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Biolet composting toilets

 

Infromation below

 

 

BIOLET COMPOSTING TOILETS

Biolet composting toilet

Report on the Performance Evaluation of BioLet XL Composting/Biological Toilet - July 1991
Under the Provisions of NSF Standard 41 Relating to Evaluation of Wastewater
Recycle/Reuse and Water Conservation Devices

 

Contents
Certification

Performance Evaluation

Startup Evaluation
      Figure 1. Flow and evaluation diagram.
       TABLE 1. Evaluation Parameters
       Figure 2. Stress test loading pattern

Evaluation of Mature Devices
        Table II. Summary of Performance Date,           Start-up Device
       Table III. Performance Data, Mature Device
Process Description

Operating Instructions

Appendix A. Plant Specification

Appendix B. Log of Actual Use

Appendix C. Performance Evaluation Method

Appendix D. Laboratory Procedures

Appendix E. References

CERTIFICATION

NSF International (NSF) has determined, by performance evaluation under the provisions of NSF Standard 41: Wastewater Recycle/Reuse and Water Conservation Devices, that the BioLet biological toilet manufactured by Vakuumplast AB, Industrigigatan 4, S 33021 LE, SWEDEN, has fulfilled the requirements of Standard 41. This BioLet model has therefore been authorized to bear the NSF Mark so long as it continues to meet the requirements of Standard 41.

All tests of the BioLet biological toilet were completed on a system installed at NSF in Ann Arbor, Michigan. Waste loading for the test was provided by NSF staff. A description of respective waste loading characteristics is included in this report.

The observations and analyses included in this report are certified to be correct and true copies of the data secured during the performance tests conducted by NSF on the waste treatment device described herein.

The certified data are the property of the manufacturer of the subject device and can be released or reproduced only with the permission of the manufacturer. The manufacturer has agreed to present the data in this certification in its entirety whenever it is used in advertising, prospectuses, bids or similar uses.

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PERFORMANCE EVALUATION

This report is applicable to the BioLet biological toilet manufactured by Vakuumplast AB of REFTELE, Sweden. The BioLet biological toilet is an aerobic composting device. The maximum design rate capacity is for full-time use by four persons. The device provides for continuous treatment of human wastes by means of a composting pile. Specifications and design data are included in Appendix A.

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STARTUP EVALUATION

The biological toilet to be used for this evaluation, including necessary appurtenant fixtures and component parts, was delivered to NSF and installed in the test room used for evaluating waterless toilets. The instructions of the manufacturer were followed in installation of the device.

The Standard Performance Evaluation Method for composting (containment/biological) devices under NSF Standard 41: Wastewater Recycle/Reuse and Water Conservation Devices was employed in the testing and evaluation of the BioLet. Points of sampling and associated evaluation parameters are shown in Figure 1 and Table 1, respectively.

Operation was initiated November 14, 1990 and continued through May 24, 1991, when the evaluation period terminated. During this period the BioLet received black water waste generated by staff of NSF in Ann Arbor, Michigan. The device was loaded at the average rated daily capacity specified under the test protocol.

During the preliminary 33-day period of operation extending from November 14 to December 16, 1990, loading of maximum design rated capacity of twelve uses per day was applied to the BioLet. From December 12, 1990 through January 11, 1991, the load applied was varied according to the pattern represented in Figure 2, which describes the stress testing protocol of the performance evaluation. Following the period of stress testing, routine operation at the design rated capacity was reinstated and maintained for the duration of the evaluation. Table II summarizes the loading experience and the performance of the device during the evaluation. Results presented in the following narrative are the results of the performance evaluation, with appropriate tabulations and graphical representations included in the text and Appendix B.

The test protocol for performance evaluation of the BioLet biological toilet for start-up operation does not require analytical testing of performance. Rather, the protocol stipulates weekly observations for liquid containment and odor at the toilet bowl and at ground level from the compost chamber. This is required during periods of normal operation an also during stress testing.

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TABLE 1  -  EVALUATION PARMETERS
EVALUATION
POINT
EVALUATION PARAMETERS
NEW DEVICE
 
Liquid
Containment
Odor
Liquid
Accumulation
Explosive
Hazard
 
A
 
R/S
 
 
 
B
R
R/S
S
S
 
C
 
R/S
 
 
 
D
 
 
 
 
 
MATURE DEVICE
 
Liquid
Containment
Odor
Fecal
Coliform
Moisture
Storage
Characteristics
A
 
X
 
 
 
B
X
 
 
 
 
C
 
X
 
 
 
D
 
 
X
X
X


R - Routine Testing, Evaluate One Time Per Week
S  - Stress Testing, Evaluate Immediately Prior to and Following Stress Event, and Every 48 hours Thereafter for Seven Days
X  - One Time Evaluation

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EVALUATION OF MATUR DEVICES

Sections 7.1.1 of Standard 41 requires that "The device operated for end product evaluation shall be tested when the manufacturer’s operation and maintenance instructions require the user to first contact the solid end product." At the end of the six month performance evaluation, one drawer of decomposed material was removed for end product characteristics. Therefore, testing of a matured device for end products characteristics of routine operation was conducted on the same device as the performance evaluation of a new device observed for startup characteristics.

Solid end product was collected from the BioLet on May 30, 1991 which represented 6 months of actual use. The samples were evaluated for fecal coliform, moisture content, and seven day storage characteristics. The samples were obtained from five different locations in the compost clean-out tray. Sample collection and analysis was conducted in conformance with the 17th Edition of Standard Methods for the Examination of Water and Wastewater, the EPA Manual, Microbiological Methods for Monitoring the Environment, Water and Wastes, and the Standard Performance Evaluation Method.* The requirements and actual results of the analysis for solid end product are presented in Table III.

The results herein reported and presented in Tables II and III are consistent with the performance criteria contained in NSF Standard No. 41 for Compost (biological/containment) Devices. During the evaluation period, the BioLet being evaluated for start-up characteristics did not require any maintenance or other service intervention incidental to normal operation, except for shear pin replacement caused by allowing the compost to dry out.

* See Appendix C for Methods used.

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TABLE II.   SUMMARY OF PERFORMANCE DATE, START-UP DEVICE
Parameter
Period
Median
Average
Range
Q1-Q3
LOAD
(Uses/day)?		 Preliminary 11 9.4 14 6-12
Vacation Loading 0 0 0-0 0-0
Hydraulic Overload N/A N/A 22-24  
Power Outage Loading 0 0 N/A N/A
Routine Operation 11 10.1 2-13 6-12
LIQUID Preliminary No liquid escape from device
Vacation Loading No liquid escape from device
Hydraulic Overload No liquid escape from device
Power Outage Loading No liquid escape from device
Routine Operation No liquid escape from device
ODOR Preliminary None Observed at bowl or vent
Vacation Loading None Observed at bowl or vent
Hydraulic Overload None Observed at bowl or vent
Power Outage Loading None Observed at bowl or vent
Routine Operation None Observed at bowl or vent
LIQUID ACCUMULATION
(Gallons)
 Preliminary (1) (1) (1) (1)
Vacation Loading 0 0 0 0
Hydraulic Overload 0 0 0 0
Power Outage Loading N/A N/A N/A N/A
Routine Operation (1) (1) (1) (1)

(1) Evaluation not required

Median: 50% of the values are equal to or less then this value.

Interquartile Range Q1-Q3: The range of variability about the median which is sufficient to contain 50% of the observations; it lies between the upper and lower 25% of the observations.

*See Performance Evaluation Section

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TABLE III.    PERFORMANCE DATA, MATURED DEVICE
PARAMETER
OBSERVATIONS
REQUIREMENTS
ANALYTICAL RESULTS
Liquid Containment   No Leakage No Liquid Escape Evident
Odor Bowl None Objectionable Non offensive Odor
Vent None Objectionable Non offensive Odor
Fecal Coliform (No/Gm)   <=200 MPN/gm 3 MPN/gm
Moisture Content (% By Weight)   <=75% 7.8%
Solid End Product Storage Characteristics Seven Day Airtight Container None Objectionable Offensive
Open Container 68% Moisture Content None Objectionable Offensive
Airtight Container 60% Moisture Content None Objectionable Offensive

PROCESS DESCRIPTION

The BioLet biological toilet employs an aerobic composting process in the treatment of black waste products. Feces, urine and toilet paper are deposited directly into the waste chamber. Two metal bars level, mix and aerate the compost automatically by rotating through the pile. The motor is activated by a switch when the seat is closed.

Aerobic composting is a biological process which relies upon microorganisms naturally present within the blackwater or organic material to decompose (compost) the waste in a non aqueous, aerobic environment. The process is facilitated by maintaining ambient temperatures above 18 C (64 F), a moisture content between 45 and 75 percent within the composting pile, depending upon the texture of the decomposing material, and provision of a sufficient quantity of air to maintain aerobic conditions and remove moisture and other gaseous products of the composting process. At start-up a kit is supplied which contains loose, dry, organic material, bioactivator give organisms) and diatomaceous earth. This loose easily aerated pile enhances decomposition by allowing oxygen to reach the organisms liquid wastes to be readily absorbed and excess liquid to drain to the bottom of the toilet through a grate to be evaporated in the clean-out tray.

A continuous supply of fresh air is provided to the mass by means of a 20 watt fan installed at the rear of the toilet. Air entering the compost chamber is drawn though the system and up the vent where it is exhausted. The positive ventilation assures that negative pressure is maintained in the composting device so that fresh air is continuously pulled through the system and process air is confined within and discharged from the system only through the exhaust vent. For winter use the toilet should still be installed in a heated space, or other means of heating the intake air should be provided to maintain maximum capacity.

Liquid wastes entering the system are controlled by several means. First, excess liquid is absorbed by the compost pile which helps maintain the proper moisture content of the mass. Second, moisture is removed as water vapor from the composting pile. Finally, any excess liquid percolates though the pile and drains into the clean-out tray where it is evaporated by means of a 225 watt heating element and an 80 watt bottom heating pad. The water vapor is drawn out through the vent by the 20 watt fan.

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OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS

Prior to initiating use, the components of a start-up kit supplied by BioLet U.S.A., Inc. 45 Newbury Street, Boston, MA 02116, must be added to ensure a proper medium for starting the composting process. The kit consists of dry organic material (primarily buckwheat hulls), live soil organisms, and diatomaceous earth. These components are mixed according to the instructions provided and added to the toilet through the seat opening. Plug the power cord into a 120 volt service and the toilet is ready for use.

The thermostat should be set so that the compost is maintained in a uniformly moist state. If the pile becomes too wet, turn up the thermostat to evaporate the moisture. If the compost becomes too dry, turn down the thermostat and sprinkle warm water over the surface to break up the clumps.

When the compost pile reached the upper mixing bar, it is time to empty the clean-out tray. Turn up the thermostat for 2-3 days to dry out the material in the tray. Remove the compost tray and dispose of the compost according to acceptable procedures. Additional material from the starter kit may be added to the main pile at this time to maintain the proper mass.

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Appendix A
PLANT SPECIFICATION
Item
Description
Item
Description
A
 Ventilation outlet
9
 Mixer motor assembly (XL & Deluxe)
B
 Fan motor/fan blade
10
 Shear pin (XL & Deluxe)
C
 Adjustable thermostat
11
 Compost cover
D
 Heating element
12
 Air return channel
1
 Phillips screws, top/lower sectionPhillips screws, top/lower section
13
 Mixer arm a) leveling b) raking
2
 Warm air channels
14
 Front cover for humus tray
3
 Compost
15
 Fluid level indicator, emptying
4
 Grate
16
 Fluid level indicator, humus tray
5
 Humus Tray
17
 Bottom heating element, XL
6
 Quick release connector (XL & Deluxe)
18
 Quick release connector for bottom heating element
7
 Mixer handle with shear pin (Standard)
19
 Brackets, holding bottom heating element tray
8
 Micro switch automatic model
  
  

 

 

Appendix B
Log of Actual Use
Vakuumplast BioLet Deluxe
Date
Urine
Fecal
Comments
11/14/90
8
4
 Start-Up
11/15/90
7
5
 2 liters of water sprayed over compost
11/16/90
8
4
 1 liter sprayed over compost.
No leakage or odor
11/17/90
3
2
  
11/18/90
3
1
  
11/19/90
8
4
 Thermostat set on 2
11/20/90
8
5
  
11/21/90
9
5
  
11/22/90
3
1
 Thanksgiving Day
11/23/90
3
1
 Holiday
11/24/90
3
1
  
11/25/90
3
1
  
11/26/90
8
4
  
11/27/90
8
4
  
11/28/90
8
4
  
11/29/90
8
4
  
11/30/90
7
5
 No leaks or odor detected
12/1/90
3
1
  
12/2/90
4
2
  
12/3/90
8
4
  
12/4/90
8
4
  
12/5/90
8
4
  
12/6/90
8
3
  
12/7/90
8
4
 No leaks or odor detected
12/8/90
4
2
  
12/9/90
4
2
  
12/10/90
8
4
  
12/11/90
8
4
 1 liter water sprayed over compost
12/12/90
8
4
  
12/13/90
8
4
  
12/14/90
8
4
 No leaks or odor detected
12/15/90
3
2
  
12/16/90
3
1
  
12/17/90
0
0*
 Start vacation stress. 3 liter water mixed into compost. Power disconnected
12/18/90
0
0*
 No leaks or odor detected
12/19/90
0*
0*
 (*vacation stress) No odor or leaks detected
12/21/90
0*
0*
 (*vacation stress)
12/22/90
0*
0*
 (*vacation stress) No odor or leaks detected
12/23/90
0*
0*
 (*vacation stress)
12/24/90
0*
0*
 (*vacation stress)
12/25/90
0*
0*
 (*vacation stress)
12/26/90
0*
0*
 (*vacation stress)
12/27/90
0*
0*
 (*vacation stress)
12/28/90
0*
0*
 (*vacation stress) No odor or leaks detected
12/29/90
0*
0*
 (*vacation stress)
12/30/90
0*
0*
 (*vacation stress)
12/31/90
0*
0*
 (*vacation stress)
1/1/91
0*
0*
 (*vacation stress)
1/2/91
3
2
 Start hydraulic overload stress. 40% normal loading over 3 hour period. 3 liters water mixed over compost, 2 liters starter added. No leaks or odor detected.
1/3/91
16
6
 Hydraulic Overload No odors or leaks detected
1/4/91
16
8
 Hydraulic Overload No odors or leaks detected
1/5/91
0*
0*
 Start Power Out Stress No odor or leaks detected
1/6/91
0*
0*
 (*Power Out Stress)
1/7/91
0*
0*
 (*Power Out Stress)
1/8/91
0*
0*
 (*Power Out Stress)
1/9/91
0*
0*
 (*Power Out Stress)
1/10/91
0*
0*
 (*Power Out Stress)
1/11/91
0*
0*
 (*Power Out Stress) No odor or leaks detected
1/12/91
2
1
 Resume power and loading
1/13/91
3
0
  
1/14/91
8
4
 2 L water added
1/14/91
8
4
 2 L water added
1/16/91
8
4
  
1/17/91
8
4
  
1/18/91
8
3
 No odor or leaks detected
1/19/91
4
2
  
1/20/91
4
2
  
1/21/91
8
4
  
1/22/91
8
4
  
1/23/91
8
4
  
1/24/91
8
4
  
1/25/91
8
4
  
1/26/91
3
2
  
1/27/91
0
0
  
1/28/91
8
4
  
1/29/91
8
4
  
1/30/91
8
4
  
1/31/91
8
4
  
2/1/91
8
4
 No odor or leaks detected
2/2/91
5
3
 Thermostat increased to 5 to remove liquid in tube.
2/3/91
5
4
  
2/4/91
8
5
  
2/5/91
8
4
  
2/6/91
8
4
  
2/7/91
8
4
  
2/8/91
8
4
 No odor or leaks detected
2/9/91
8
4
  
2/10/91
6
3
  
2/11/91
8
4
  
2/13/91
8
4
  
2/14/91
8
5
  
2/15/91
8
5
  
2/16/91
7
4
  
2/17/91
7
4
  
2/18/91
8
5
  
2/19/91
8
4
 Thermostat increased to 10 to remove liquid in site tube.
2/20/91
7
3
  
2/21/91
8
4
  
2/22/91
8
4
 No odor or leaks detected
2/23/91
3
2
  
2/24/91
2
2
  
2/25/91
8
4
  
2/26/91
8
4
 Grinding noise noted in stirrer motor
2/27/91
8
4
  
3/1/91
8
4
 No odor or leaks detected
3/2/91
5
2
  
3/3/91
7
3
  
3/4/91
8
4
 Shear pin changed
3/5/91
8
4
 Thermostat set to 2
3/6/91
8
4
  
3/7/91
7
4
  
3/8/91
8
4
 No odor or leaks detected
3/9/91
4
3
  
3/10/91
4
2
  
3/11/91
8
4
  
3/12/91
8
4
  
3/13/91
8
4
  
3/14/91
7
3
  
3/15/91
8
5
 No odor or leaks detected
3/16/91
4
2
  
3/17/91
4
1
  
3/18/91
8
4
  
3/19/91
7
4
  
3/20/91
8
4
  
3/21/91
8
4
  
3/22/91
6
3
 No odor or leaks detected
3/23/91
4
2
  
3/24/91
6
3
  
3/25/91
8
4
  
3/26/91
8
4
  
3/27/91
8
4
  
3/28/91
5
3
  
3/29/91
7
3
 No odor or leaks detected
3/30/91
4
3
  
3/31/91
4
1
  
4/1/91
7
3
  
4/2/91
8
4
  
4/3/91
8
4
  
4/4/91
4
2
  
4/5/91
7
3
 No odor or leaks detected
4/6/91
5
1
  
4/7/91
4
3
  
4/8/91
8
3
  
4/9/91
8
4
  
4/10/91
8
4
  
4/11/91
8
4
  
4/12/91
8
4
 No odor or leaks detected
4/13/91
4
2
  
4/14/91
6
2
  
4/15/91
8
4
  
4/16/91
8
4
  
4/17/91
8
4
  
4/18/91
8
4
 1 Liter water sprayed over compost
4/19/91
8
4
 No odor or leaks detected
4/20/91
5
2
  
4/21/91
5
2
  
4/22/91
8
4
  
4/23/91
8
4
  
4/24/91
7
3
  
4/25/91
8
4
  
4/26/91
8
4
 No odor or leaks detected
4/27/91
4
2
  
4/28/91
1
1
  
4/29/91
8
4
  
4/30/91
8
4
  
5/1/91
8
4
  
5/2/91
7
3
  
5/3/91
7
3
 No odor or leaks detected
5/4/91
2
1
  
5/5/91
4
1
  
5/6/91
8
4
  
5/7/91
8
4
  
5/8/91
7
2
  
5/9/91
8
4
  
5/10/91
8
4
 No odor or leaks detected
5/11/91
8
3
  
5/12/91
7
3
  
5/13/91
8
4
  
5/14/91
8
4
  
5/15/91
8
5
  
5/16/91
8