There really have been some terrific improvements in toilets recently, as the world comes to terms with the finite nature of the planet’s resources, potable water in particular.
Here’s a product that 2GreenEnergy super-supporter Gary Tulie is representing in the UK. It uses compressed air to complete a flush using just 1.5 liters of water (compared with 8 liters in conventional toilets).
Called “Propelair,” it seals while flushing, reducing the spread of germs as well. Impressive stuff.
Further conversation:
Gary: The toilets need the following 1. A standard plumbing connection to a foul drain. 2. An electrical connection 230V on a fused spur feeding 24V power supplies for compressors (below 1 bar) toilet pressurises to 1.2 PSI during flushing. 3. The foul drain needs a vent pipe / soil stack so that air pushed into the foul pipe can escape rather than causing back pressure in the pipe – don’t want anything coming up through shower drains or the like!
Craig: No wonder they’re for commercial use; a certain scale is needed.
Gary: A version for residential use is under development – with both close coupled and separate tank options. The commercial version uses a concealed tank behind a panel. Noise levels of the compressor are around 70 decibels at 1 meter (about the same as a medium truck passing at 30 mph 50 feet away). The tank refills in 30 seconds ready to flush again.
Thames Water reduced water consumption by 50% in their main office which is a new already water efficient building, and by 66% at their call centre – which is an older building by installing these toilets.
Craig: Great! There is a footprint to the materials and electrical power, though.
Gary: Yes, but in regards electricity, it is very little the 24v power supply is 600W and runs for less than 30 seconds per flush (probably pulling far less than 600W). Far more energy is used to treat and pump water, and to treat the subsequent sewage – so a significant net emission saving. Also a more concentrated supply of faeces is more likely to result in efficient anaerobic digestion.
Also likely to qualify the building for water efficiency LEED points if a new building, or one being refurbished is up for LEED certification.
Craig: Great points. Running feces through AD at scale will arrive at a certain point, and this certainly does pave the way.
There really have been some terrific improvements in toilets recently, as the world comes to terms with the finite nature of the planet’s resources, potable water in particular.
