|
|
|
|
Why Self-Contained?
|
|
Electric units plug into
a regular three (3) pin outlet to power a fan and a thermostatically
controlled heating element in the base of the unit. The unit is normally
unplugged if it is not being used for l0 days or more. Composting capacity
varies with the size of the Bio-drum. |
The versions of this model : |
The most important advantages of self-contained
units are:
- Being waterless, they need no Plumbing or water connection. This means they are quick and easy to install since the only task is to assemble the vent stack which comes with the unit.
- They are more economical than central units because there is no separate toilet.
- They are more suited to winter operations than central units, because it is often easier to keep the bathroom warm.
- Electric units can usually evaporate all liquids under normal operation. Since the whole waste stream is recycled, approvals may not be required.
- Cleaning is simple. All self-contained units have a bowl liner beneath the seat, which can be removed for cleaning whenever necessary.
|
Model |
Residential Capacity |
Holiday/Vacation Capacity |
|
Excel |
3/4 |
6/8 |
|
Excel NE |
2/3 |
5/7 |
Long considered the standard in
composting toilet performance, the EXCEL is the preferred self-contained
electric model for heavy or residential use. Composting speed and capacity on
this model is outstanding! The large Bio-drum' engineered into the EXCEL gives
it twice the capacity of the COMPACT.
The EXCEL family was re-engineered in 1998 to provide it with a smooth round contemporary look. At the same time the drum handle has been recessed, a new removable evaporating tray fits below the screen, and all electrical components have been upgraded to ensure a longer service life.
The EXCEL has been successfully tested by the National Sanitation Foundation for six months continuously at its maximum residential capacity of 4 adults. Key criteria were that the unit operated colourlessly, and produced clean dry compost.
The 50mm vent is attached at the top rear of the unit and can be installed invisibly by running it through the wall and up the outside wall. For comfort the EXCEL has a detachable footrest which can be removed to pull out the finishing drawer.
Although the EXCEL can normally evaporate all liquids, a 12.5mm emergency drain is fitted at the rear and this should be connected if heavy use or prolonged power outages are expected.
Composting Capacity:
Residential & Continuous 3/4
Weekend & Vacation 6/8
EXCEL NE (Non-Electric)
The success of the EXCEL design meant that a three-chamber unit could be specifically designed for those with no continuous 220 Volt supply. First launched in 1981, the EXCEL NE has long been the standard toilet for those living off the grid. A 1998 redesign gave the unit a rounded look, and recessed the drum handle.
The EXCEL NE has no fan or heater. Odorless operation is achieved by a 100mm vent mounted at the top rear of the unit which acts like a chimney on a wood stove. For good air movement the vent should be as close to vertical as possible.
If the EXCEL NE is used residentially or heavily, or is in a place which is subject to downdraft, an optional 12 Volt fan may be installed in the vent stack. This fan draws 1.4 Watts and can be powered by a solar panel and/or 12 Volt battery.
Evaporating capacity on the EXCEL NE is variable, so the 25mm drain at the rear should be connected.
Composting Capacity:
Residential & Continuous 2/3
Weekend & Vacation 5/7
The EXCEL AC/DC is a standard 220 Volt EXCEL unit, but with 25mm safety drains and dual (50mm & 100mm) vent stacks. The unit uses the regular 50mm vent when 220 Volt power is available and defaults to the 100mm NE vent when it is not. A 12 Volt 1.4 Watt fan is included with the unit for use in the 100mm vent stack.
The EXCEL AC/DC is for those with generators operating over 8 hours per day, or for people that expect to have continuous 220 Volt power available in the future.
Composting Capacity:
Varies depending on power source used
The COMPACT is an elegant
low profile unit with the looks to complement any bathroom. SUN -MAR
engineers designed this low profile toilet by developing and patenting a
new variable diameter Bio-drum which is small at the front and large at
the rear. TO maintain the uninterrupted lines of the COMPACT, a patented
Bio-drum handle,
recesses into the body of the
unit to mix and aerate the compost.
The COMPACT differs from
the EXCEL in that all three chambers are smaller, which makes the COMPACT ideally
suited to light residential or light to medium cottage use.
As with the EXCEL, a 50mm vent
stack attaches to the rear of the COMPACT and can be installed
invisibly. A 12.5mm emergency drain at the rear offers protection against heavy
use or prolonged power outage.
Composting Capacity:
Residential & Continuous 1
Weekend & Vacation 3/4
Spacesaver 110V (requires converter)
The SPACESAVER 110 is a standard
three-chamber unit designed specifically for situations where space is
extremely limited. With a width of only 475mm and depth of 550mm, even a closet
or small corner can now be turned into a bathroom!
The Spacesaver is fitted with a high quality 110V turbo fan and a 75mm vent stack.
The Spacesaver 110 has almost the same sized Bio-drum as the COMPACT, so composting capacity is similar to that of the COMPACT. On the other hand, evaporation is limited by the smaller heater and evaporating surface, so the safety drains should be connected.
Composting Capacity:
Residential & Continuous 1
Weekend & Vacation 3/4
Mobile Toilets (dual voltage)
The US Coast Guard certified
MOBILE was first conceived as a mobile unit for use in boats and RVs. It was
designed so that it is only slightly wider and longer than a regular sized
toilet seat, so it will fit almost anywhere.
This means that for the
first time people can go where they want without having to worry about
"pump outs". Now travellers can recycle their own waste without
polluting the waters.
MOBILE toilets are produced either with a sloped back (known as "Hull Shape") or in the standard straight back version. This rear profile is the only difference between the two units.
Both are marinized to accommodate violent motion, with mounting brackets, a finishing drawer that is gasketed in, air intakes that ensure no liquid can escape, and a composting drum that is locked at all times. A fold up footrest minimizes the space required, and can be easily removed to access the finishing drawer.
The 12 Volt 3.8 Watt fan
is incorporated in an external fan box which is mounted in the 75mm vent stack,
so it is easily accessible for service. This fan is on a separate circuit and
should be on when the unit is in operation. If the vent exits at deck level, it
may be necessary to "polish" the vented air by passing it through
some filter material in the fan box.
If and when power is available, the MOBILE has both 12 Volt and 110 Volt-120 Watt heating elements in the heater base to improve evaporation. Mobile units have a 25mm drain, and this should be hooked up so that any liquid which is not evaporated may be drained periodically into a holding tank, small removable container, or other approved facility.
Composting Capacity:
Residential & Continuous 1
Weekend & Vacation 3/4