The freedom to travel, build and settle down calls for practical solutions in our day-to-day life. Among these solutions is a better way of handling biological wastes. That is exactly where an incinerator toilet comes to the big picture.
Handling biological wastes is a daunting task. Often, it would require a steady supply of water, infrastructure, and ideal drainage solutions. You don’t have to do all these installations if you are going to choose an incinerator toilet.
It is unique because it burns biological waste under high temperatures leaving only a small amount of ash. In this article, we go into deep detail to explain the working principles of an incinerator toilet and other relevant facts. Read on:
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How Are Incinerator Toilets Different From Traditional Plumbing?
An incinerator toilet is an indispensable installation in remote homes where space and waste disposal prove difficult. Here are some its key features:
- They are childproof
- They don’t require chemicals to operate
- They don’t require any water supply or drainage connections
- There is no waste handling. Just a small amount of ash collected
- They do not have insect issues
- They do not depend entirely on electricity
How Does An Incinerator Toilet Work?
The working principle of an incinerator toilet is simple. It uses energy to burn biological wastes materials and releases only a small quantity of ash. Electricity and gas are two primary sources of energy for incarcerator toilets.
On average, only an astonishing teacup of ash is collected over one week. That is, if the toilet is used by an average of four people. The incinerator toilet has a simple and highly efficient design.
Below are the major functional parts:
1. Incineration Chamber
This is an enclosed chamber whose role is to temporarily store wastes before they are burnt. It is also the site where these wastes are periodically burnt. Liquid and solid wastes are drawn into this chamber. Energy is generated from either electricity or propane gas.
These wastes are exposed to heat at a temperature of approximately 540 degrees Celsius.
2. Ash Container
This is where ash is collected. It is emptied once per week. On average, incinerator’s gallons are used for about 120-150 uses.
3. Ventilation Pipe
This pipe ousts combustion gases released during burning.
What Are The Types Of Incinerator Toilets?
As we mentioned earlier, there are two types of incinerator toilets. One uses electricity, and the other one uses gas as a source of energy. It is equally important to understand how each of them operates before you embark on installing them.
How Does An Electric Incinerator Toilet Work?
Electric incinerator toilet is relatively easier to install as compared to its counterpart. You won’t require any plumbing services since the system only uses electricity. The unit is set in the desired location with a 3-inch diameter exhaust pipe.
This vent connects the rear part of the toilet to the exterior of the building, where ash is emitted and consequently collected. It also has a plug-in unit.
Before each use, a bowl liner is placed in it. It protects the bowl from possible corrosion by human wastes. It also helps to avoid frequent cleanup of the system, which might make the entire experience unpleasant and boring.
A foot unit is pressed to force the wastes into the burner area where they are completely burnt. On average, the burner area can hold up to four “flushes” before you are required to burn them.
During incineration, you must be careful to ensure that there is no paper protruding from the bowl. There has to be no smoke leaking from this particular point. Electricity passes through a coil inside the system. In turn, it heats incineration kicks off.
All this is initiated by a press of a button. Ideally, you should leave the burning to take about an hour at an average temperature of 1400 F. The system has an odor control catalyst that filters smoke and smell. Once it is done, switch it off and allow it to cool down. Then proceed to discard the ashes.
How Do Natural Gas And Propane Incinerator Toilets Work?
Just like an electric incinerator toilet, natural gas and propane incinerator toilet do not require the use of water or any plumbing services. Such systems can be installed in virtually every area with propane and natural gas availability.
If there is no source of the gas, it is still possible to use them with temporary connections like the ones used by gas grills.
On average, gas systems can accommodate up to 10 persons under daily use. And, unlike its counterpart, they do not have bowls. Wastes simply drop into a large holding area which is located directly below the toilet seat. An aerosol masking foam can be applied after use to cover the stored wastes.
Once it is full, an anti-foam MK-1 is applied to the wastes.
To create a firewall, a cover plug is inserted over the opening. The length of incineration allowed depends on the load in it. A button is pressed to turn on the gas, and ignition carries on. Allow it to burn for about 1 to 4 hours.
Most manufacturers will recommend burning the wastes load at the end of the working day or night when it is not busy. Well, that might be a small inconvenience in a residential where it is used around the clock.
Why Choose An Incinerator Toilet?
Incinerator toilets are the ultimate wastes solution in homes today ad they continue to gain immense popularity every day. They have proven very efficient since wastes are eliminated without necessarily having to collect and transport them elsewhere. This is contrary to other toilet systems, which require a wastes deposit.
Another cool thing about the incinerator toilet is that it ensures an odorless working environment, thus boosting your homes’ hygiene. Also, the ash that is emitted as waste products is biodegradable and free from bacteria. And can be used to add nutrients to the soil in your gardens o the backyard.
It is usually rich in potassium and phosphorus. These are the major macronutrients that crops require for proper growth.
