Reinvent the toilet: Using hydrothermal carbonization – or simply pressure cooking – to manage faecal sludge 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. Water, Engineering and Development Centre, WEDC
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.
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Product design and engineeringGlobalTreatment of wastewater or greywaterFundamental research and engineeringOtherBill & Melinda Gates FoundationEnergy: fuel (liquid or solid)University, education or research institution
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United Kingdom
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