Propelair Toilet
by John Laumer, Philadelphia on 08.17.06
Propelair's patented new potty, according to the sales literature, "...reduces water consumption to 1.5 Litres per flush, using 84% less water than an average WC, and 75% less than other ‘low-flush’ systems – reducing number of litres wasted, and decreasing costs in metered areas". How does it work? By our reading, it literally 'blows the crap and water down the drain' -- with air as the plunger. "The lid is closed before flushing, which forms an air seal with the bowl. A small quantity of water enters the bowl to wash it, followed by displaced air. As the air can’t exit the bowl, it acts to efficiently and effectively expel the contents of the bowl without water, pumps or maceration. After flushing, sufficient water replenishes the water trap seal, and propelair is ready for the next user. The entire flushing cycle takes around three seconds to complete". Better have a safety interlock on it. Otherwise, expect a hoot and holler from Great Aunt Dorothy after she presses the lever while still on the pot. And the kids...let's not even think about it.
It is still one of the most absurd things we do... mix perfectly clean water with feces. If that's not a waste what is?
OK Ok this toilet is a bit of progress...
...blows the crap...down the drain. Hardy har har.
Can you imagine what happens if you're no longer sitting on the toilet and you flush without putting the lid down?
Or try to courtesy flush?
===== author's response follows ===
As I indicated, they need a safety interlock so it flushes only when closed fully. Lets hope they thought of it.
Hi
We are the company developing the Propelair WC and I read your comments on lid closure with interest.
Because the technology uses displaced air, and not compressed air, interlocks are not required. Should the user deliberately flush with the lid up, or while still sitting down, the escaping clean air is quite benign and will not disturb the wastewater in the bottom of the bowl. It is only when the lid is closed and the displaced air has nowhere to go that it acts on the wastewater to generate the powerful flush.
However, as the lid does need to be closed to flush, we did investigate interlocks during the development programme, but they would use more resources during manufacture and we want to make Propelair as environmentally beneficial as possible. With this in mind, simple understanding by users to close the lid after use has proved effective at preventing wasted flushes during trials in the UK, and I'm sure that even Great Aunt Dorothy would soon get the hang of it!
Garry Moore
Managing Director
Propelair Limited
here in australia composting toilets are popular in various states main roads departments put parks on roadside areas were people can stop on long distances they are fitted with a tank for water to wash your hands the rest composts it is a great system. They are also in national parks etc anybody that uses them never has a bad word about them they are made here as well.