systems costing far more. The complete system, including rotating turntable with three removable composter modules, plywood enclosure and urine-separating waste chute, can be built for less than $500 in materials and a couple of weekends' worth of labor. (Costs may be even lower, depending on availability & local cost of used drums, etc.)
Features:
Batch feed: There is no contact between finished compost and fresh waste. All material removed from the unit is fully aged and can be handled safely.
Modular: Modules can be added or removed as desired to accommodate any requirement, from single family, to multi-family, to institutional.
Low maintenance: No moving parts to fail. Only non-corroding materials in contact with wastes. Periodic maintenance requires removing, emptying and replacing a plastic drum - which can be done off site. Removed material is completely aged, light, odor-free humus. Modules can easily be handled by one person, and will fit through a 30" doorway.
Low energy use: Aeration/evaporation system uses exhaust air from existing household ventilation system (If none exists, one can/should be added, which would also address other health issues - i.e. indoor air quality). No other energy input is required.
Simple Design: Can be locally built, using commonly available materials. Does not require specialized tools or skills to build, lends itself to local self-help solutions, creation of local jobs, small business opportunities.
Caveats:
All designs involve compromise. This design is based on over 20 years of trial and error, design and redesign. During that time we have explored a wide variety of options and gained some definite ideas about what works and doesn't work for us. If you absolutely cannot live without a water flush toilet, and/or can't locate a waste chute directly above the composter, this isn't for you. Be advised, however, that if you can find a way to separate urine from the feces, and eliminate the extra water required to flush a toilet, you will greatly simplify both installation and maintenance requirements.
(Copyright © 2002-2009 Robert .L. Crosby Jr; Information on this page may be copied, distributed and/or modified under certain conditions, but it comes WITHOUT ANY WARRANTY; see the Design Science License for more details.)
Bob does sell a booklet on it, with complete details and instructions.
Anyway, the multiple chambered composting toilet consists of chambers in a 'cassette', that is periodically rotated, and each chamber is periodically emptied, then reinserted into the rotation. IMHO, 6 chambers on a 2-month rotation would yield almost a year of decomposition, for each chamber, providing a near optimum schedule, prior to mixing with other compostables, for finishing, prior to utilization as fertilizer.
This particular system was made and used by Bob Crosby, of Biorealis Systems, Inc. Bob and I have communicated several times, via email, in my development of my digester. Last i heard, he was in South America, working on a commercial-scale digester, for municipal sewage.
biorealis.com/composter/rotating/
A Low Cost Site-Built Composting Toilet System
Copyright © 2006-2009
R.L. Crosby, Biorealis Systems, Inc
Introduction:
There is tremendous worldwide demand for safe, reliable, affordable sanitation systems able to provide the convenience of flush toilets in locations where water supplies and wastewater disposal options are limited. Aerobic composting toilets offer one viable solution to the problem. Existing commercially available units generally fall into two categories: units sized for small families and/or weekend cabin use, costing about $1,500-$2,500 (e.g.BioLet, Envirolet, Sun-Mar, etc.); and larger, full capacity units sized for larger families and full-time residential use (e.g. Clivus Multrum, Phoenix, AlasCan, etc.). These units typically start at about $6-7,000, and go up from there, with installed costs reportedly running as high as $25,000.
Neither option provides a satisfactory solution to the general problem. The smaller units tend to be inadequate for full time residential use and require more attention and energy (manufacturer's claims notwithstanding), while the larger units are generally priced beyond the reach of those who need them the most.
Following is a description of a simple, large capacity composting toilet system developed by Biorealis Systems, which can be owner-built for less than the cost of typical smaller units, yet provide performance and features not found on systems costing far more. The complete system, including rotating turntable with three removable composter modules, plywood enclosure and urine-separating waste chute, can be built for less than $500 in materials and a couple of weekends' worth of labor. (Costs may be even lower, depending on availability & local cost of used drums, etc.)
Features:
Batch feed: There is no contact between finished compost and fresh waste. All material removed from the unit is fully aged and can be handled safely.
Modular: Modules can be added or removed as desired to accommodate any requirement, from single family, to multi-family, to institutional.
Low maintenance: No moving parts to fail. Only non-corroding materials in contact with wastes. Periodic maintenance requires removing, emptying and replacing a plastic drum - which can be done off site. Removed material is completely aged, light, odor-free humus. Modules can easily be handled by one person, and will fit through a 30" doorway.
Low energy use: Aeration/evaporation system uses exhaust air from existing household ventilation system (If none exists, one can/should be added, which would also address other health issues - i.e. indoor air quality). No other energy input is required.
Simple Design: Can be locally built, using commonly available materials. Does not require specialized tools or skills to build, lends itself to local self-help solutions, creation of local jobs, small business opportunities.
Caveats:
All designs involve compromise. This design is based on over 20 years of trial and error, design and redesign. During that time we have explored a wide variety of options and gained some definite ideas about what works and doesn't work for us. If you absolutely cannot live without a water flush toilet, and/or can't locate a waste chute directly above the composter, this isn't for you. Be advised, however, that if you can find a way to separate urine from the feces, and eliminate the extra water required to flush a toilet, you will greatly simplify both installation and maintenance requirements.
(Copyright © 2002-2009 Robert .L. Crosby Jr; Information on this page may be copied, distributed and/or modified under certain conditions, but it comes WITHOUT ANY WARRANTY; see the Design Science License for more details.)
Bob does sell a booklet on it, with complete details and instructions.