Reinvent the toilet: Using hydrothermal carbonization – or simply pressure cooking – to manage faecal sludge
2011 - 2016 • Loughborough University (Water, Engineering & Development Centre, WEDC)
Purpose
The energetically self-sufficient toilet uses an autothermic, hydrothermal carbonising process to produce material that is safe to handle and could be used for soil conditioner.
Activities
Loughborough University is developing a toilet that transforms faeces into a highly energetic combustible material. The schools/departments contributing to the project include: Water, Engineering & Development Centre, (WEDC), Chemical Engineering, Design, Materials, Civil and Building Engineering, Chemistry, Mechanical and Manufacturing, and Systems.
The new toilet uses an autothermic, hydrothermal carbonising process to produce material that is safe to handle and could be used for soil conditioner. In parallel with our engineering development we are designing the system to suppress smells and provide users with a positive and comfortable experience. The system is designed to be self-sufficient in terms of energy input, is cost efficient and will work for a single family or community.
Countries of activity
Location of main activity
Further information
There was a third phase of funding from 28.03.2014 to 31.03.2016 with USD 3,344,569 under the grant name "RTTC - Phase III - Field-testing and development of design and specifications"
Filter tags
Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation East Asia & Pacific Energy: fuel (liquid or solid) Europe & Central Asia Fundamental research and engineering Global Product design and engineering Treatment of wastewater or greywater University, education or research institution
Links
Water, Engineering and Development Centre
Loughborough
United Kingdom
Uploaded by:
Elisabeth von Muench (Elisabeth)
