Reinvented Toilet Technology in Development
HTClean | Helbling with Gates Foundation
High Temperature Processing Reinvented Toilet
Helbling has been engaged by the Gates Foundation to develop HTClean, a next-generation Reinvented Toilet based on a high temperature and high pressure processing design. The toilet is being engineered specifically for the household. Intuitive visual cues on operation, maintenance, status, and usability are integrated.
Key Features:
- Self-sustaining toilet without water and sewage connection
- Single household system designed for 4-6 users/day, up to 10 users/day
- Vacuum flush system greatly reduces the flush water required (0.2-0.9 L)
- A unique, intuitive human machine interface (HMI)
Status of Development
- Demonstrator unit developed and lab tested in Zurich, Switzerland
- Additional prototype testing and design improvements planned starting from January 2019
Use Cases
- Household: Designed as a self-contained household unit for up to 10 users per day
- Multi-unit: Core processing technology could be scaled for school or public/community application or by installing units in each stall
Product is Appropriate For:
| 10 | TBD | 20 |
|---|---|---|
| Capacity (users/day) | Est. Cost ($/users/day) | Life Expectancy (Years) |
How Does it Work?
Frontend
The input tank (10) is fed by the user input of the toilet (frontend, 11) through a vacuum pump including a macerator (19).
Urine/Feces Separation
Solid/liquid separation is conducted after processing by a mechanical filter press (15).
Processing
The user input is initially stored in a holding tank (10). The composited material from the storage tank is passed through a pre-heater (7), then loaded into a reactor chamber (4) and heated above 160°C* (2), at a pressure up to 25 bar* . After cooling the reactor is discharged and solids and liquids are separated (15), resulting in a small filter 'cake' (13). The produced liquid is retained (14) and then cleaned for use in the toilet flushing system. Water vapor released from the reactor after processing is used for pre-heating (6) quenched in a bubble tank (12). The quenched water in (12) is also cleaned and combined with the flush water (20).
* Optimum operational conditions are currently being identified
Inputs
Does the system require an external source of electricity?
Yes
Does the system require the use of water?
No, water is recycled within the system
Does the system require any other "consumable" inputs?
No
Outputs
How much energy will be recovered?
To be determined when optimal operation conditions are finalized
How much water will be recovered?
The flush water is a closed loop. Any excess water collected, due to urine deposits will be discharged
How much fertilizer or other byproducts will be produced?
20g filter cake/user/day
Treatment
Treats Solids and liquids combined
Pathogen treatment success? Total pathogen removal
Are chemical processes used? Yes
Are mechanical processes being used? Yes, water filter
Are biological processes being used? No
Does the system require any off-site or additional processing? No
Business Considerations
Estimated daily operating cost (not available)
Estimated capex (not available)
Size L 1.2m x W 1.0m x H 1.9m
Maintenance Requirements Non-hazardous, non-odorous, solid waste cakes and excess liquids to be regularly disposed by user.
Life expectancy 20 years