Waste treatment equipment and its manufacturing method and use

Abstract

Various aspects of the present invention relate to a toilet system comprising a composition for inhibiting freezing of wastewater in a toilet waste trough. A first fluid treatment composition comprises a salt and is introduced into the waste trough. A second fluid treatment composition is a solid composite material, also comprising a salt, and is introduced into a urinal in fluid communication with the waste trough.

Description

[0001] CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0002] This international patent application claims priority to U.S. patent application No. 18 / 103,372, filed on January 30, 2023, which claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 305,171, filed on January 31, 2022, and U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 381,550, filed on October 28, 2022, the entire contents of each of which are incorporated by reference. Technical Field

[0003] The present application relates to waste treatment apparatus, methods of manufacture, and uses thereof, and particularly, in one embodiment, to a portable waste treatment system for a portable toilet comprising a first urinal / toilet fluid treatment assembly for a fluid holding tank and, optionally, a second cooperating holding tank fluid treatment system for an optional urinal in the portable toilet. Background Art

[0004] Portable toilets are well known in the art and have long been widely used. A common portable toilet configuration includes a portable housing with a door providing access to the interior of the housing, a urinal, and a toilet, wherein the toilet is positioned directly above a waste holding tank, which typically contains a waste treatment fluid. Waste from the urinal and toilet is deposited into the waste holding tank and combined with the waste treatment fluid in the tank. Such waste treatment fluids have long included waste treatment compositions such as fragrances, colorants, and the like. However, when used in colder environments, waste treatment fluids typically must account for waste freezing, which can cause one or more problems in the holding tank, in emptying the holding tank, and in cleaning and transporting the portable toilet.

[0005] A solution of the prior art is that portable toilet suppliers premix salt and water to produce a salt solution that resists freezing when combined with waste. Suppliers fill a mixing tank with water, add salt (e.g., pouring salt from a 40-pound heavy bag), and stir or agitate the mixture with a heavy-duty mixing and stirring device until the salt dissolves in the water, producing a salt solution. The supplier then checks the salinity of the salt solution and, if necessary, adds additional salt. During or after this process, the supplier typically also similarly adds and mixes flavoring agents, coloring agents, and waste treatment enzymes into the salt solution. Once the correct salinity is reached and a complete mixing process has been carried out, the supplier then typically pumps salt water and additionally treated solution from the mixing tank into the supplier's transport truck. This is because, owing to the need for a heavy-duty mixing / stirring device, the salt water and additionally treated solution cannot be reasonably or effectively manufactured in a truck or at the place of installation and use where the portable toilet is transported to by a truck.

[0006] Therefore, in addition to the equipment for transporting the empty portable toilet, the transport truck typically also has a separate brine solution storage facility for transporting the heavy and bulk brine solution to the intended use location of the portable toilet. Then, after the empty portable toilet is installed at the intended use location, the pre-made brine solution is pumped from the transport truck into the holding tank of the empty portable toilet.

[0007] One common transport truck used for this process has three large tank compartments, including a tank for a saline solution, a tank for fresh water used to clean the portable toilets before transporting them away from the point of use, and a tank for waste water flushed from the portable toilets during cleaning. Such three-compartment trucks are expensive, as are the costs of operating and transporting them. Summary of the Invention

[0008] The applicants believe that they have identified at least some of the problems with the prior art identified in the Background section above, or their severity.

[0009] The present invention describes a kit for inhibiting freezing of waste in toilets, such as portable toilets. The kit includes two components, each of which lowers the freezing point of liquid waste. The first component is a salt concentrate that is applied to the waste trough. When the toilet is in use, the first component combines with the liquid waste, and the salt inhibits freezing of the liquid waste. The second component is a solid composite material containing the salt that is applied to a urinal. When the urinal is in use, the salt dissolves in the liquid waste and inhibits freezing of the liquid waste.

[0010] The combination of the first and second components inhibits freezing of liquid waste in both the waste trough and the piping connecting the urinal to the waste trough. Frozen waste is problematic for flushing and pumping waste to empty and clean the toilet, and thus the kit facilitates emptying and cleaning the waste trough at freezing temperatures. Even when the liquid waste is still frozen, the two components lower the melting point of the frozen waste, which reduces, for example, the time and hot water required to thaw the frozen waste and, therefore, reduces cleaning time.

[0011] The second component is particularly effective at quickly combining the salt with the liquid waste in the urinal to inhibit freezing of the liquid waste in the pipes connecting the urinal to the waste tank.

[0012] The second component also improves the mixing of salt with the waste in the waste trough. Waste from toilets and urinals usually first contacts the upper part of the waste in the waste trough. Therefore, the waste in the waste trough can become approximately stratified. In the absence of the second component, the waste variable composition is stratified so that the upper part of the waste contains a lower salt concentration than the lower part, which limits the effectiveness of the first component. The second component allows salt to be added to the upper part of the waste, so that the salt is more evenly distributed in the waste, which increases the effectiveness of the combined components relative to a single component. Even if a frozen low-salinity layer is formed in the upper part of the waste, the body temperature liquid waste from the urinal can melt this layer (or a portion thereof) to allow mixing with salt and suppress the formation or expansion of the frozen low-salinity layer. Even if part of the waste is frozen in the waste trough, the second component is generally conducive to forming a slush, which is easier to pump and melt than a frozen waste block. In the absence of the second component, the possibility of a frozen waste block forming and floating in the waste in the waste trough increases, which is challenging to pump and melt relative to a slush. Ice obviously floats in water due to the difference in their densities, and the density difference between ice and salt water is even greater.

[0013] The two components are typically provided as disposable portions. One or more disposable portions of the first component are typically used in a single waste trough, and the disposable second component is typically used in a single urinal. The disposable portions can be provided as solids, which are significantly lower in mass than the saline solutions traditionally used to inhibit freezing of waste in toilets, and thus, solids reduce the space and fuel required to transport the components. For example, solid alternatives to saline solutions may not traditionally be feasible due to the aforementioned stratification issues.

[0014] These two components are usually provided in solid form. The solid is compatible with the flavoring agent, which is immiscible with the aqueous liquid comprising both the liquid waste and the salt water. The immiscible flavoring agent can be selected to float on the top of the liquid waste to better mask unpleasant odors. The immiscible flavoring agent shows a compatibility that is reduced with the salt water of the prior art, because the immiscible flavoring agent is usually separated from the salt water and floats on the top of the salt water, which weakens the reproducible metering of the immiscible flavoring agent in the constant concentration salt water from the bulk transport tank. Relative to bulk liquid form, the disposable portion of the liquid form also shows improved compatibility with the immiscible flavoring agent because they do not require any metering.

[0015] The present application also discloses other novel aspects and features, which will become apparent as the specification proceeds.

[0016] In this regard, it should be understood that the scope of the present invention is not limited to the given aspects or features as they are described in the Summary or Background sections of the present invention. Rather, the scope of the present invention is determined by the issued claims. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0017] The present invention is disclosed in this specification in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein:

[0018] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of a manufacturing system for producing a batch of a first fluid treatment composition for use in a toilet waste tank;

[0019] Figure 2 is a schematic diagram of a manufacturing system for producing a batch of a second fluid treatment composition (which is a solid composite material) for use in urinals;

[0020] Figure 3 is an image of a first fluid treatment composition comprising particles and a surface barrier;

[0021] Figure 4 is an image of a second fluid treatment composition, the second fluid treatment composition being a solid composite material;

[0022] Figure 5 is an image of a second fluid treatment composition, the second fluid treatment composition being a solid composite material with Figure 4 The second fluid treatment composition depicted is the same and is shown at a different angle to depict its three-dimensional structure, which is a rectangular parallelepiped three-dimensional structure;

[0023] Figure 6 is an image of a toilet system comprising a toilet, a urinal, a urinal plumbing, a waste trough, a first fluid treatment composition, and a second fluid treatment composition, wherein the second fluid treatment composition is located in the urinal and the waste trough fluid treatment composition has not been prepared from the first fluid treatment composition; and

[0024] Figure 7 is an image of a toilet system comprising a toilet, a urinal, a urinal plumbing, a waste trough, a first fluid treatment composition, and a second fluid treatment composition, wherein the second fluid treatment composition is located in the urinal and the waste trough fluid treatment composition has not been prepared from the first fluid treatment composition. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0025] The inventors believe they have identified a problem with prior art portable toilet disposal systems, particularly when used in colder environments. Therefore, the inventors have developed the following options (and other features disclosed in this specification) to address this problem:

[0026] 1. Use of a first fluid treatment composition for treating a portable toilet fluid, such as water, which is loaded into a fluid holding tank of the portable toilet at the installation site of the portable toilet; and / or

[0027] 2. Use of the second fluid treatment composition for a portable toilet urinal at the installation site of the portable toilet.

[0028] In some embodiments implementing both of the above options, the first fluid treatment composition and the second fluid treatment composition comprise one or more components to inhibit freezing of fluid and waste in the portable toilet fluid holding tank, the portable toilet urinal, the piping from the urinal to the holding tank, the piping connected to the holding tank for flushing fluid and / or waste from the holding tank, and / or possible downstream waste holding and / or treatment structures or devices.

[0029] In some embodiments, the first and second fluid treatment compositions may comprise one, some, or all of the following, optionally with the following or other related effects, when mixed with holding tank fluid and waste and urinal fluid:

[0030] Sodium chloride, which inhibits ice formation and deodorizes the mixture;

[0031] Magnesium chloride, which inhibits freezing of the mixture;

[0032] a colorant for coloring and masking the appearance of waste in the holding tank and urine in the urinal, optionally including urine stains in the urinal, which colorant is typically included in the second fluid treatment composition for a urinal;

[0033] • Fragrances, which serve to reduce, and in some embodiments, to mask or even eliminate, the odor of urine and waste; and

[0034] Enzymes or other chemicals used to help further process the waste, such as by breaking down the waste or otherwise altering the waste to provide one or more of reduced odors, facilitate flushing of urinals and holding tanks, and facilitate transportation and subsequent processing or disposal of flushed waste.

[0035] In some embodiments, the first fluid treatment composition is prepackaged in a bag or container that is soluble in the treatment fluid in the holding tank. In one embodiment, where the treatment fluid is or comprises water, the bag may be composed partially or entirely of polyvinyl alcohol ("PVA").

[0036] Alternative structures in which the first fluid treatment composition can be provided include dry bulk material in various types of containers, boxes or bags, and poured, shoveled or pumped from such structures into the holding tank of the portable toilet. The first fluid treatment composition can also be provided in pre-dissolved liquid form and similarly stored and delivered.

[0037] In some embodiments, the second fluid treatment composition can be pre-processed into one or more compressed and hardened elements or (round) blocks / (round) cakes / (round) discs (pucks). In some embodiments, a hardening agent can be added and mixed into the second fluid treatment composition to promote and maintain the hardened elements or pucks while allowing the hardened elements or pucks to mix well with urine and other fluids (such as water in a holding tank). Some embodiments can use potassium bitartrate as a hardening agent.

[0038] Alternative structures in which the second fluid-treating composition may be provided include pre-pressed pellets or differently shaped bricks or blocks.

[0039] In some systems that include both the use of a prepackaged first fluid treatment composition in the holding tank and the use of a hardened second fluid treatment composition in the urinal, the latter can not only treat and, for example, inhibit freezing of fluid or waste in the urinal and in the piping from the urinal to the holding tank, but also helps treat and inhibit freezing of fluid or waste in the holding tank and / or other piping and associated equipment and containment treatment structures when, for example, the fluid and waste in the holding tank is flushed during cleaning of a portable toilet.

[0040] In some embodiments, when present and used, the above components may include or consist essentially of:

[0041] Sodium chloride (e.g., Huck Salt Kiln Dried Fine (Huck Salt Company, Nevada, USA));

[0042] Magnesium chloride (e.g., EnviroTech Melddown-Liquid Magnesium Chloride, 33% (EnviroTech Services Inc., Colorado, USA));

[0043] Colorants (e.g., LIQUITINT TM (Milliken & Company, South Carolina, USA);

[0044] Fragrance (e.g., Apple Aire (Sunrise Environmental Scientific, Nevada, USA));

[0045] Enzymes (e.g., Hydrofoil (Sunrise Environmental Scientific)); and

[0046] • Hardening agents (eg, Tartar / potassium bitartrate cream (Crafter's Choice, Ohio, USA)).

[0047] In addition to or as an alternative to such salts and magnesium chloride, options may include:

[0048] Magnesium chloride hexahydrate

[0049] Calcium magnesium acetate

[0050] Urea

[0051] Calcium chloride

[0052] Potassium chloride

[0053] Sodium formate

[0054] Sodium acetate

[0055] Corn-derived corrosion inhibitors / enhancers

[0056] Potassium formate

[0057] Sodium silicate

[0058] Molasses

[0059] Potassium sulfate

[0060] Sodium gluconate

[0061] Beet juice

[0062] ·brine

[0063] In some embodiments, a dispensed form of the fluid treatment composition is preferred over a bulk form, for example, because freezing point depressing ingredients such as sodium chloride are generally immiscible with flavoring agents, which can result in separation of the ingredient and flavoring agent in bulk form.

[0064] In some embodiments, a solid form of the fluid treatment composition is preferred over a liquid form, for example, because freezing point depressing ingredients such as sodium chloride are generally immiscible with flavoring agents, which can result in separation of the ingredient and flavoring agent in liquid form.

[0065] Upon reading this specification, persons skilled in the relevant art will immediately recognize other compositions that provide for lowering the freezing point of fluids used in or deposited in portable toilets, such as the freezing point of water.

[0066] Exemplary Novel Methods of Making and Using the First Fluid Treatment Composition:

[0067] In some embodiments of the new method of making a first fluid treatment composition, the method may use the following components to make a batch of the first fluid treatment composition;

[0068] Sodium chloride: 1830 lbs Huck Salt Kiln Dried Fine (e.g., consisting primarily of salt crystals having a maximum width, height, and depth of 0.125 inches or less)

[0069] Magnesium chloride: 128 fluid ounces of Envirotech Meltdown Liquid magnesium chloride, 33% magnesium chloride concentration

[0070] Colorant: 4 fluid ounces of LIQUITINT TM Agro Blue

[0071] 8 fluid ounces of LIQUITINT TM Red ST

[0072] Enzymes: 64 fluid ounces of Hydrofoil

[0073] Flavor: 192 fluid ounces of Apple Aire

[0074] To make such a batch, a front-end loader can lift kiln-dried salt, fill a silo, and then gravity-feed the salt from the silo to a conveyor belt. Depending on the size of the salt crystals, the conveyor belt can feed another conveyor belt or roller mill, which can be adjusted to adjust the amount fed to subsequent systems. The latter conveyor or roller mill puts the salt into another silo, which has a screen that is configured to suppress large salt crystals (e.g., larger than the above-mentioned size) and then gravity-feeds the salt from the silo into a mixing auger. A spray system connected to the auger sprays magnesium chloride, colorants, flavorings, and enzymes into the auger, which mixes the components into a wet mixture of all these components. The auger then feeds the resulting mixture onto another conveyor belt, which feeds the mixture into a rotary drum screen and, depending on weather conditions, blows no air, air, or air and heat through the rotary drum screen to remove some moisture from the batch. Then, the tumbler is fed to the conveyor belt, and then the conveyor belt is fed to the silo / storage area. The batch material in the silo can then be taken out by a tractor, and the batch material is loaded into another silo. This latter silo can be fed by the gravity of the batch material into a bucket elevator system, which brings the mixture to the multi-head weigher area of ​​the machine, and then, for example, it can be filled with a predetermined amount of mixture in a polyvinyl alcohol bag, in each such bag. Then, the machine can seal the polyvinyl alcohol bag, and then the conveyor belt can move the bag from the machine to the packaging station. The exemplary gained polyvinyl alcohol bag of the first fluid treatment composition of gained is housed weighs about 22 ounces, which is lightweight and small in size, and is therefore also easy to store, transport and use even in large volumes.

[0075] Many other approaches can be used to make the first fluid treatment composition. For example, a kiln can be used to dry the mixture, and different bagging / packaging systems can be used.

[0076] Exemplary Novel Methods of Making and Using the Second Fluid Treatment Composition:

[0077] In some embodiments of the novel method of making a second fluid-treatment composition, the method can use the same amounts of components as described above for the first fluid-treatment composition, except that: (i) Huck Salt Kiln Dried Fine contains primarily salt crystals having a maximum width, height, and depth of 0.125 inches or less, and (ii) also contains a hardener in an amount of 0.25 to 0.5 ounces, based on Tartar / potassium hydrogen tartrate paste (e.g., available from Crafter's Choice) per block. It should be noted that larger salt crystals may require longer time for the salt crystals to fully dissolve in water or other fluids.

[0078] An embodiment of the method for manufacturing the second fluid treatment composition may include the same method as described above for the first fluid treatment composition, until just after the magnesium chloride, colorant and flavoring are sprayed into the auger and the resulting mixture is mixed with salt in the auger to produce a relatively evenly distributed mixture component (which has a consistency similar to wet sand after mixing). The auger then feeds the resulting mixture to another conveyor, which feeds a rotatable drum screen, which includes three angle irons welded to the inner side wall of the drum screen, substantially spaced apart from each other and parallel to and extending laterally along the axial length of the drum screen. Before the batch of material enters the drum screen, a hardener is added to the mixture at the top of the drum screen, and this causes the hardener to be mixed into the mixture of the batch of material as the mixture components travel along the downwardly inclined rotating drum screen. Depending on weather conditions, no air, air, or air and heat are used in the drum screen, or the drum screen is blown through to remove some moisture from the batch of material being manufactured. The trommel then feeds a conveyor belt which then feeds a silo / storage area which in turn feeds a silo on the briquetting machine. The briquetting machine then automatically fills, presses, and ejects blocks of the mixture. The blocks can then be immediately put into place or packaged. In some embodiments, the briquetting machine can be a hookah charcoal making machine, optionally with molds purchased from the manufacturer of the hookah charcoal making machine. Figure 4 and Figure 5 An exemplary resulting block is shown in , and weighs approximately 4 ounces, which is lightweight and compact, and therefore easy to store, transport, and use even in large volumes.

[0079] The specific formulations described above for the first and / or second fluid treatment compositions can inhibit freezing of water and associated waste in the holding tank, urinal (if present), and associated piping and pumping or treatment equipment at ambient temperatures of 14°F (-10°C) and above, such as are typically found in colder climates. The formulations can be modified to accommodate different ambient temperatures, such as by providing higher concentrations of salt, magnesium chloride, and / or other components to inhibit freezing of fluid in the waste tank of a toilet.

[0080] Changing the concentration of the colorant in a given composition can change the clarity of the holding tank water or other fluid and affect the apparent urine staining of the block or other secondary fluid treatment composition. Similarly, changing any of the fragrance, salt, and, for example, magnesium chloride, can change the effectiveness of the odor control / barrier provided by these components.

[0081] Water-based colorants are defined in the formulations specified above. Oil-based colorants may also or alternatively be used, but in at least some embodiments, oil-based colorants may undesirably separate from other holding tank fluids and waste, which increases waste visibility. In contrast, separation of oil-based fragrances may cause the fragrance to float on top of the holding tank water, which helps reduce or eliminate undesirable odors.

[0082] Exemplary new uses:

[0083] In some embodiments, the provider delivers a clean, empty portable toilet to a desired location for use at the desired location. The provider can fill about half of a 5-gallon bucket with water available at or near the location (such as from the water supply system at the location, and the provider does not need to provide any water for portable toilets provided, for example, by different providers or other delivery trucks). The provider can then place a single unit of the first fluid treatment composition in the water in the bucket. The first fluid treatment composition will then begin to dissolve. The polyvinyl alcohol advantageously dissolves in water.

[0084] When the first fluid treatment composition dissolves, if desired and if the portable toilet has a urinal, the provider can place the second fluid treatment composition into the urinal of the portable toilet. The provider can then, or in other ways, pour a bucket of water along with the first fluid treatment composition from the bucket into the empty holding tank of the portable toilet. The provider can then add additional water to the holding tank as needed. Agitation will help dissolve any remaining first fluid treatment composition.

[0085] When additional water is added to the holding tank, bubbles may appear. To avoid bubbles, the provider or other entity may pour more water from a bucket or from a hose, such as towards one or more sides of the holding tank.

[0086] Both the first and second fluid-treatment compositions can not only reduce or eliminate freezing of urine or other fluids in the urinal and associated plumbing, but can also enhance the effectiveness of the first fluid-treatment composition in the holding tank and any associated plumbing in or connected to the holding tank, such as during emptying of the holding tank and any subsequent operations involving transporting or processing fluids and waste from the holding tank. Furthermore, any unused portion of the second fluid-treatment composition, and particularly lumps or other solids of such composition, can be readily removed from the urinal for cleaning the urinal or otherwise as needed, such as at the end of use of a portable toilet having a urinal at a given location.

[0087] In some embodiments, the first and second fluid treatment compositions may be specific polyvinyl alcohol and solid composite material embodiments disclosed herein for use in any weather environment. A user need only obtain, store, utilize, etc. one or two such compositions.

[0088] Using the first fluid treatment composition of some embodiments and, if necessary, the second fluid treatment composition can allow providers to require only a two-compartment or one-compartment transport truck or delivery truck. One compartment can be used to hold waste and fluids removed from a used portable toilet, and if the provider does not use a different water supply, such as the local water supply at the location of use, the second compartment can carry fresh water or other fluids, such as to provide water or fluids for the holding tank and to pump waste and fluids from the used portable toilet. In many embodiments, there is no need for a third compartment for salt water, which is only needed during winter months; or for the time, labor, and facilities required to produce salt water.

[0089] Furthermore, due to the increased water supply, trucks can carry more fresh water and clean more toilets, and clean them faster. Furthermore, by using more effective first and second fluid treatment compositions, complications are reduced, including, for example, time lost due to freezing of urine and holding tank fluids and waste.

[0090] The waste disposal apparatus and methods of making and using the same can also be used in other types of portable toilets, as well as in fixed toilet structures. For example, they can be used in conjunction with recreational vehicles ("RVs"), boats, and other outdoor toilets, such as those exposed to freezing temperatures. They can also be used in conjunction with fixed toilets, such as in outdoor toilets, tent toilets, campground toilets, and any other toilet where it would be beneficial to prevent urine, waste, or related disposal materials or facilities from freezing.

[0091] Example of a manufacturing method for producing a batch of a first fluid treatment composition:

[0092] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of a manufacturing system for producing a batch of a first fluid treatment composition for use in a toilet waste tank.

[0093] In some embodiments, sodium chloride is used to fill silo 1, which feeds onto conveyor 2. In some specific embodiments, the sodium chloride is anhydrous sodium chloride. In some very specific embodiments, the sodium chloride is kiln-dried salt.

[0094] In some embodiments, conveyor 2 feeds another silo 3, which can be adjusted to adjust the amount of sodium chloride used in the resulting composition. Depending on the size of the sodium chloride, silo 3 can optionally feed into a mill (such as a roller mill) to reduce the size of the sodium chloride, or feed onto another conveyor, for example to separate the sodium chloride by size.

[0095] In some embodiments, conveyor 2 feeds sodium chloride into a silo 3 having a screen to inhibit sodium chloride larger than a threshold size (such as a threshold size larger than 3.5 mm or larger than 3.2 mm) from entering the downstream mixing auger 4 .

[0096] In some embodiments, the average size of the sodium chloride is at most 3.5 mm. In some specific embodiments, the average size of the sodium chloride is at most 3.2 mm. In some very specific embodiments, the sodium chloride is processed or selected so that its average size is at most 3.5 mm, such as at most 3.2 mm.

[0097] In some embodiments, sodium chloride is fed into mixing auger 4 .

[0098] In some embodiments, the mixing auger 4 mixes the sodium chloride with the additives.

[0099] In some embodiments, a spray system is in fluid communication with the mixing auger 4 such that the spray system can introduce additives into the mixing auger 4 .

[0100] In some embodiments, the additives include one or more of a colorant, a flavorant, a magnesium chloride solution, and an enzyme (such as one or more of a protease, a lipase, an amylase, a cellulase, a urease, and a xylanase, or such as by providing bacteria containing the enzyme). In some embodiments, the spray system introduces one or more of the colorant, the flavorant, the magnesium chloride solution, and the enzyme into the mixing auger 4. In some embodiments, the spray system introduces one or more of the colorant, the flavorant, the magnesium chloride solution, and the enzyme into the mixing auger 4, causing the mixing auger 4 to mix sodium chloride with one or more of the colorant, the flavorant, the magnesium chloride solution, and the enzyme.

[0101] In some embodiments, mixing auger 4 feeds into a second mixing auger 5. In some specific embodiments, mixing auger 4 feeds into a second mixing auger 5, which continues to mix the sodium chloride with one or more of the colorant, flavor, magnesium chloride solution, and enzymes.

[0102] In some embodiments, the second mixing auger 5 feeds into a trommel 8. In some specific embodiments, the second mixing auger 5 feeds into a trommel 8 to optionally remove water from the mixture. In some even more specific embodiments, the second mixing auger 5 feeds into a trommel 8 to optionally remove water from the mixture by optionally directing air through the trommel 8. In some very specific embodiments, the second mixing auger 5 feeds into a trommel 8 to optionally remove water from the mixture by optionally directing heated air through the trommel 8.

[0103] In some embodiments, the trommel 8 feeds a conveyor 9 which feeds a third mixing auger 10 having an attached silo 11 which feeds magnesium chloride, such as magnesium chloride flakes, into the third mixing auger 10 to combine the mixture fed from the trommel 8 with the magnesium chloride to form a final composition.

[0104] In some embodiments, the third mixing auger 10 feeds the final composition into a storage silo 12 .

[0105] In some embodiments, the first fluid treatment composition is the final composition.

[0106] In some embodiments, the first fluid treatment composition is a final composition that is encapsulated by a surface barrier, such as a polyvinyl alcohol bag.

[0107] In some embodiments, storage silo 12 is used to fill another silo that is used to feed a machine that fills polyvinyl alcohol bags.

[0108] In some embodiments, each polyvinyl alcohol bag is filled with at least 100 grams and at most 1 kilogram of the final composition. In some specific embodiments, each polyvinyl alcohol bag is filled with at least 300 grams and at most 900 grams of the final composition. In some very specific embodiments, each polyvinyl alcohol bag is filled with at least 500 grams and at most 700 grams of the final composition. Figure 3 An image of a representative first fluid treatment composition comprising a polyvinyl alcohol bag as a surface barrier is depicted.

[0109] Examples of first fluid treatment compositions:

[0110] Various aspects of the present invention relate to a first fluid treatment composition configured for use with a toilet. In some embodiments, the first fluid treatment composition is configured for use with a toilet that includes a waste trough configured for use at temperatures below 0°C. In some embodiments, the first fluid treatment composition is configured for use with a toilet that includes a waste trough that is not connected to a sewer or septic tank (and the waste trough is also referred to herein as a holding tank). In some very specific embodiments, the first fluid treatment composition is configured for use with a toilet that includes a waste trough that is not connected to a sewer or septic tank, such that waste must be removed from the waste trough.

[0111] In some embodiments, the first fluid treatment composition is configured to be dispersed in an aqueous liquid such that the first fluid treatment composition lowers the freezing point of the aqueous liquid by at least 1°C per 100 grams of the first fluid treatment composition per liter of the aqueous liquid. In some specific embodiments, the first fluid treatment composition is configured to be dispersed in an aqueous liquid such that the first fluid treatment composition lowers the freezing point of the aqueous liquid by at least 2°C per 100 grams of the first fluid treatment composition per liter of the aqueous liquid. In some very specific embodiments, the first fluid treatment composition is configured to be dispersed in an aqueous liquid such that the first fluid treatment composition lowers the freezing point of the aqueous liquid by at least 4°C per 100 grams of the first fluid treatment composition per liter of the aqueous liquid. In some embodiments, the aqueous liquid comprises or consists of biological waste of the type received by the toilet.

[0112] In some embodiments, at least 50% by mass of the first fluid-treatment composition has a solubility of at least 100 g / L in water at 0° C. In some specific embodiments, at least 70% by mass of the first fluid-treatment composition has a solubility of at least 100 g / L in water at 0° C. In some very specific embodiments, at least 90% by mass of the first fluid-treatment composition has a solubility of at least 100 g / L in water at 0° C.

[0113] In some embodiments, the first fluid treatment composition comprises sodium chloride.

[0114] In some embodiments, the first fluid treatment composition comprises sodium chloride at a concentration of at least 50 to 99.99 mass %. In some specific embodiments, the first fluid treatment composition comprises sodium chloride at a concentration of at least 70 to 99.9 mass %. In some very specific embodiments, the first fluid treatment composition comprises sodium chloride at a concentration of at least 90 to 99.9 mass %.

[0115] In some embodiments, the fluid treatment composition comprises water.

[0116] In some embodiments, the first fluid treatment composition comprises water at a concentration of at least 5 ppm and at most 5 mass %. In some specific embodiments, the first fluid treatment composition comprises water at a concentration of at least 10 ppm and at most 2 mass %. In some very specific embodiments, the first fluid treatment composition comprises water at a concentration of at least 20 ppm and at most 1 mass %.

[0117] In some embodiments, the first fluid treatment composition comprises magnesium chloride.

[0118] In some embodiments, the first fluid treatment composition comprises magnesium chloride at a concentration of at least 5 ppm and at most 40% by mass. In some specific embodiments, the first fluid treatment composition comprises magnesium chloride at a concentration of at least 10 ppm and at most 10% by mass. In some very specific embodiments, the first fluid treatment composition comprises magnesium chloride at a concentration of at least 20 ppm and at most 1% by mass.

[0119] In some embodiments, the first fluid treatment composition comprises a colorant. The colorant is not limited, and representative colorants include LIQUITINT TM Colorants (Milliken & Company), which can optionally be combined to achieve desired color characteristics. The term "colorant" refers to individual colorants and combinations thereof.

[0120] In some embodiments, the first fluid treatment composition comprises a colorant at a concentration of at least 1 ppm and at most 2 mass %. In some specific embodiments, the first fluid treatment composition comprises a colorant at a concentration of at least 5 ppm and at most 1 mass %. In some very specific embodiments, the first fluid treatment composition comprises a colorant at a concentration of at least 10 ppm and at most 0.5 mass %.

[0121] In some embodiments, the first fluid treatment composition comprises a fragrance. The fragrance is not limited, and representative fragrances include Apple Aire (Sunrise Environmental Scientific). The term "fragrance" refers to individual fragrances and combinations thereof.

[0122] In some embodiments, the first fluid treatment composition comprises a fragrance at a concentration of at least 10 ppm and at most 20% by mass. In some specific embodiments, the first fluid treatment composition comprises a fragrance at a concentration of at least 50 ppm and at most 2% by mass. In some very specific embodiments, the first fluid treatment composition comprises a fragrance at a concentration of at least 100 ppm and at most 1% by mass.

[0123] In some embodiments, the first fluid treatment composition comprises an enzyme. In some specific embodiments, the first fluid treatment composition comprises bacteria that contain an enzyme. In some very specific embodiments, the bacteria are alive, but the nature of the bacteria is not limited, for example, because replication-deficient bacteria can still contain active enzymes.

[0124] In some embodiments, the first fluid treatment composition comprises one or both of ethylenediaminetetraacetate and a salt of ethylenediaminetetraacetate.

[0125] In some embodiments, the first fluid treatment composition comprises one or more surfactants. In some specific embodiments, the first fluid treatment composition comprises one or more anionic surfactants. In some even more specific embodiments, the first fluid treatment composition comprises one or more hydrotropic anionic surfactants. In some very specific embodiments, the first fluid treatment composition comprises one or more surfactants selected from the group consisting of alkyl sulfates, xylene sulfonates, alkylbenzene sulfonates, and one or more salts of alkyl sulfates, xylene sulfonates, and alkylbenzene sulfonates.

[0126] Use of the novel first fluid treatment composition:

[0127] In some embodiments, the first fluid treatment composition is dispersed in 1 to 20 liters of water, and in one embodiment in about 9.5 liters of water.In some embodiments, the dispersed composition is then poured into the tank or holding compartment of an outdoor toilet.

[0128] The dispersed composition inhibits freezing of waste (such as urine), which is desirable because frozen waste significantly increases the time, labor, and materials required to clean outdoor toilets. When used in combination with the second fluid treatment composition described herein, the first fluid treatment composition (which is a polyvinyl alcohol bag containing approximately 100 to 1000 grams, and in one embodiment, about 600 grams of the final composition) is generally capable of inhibiting freezing of waste at a temperature of -7°C (about 20°F). When used in combination with the second fluid treatment composition described herein, two polyvinyl alcohol bags containing a total of about 1200 grams of the final composition are generally capable of inhibiting freezing of waste at a temperature of -12°C (about 10°F). When used in combination with the second fluid treatment composition described herein, three polyvinyl alcohol bags containing a total of about 1800 grams of the final composition are generally capable of inhibiting freezing of waste at a temperature of -18°C (about 0°F).

[0129] In some embodiments, the polyvinyl alcohol bags are stable against degradation in the absence of added water for at least 1 month. In some specific embodiments, the polyvinyl alcohol bags are stable against degradation in the absence of added water for at least 2 months. In some very specific embodiments, the polyvinyl alcohol bags are stable against degradation in the absence of added water for at least 5 months.

[0130] In this specification, the term "stable against degradation in the absence of added water" refers to stability during storage and transportation such that the polyvinyl alcohol bag contains the contents placed therein.

[0131] In some embodiments, the polyvinyl alcohol bag contains at least 1 gram and at most 10 grams of polyvinyl alcohol. In some specific embodiments, the polyvinyl alcohol bag contains at least 1.5 grams and at most 5 grams of polyvinyl alcohol. In some very specific embodiments, the polyvinyl alcohol bag contains at least 2 grams and at most 4 grams of polyvinyl alcohol.

[0132] In some embodiments, the polyvinyl alcohol bag has a thickness of at least 2 microns and at most 200 microns. In some specific embodiments, the polyvinyl alcohol bag has a thickness of at least 10 microns and at most 100 microns. In some very specific embodiments, the polyvinyl alcohol bag has a thickness of at least 20 microns and at most 80 microns.

[0133] In some embodiments, the first fluid treatment composition comprises at least 1 gram and at most 10 grams of polyvinyl alcohol. In some specific embodiments, the first fluid treatment composition comprises at least 1.5 grams and at most 5 grams of polyvinyl alcohol. In some very specific embodiments, the first fluid treatment composition comprises at least 2 grams and at most 4 grams of polyvinyl alcohol.

[0134] In some embodiments, the waste tank fluid treatment composition comprises at least 1 gram and at most 100 grams of polyvinyl alcohol. In some specific embodiments, the waste tank fluid treatment composition comprises at least 1.5 grams and at most 50 grams of polyvinyl alcohol. In some very specific embodiments, the waste tank fluid treatment composition comprises at least 2 grams and at most 25 grams of polyvinyl alcohol.

[0135] In some embodiments, the first fluid treatment composition comprises polyvinyl alcohol at a concentration of at least 0.1% by mass and at most 5% by mass. In some specific embodiments, the first fluid treatment composition comprises polyvinyl alcohol at a concentration of at least 0.2% by mass and at most 2% by mass. In some very specific embodiments, the first fluid treatment composition comprises polyvinyl alcohol at a concentration of at least 0.4% by mass and at most 1% by mass.

[0136] In this specification, "about" refers to a range of 50% to 150% of a numerical value.

[0137] Example of a manufacturing method for producing a batch of a second fluid treatment composition:

[0138] Figure 2 Schematic diagram of a manufacturing system for producing a batch of a second fluid treatment composition, which is a solid composite material for urinals. The manufacturing system shares the first five components with the manufacturing system used to produce the first batch of the fluid treatment composition, and these five shared components are Figure 1 and Figure 2 Indicated by reference numerals 1-5.

[0139] In some embodiments, sodium chloride is used to fill silo 1, which feeds onto conveyor 2. In some specific embodiments, the sodium chloride is anhydrous sodium chloride. In some very specific embodiments, the sodium chloride is kiln-dried salt.

[0140] In some embodiments, conveyor 2 feeds another silo 3, which can be adjusted to adjust the amount of sodium chloride used in the resulting composition. Depending on the size of the sodium chloride, silo 3 can optionally feed into a mill (such as a roller mill) to reduce the size of the sodium chloride, or feed onto another conveyor, for example to separate the sodium chloride by size.

[0141] In some embodiments, conveyor 2 feeds sodium chloride into a silo 3 having a screen to inhibit sodium chloride larger than a threshold size (such as a threshold size greater than 2 mm or greater than 1.6 mm) from entering the downstream mixing auger 4 .

[0142] In some embodiments, the sodium chloride has an average size of at most 2 mm. In some specific embodiments, the sodium chloride has an average size of at most 1.6 mm. In some very specific embodiments, the sodium chloride is processed or selected so that it has an average size of at most 2 mm or at most 1.6 mm.

[0143] In some embodiments, sodium chloride is fed into mixing auger 4 .

[0144] In some embodiments, the mixing auger 4 mixes the sodium chloride with the additives.

[0145] In some embodiments, the spray system is in fluid communication with the mixing auger 4 such that the spray system introduces the additive into the mixing auger 4 .

[0146] In some embodiments, the additives include one or both of a colorant and a flavorant. In some embodiments, the spray system introduces one or both of the colorant and the flavorant into the mixing auger 4. In some embodiments, the spray system introduces one or both of the colorant and the flavorant into the mixing auger 4, causing the mixing auger 4 to mix the sodium chloride with one or both of the colorant and the flavorant.

[0147] In some embodiments, mixing auger 4 feeds into a second mixing auger 5. In some specific embodiments, mixing auger 4 feeds into a second mixing auger 5, which continues to mix the sodium chloride with one or both of the colorant and the flavor.

[0148] In some embodiments, a silo feeds additional one or more of sodium chloride, potassium bitartrate, and sodium bicarbonate into the second mixing auger 5 .

[0149] In some embodiments, the second mixing auger 5 mixes sodium chloride, one or both of the coloring agents and flavoring agents, and one or more of additional sodium chloride, potassium bitartrate, and sodium bicarbonate. In some specific embodiments, the second mixing auger 5 mixes and hardens sodium chloride, one or both of the coloring agents and flavoring agents, and one or more of additional sodium chloride, potassium bitartrate, and sodium bicarbonate. In some very specific embodiments, the second mixing auger 5 mixes and hardens sodium chloride, one or both of the coloring agents and flavoring agents, and one or more of additional sodium chloride, potassium bitartrate, and sodium bicarbonate so that the mixture has a consistency similar to wet sand.

[0150] In some embodiments, the second mixing auger 5 feeds a conveyor 6 which feeds a silo 7 upstream of the press.

[0151] In some embodiments, the press is filled with and presses the second fluid treatment composition (which comprises the mixture mixed by the second mixing auger 5 ).

[0152] In some embodiments, the press is of the type used to press charcoal briquettes, such as the type used to heat hookahs. However, the type of press 7 is not limited.

[0153] In some embodiments, each second fluid treatment composition has a mass of at least 50 grams and at most 500 grams. In some specific embodiments, each second fluid treatment composition has a mass of at least 60 grams and at most 300 grams. In some very specific embodiments, each second fluid treatment composition has a mass of at least 75 grams and at most 150 grams.

[0154] In some embodiments, the second fluid treatment composition is packaged. In some specific embodiments, the second fluid treatment composition is packaged at least 2 hours after it is discharged from press 7. In some very specific embodiments, the second fluid treatment composition is packaged at least 20 hours after it is discharged from press 7.

[0155] A representative second fluid treatment composition is Figure 4 and Figure 5 Shown in.

[0156] New Second Fluid Treatment Composition:

[0157] Various aspects of the present invention relate to a second fluid treatment composition configured for use with a toilet or urinal. In some specific embodiments, the second fluid treatment composition is configured for use with a toilet or urinal that includes a waste trough configured for use at temperatures below 0°C. In some specific embodiments, the second fluid treatment composition is configured for use with a toilet or urinal that includes a waste trough that is not connected to a sewer or septic tank (and the waste trough is also referred to herein as a holding tank). In some very specific embodiments, the second fluid treatment composition is configured for use with a toilet or urinal that includes a waste trough that is not connected to a sewer or septic tank, such that waste must be removed from the waste trough.

[0158] In some embodiments, the second fluid treatment composition is configured to be dispersed in an aqueous liquid such that the second fluid treatment composition lowers the freezing point of the aqueous liquid by at least 1°C per 100 grams of the second fluid treatment composition per liter of aqueous liquid. In some specific embodiments, the second fluid treatment composition is configured to be dispersed in an aqueous liquid such that the second fluid treatment composition lowers the freezing point of the aqueous liquid by at least 2°C per 100 grams of the second fluid treatment composition per liter of aqueous liquid. In some very specific embodiments, the second fluid treatment composition is configured to be dispersed in an aqueous liquid such that the second fluid treatment composition lowers the freezing point of the aqueous liquid by at least 4°C per 100 grams of the second fluid treatment composition per liter of aqueous liquid. In some embodiments, the aqueous liquid comprises or consists of biological waste of the type received by a toilet or urinal.

[0159] In some embodiments, at least 50% by mass of the second fluid-treatment composition has a solubility of at least 100 g / L in water at 0° C. In some specific embodiments, at least 70% by mass of the second fluid-treatment composition has a solubility of at least 100 g / L in water at 0° C. In some very specific embodiments, at least 80% by mass of the second fluid-treatment composition has a solubility of at least 100 g / L in water at 0° C.

[0160] In some embodiments, the second fluid treatment composition comprises sodium chloride.

[0161] In some embodiments, the second fluid treatment composition comprises sodium chloride at a concentration of at least 50% by mass and at most 99.99% by mass. In some specific embodiments, the second fluid treatment composition comprises sodium chloride at a concentration of at least 70% by mass and at most 99.9% by mass. In some very specific embodiments, the second fluid treatment composition comprises sodium chloride at a concentration of at least 90% by mass and at most 99.9% by mass.

[0162] In some embodiments, the fluid treatment composition comprises water.

[0163] In some embodiments, the second fluid treatment composition comprises water at a concentration of at least 5 ppm and at most 5 mass %. In some specific embodiments, the second fluid treatment composition comprises water at a concentration of at least 10 ppm and at most 2 mass %. In some very specific embodiments, the second fluid treatment composition comprises water at a concentration of at least 20 ppm and at most 1 mass %.

[0164] In some embodiments, the second fluid treatment composition comprises magnesium chloride.

[0165] In some embodiments, the second fluid treatment composition comprises magnesium chloride at a concentration of at least 5 ppm and at most 40% by mass. In some specific embodiments, the second fluid treatment composition comprises magnesium chloride at a concentration of at least 10 ppm and at most 10% by mass. In some very specific embodiments, the second fluid treatment composition comprises magnesium chloride at a concentration of at least 20 ppm and at most 1% by mass.

[0166] In some embodiments, the second fluid treatment composition comprises a bitartrate. In some specific embodiments, the second fluid treatment composition comprises potassium bitartrate or sodium bitartrate. In some very specific embodiments, the second fluid treatment composition comprises potassium bitartrate. In some very specific embodiments, the second fluid treatment composition comprises sodium bitartrate.

[0167] In some embodiments, the second fluid treatment composition comprises bitartrate at a concentration of at least 100 ppm and at most 20% by mass. In some specific embodiments, the second fluid treatment composition comprises bitartrate at a concentration of at least 0.1% by mass and at most 17% by mass. In some very specific embodiments, the second fluid treatment composition comprises bitartrate at a concentration of at least 2% by mass and at most 15% by mass.

[0168] In some embodiments, the second fluid treatment composition comprises a bicarbonate. In some specific embodiments, the second fluid treatment composition comprises potassium bicarbonate or sodium bicarbonate. In some very specific embodiments, the second fluid treatment composition comprises potassium bicarbonate. In some very specific embodiments, the second fluid treatment composition comprises sodium bicarbonate.

[0169] In some embodiments, the second fluid treatment composition comprises bicarbonate at a concentration of at least 100 ppm and at most 20% by mass. In some specific embodiments, the second fluid treatment composition comprises bicarbonate at a concentration of at least 0.1% by mass and at most 17% by mass. In some very specific embodiments, the second fluid treatment composition comprises bicarbonate at a concentration of at least 2% by mass and at most 15% by mass.

[0170] In some embodiments, the second fluid treatment composition comprises a colorant. The colorant is not limited, and representative colorants include LIQUITINT TM Colorants (Milliken & Company), which can optionally be combined to achieve desired color characteristics.

[0171] In some embodiments, the second fluid treatment composition comprises a colorant at a concentration of at least 1 ppm and at most 2 mass %. In some specific embodiments, the second fluid treatment composition comprises a colorant at a concentration of at least 5 ppm and at most 1 mass %. In some very specific embodiments, the second fluid treatment composition comprises a colorant at a concentration of at least 10 ppm and at most 0.5 mass %.

[0172] In some embodiments, the second fluid treatment composition comprises a fragrance. The fragrance is not limited, and representative fragrances include Apple Aire (Sunrise Environmental Scientific).

[0173] In some embodiments, the second fluid treatment composition comprises a fragrance at a concentration of at least 10 ppm and at most 20% by mass. In some specific embodiments, the second fluid treatment composition comprises a fragrance at a concentration of at least 50 ppm and at most 2% by mass. In some very specific embodiments, the second fluid treatment composition comprises a fragrance at a concentration of at least 100 ppm and at most 1% by mass.

[0174] Use of the new second fluid treatment composition:

[0175] In some embodiments, the second fluid treatment composition is added to the urinal of an outdoor toilet to inhibit freezing of waste in the trough or holding compartment of the outdoor toilet, which is desirable because frozen waste significantly increases the time, labor, and materials required to clean the outdoor toilet. A mass of about 120 grams of the second fluid treatment composition typically has a lifespan of up to about two weeks, depending on the usage rate of the urinal.

[0176] Comprising a first fluid treatment composition or a waste tank fluid treatment composition and a second fluid treatment

[0177] Portable toilet with a good composition:

[0178] Various aspects of the present invention relate to the following steps before or after a waste tank fluid treatment composition is produced from a first fluid treatment composition: Figure 6 and Figure 7 A toilet system of the type depicted. Figure 6 and Figure 7 Both depict a toilet system prior to producing a waste tank fluid treatment composition from a first fluid treatment composition.

[0179] Figure 6 and Figure 7 The toilet systems of each include a toilet (located on the right side of each image) and a black toilet seat. Each toilet is in fluid communication with a wastewater tank of the toilet system, which is located directly below each toilet.

[0180] Figure 6 and Figure 7 Each of the toilet systems includes a urinal (located on the left side of each image). The toilet system also includes a urinal line that allows fluid communication between the urinal and the waste tank. Figure 7 The urinal piping in the comprises a rod-shaped tube connecting the urinal to a cylindrical tube which connects the urinal piping to the waste tank. Figure 6 It is not shown in the figure, but it still exists between the urinal and the waste trough.

[0181] Figure 6 and Figure 7 Each of the urinals shows a second fluid treatment composition. The second fluid treatment composition is a dark, rectangular parallelepiped-shaped object in each image.

[0182] Figure 6 and Figure 7 Each shows a first fluid treatment composition, which is immediately to the left of the toilet in each image. In some embodiments, the first fluid treatment composition is inserted into the toilet (not shown). In some embodiments, the first fluid treatment composition is dispersed in water to prepare a waste tank fluid treatment composition that is inserted into the toilet (not shown).

[0183] Figure 6 and Figure 7 The urinal, toilet, waste trough and urinal pipe of the toilet system are all arranged in the shell and fixed in their respective shells. Each shell is included in Figure 6 and Figure 7 The walls and floor are partially shown, and the roof and doors are not shown.

[0184] Figure 6 and Figure 7 The toilet system of the type shown is typically used by first installing a housing in a certain position, the housing including components fixed within the housing. The second fluid treatment composition is typically inserted into the urinal after the housing is installed in a certain position. The waste treatment fluid composition is typically prepared from the first fluid treatment composition by dispersing the first fluid treatment composition in water; the waste treatment fluid composition is then typically inserted into the waste trough through the toilet. The second fluid treatment composition may be inserted into the urinal before the housing is installed in a certain position, after the housing is installed in a certain position and before the waste treatment fluid composition is prepared, or after the waste treatment composition is prepared (for example, when the operator is convenient). For example, in order to avoid the waste treatment fluid composition from splashing out of the waste trough during installation, the waste treatment fluid composition is typically inserted into the waste trough after the housing is installed in a certain position, but the order of insertion for installation is not limited. When the waste treatment fluid composition is not prepared from the first fluid treatment composition and the first fluid treatment composition is inserted into the waste trough, for example, as a solid, the order of insertion for installing the housing in a certain position is not limited.

[0185] Changes to the previous embodiment:

[0186] Those skilled in the art will recognize that the foregoing examples can be modified in many ways to obtain other novel compositions that behave similarly to the fluid treatment compositions described above.

[0187] In some embodiments, one or more silos and conveyors are replaced with other components to store and feed the various ingredients and compositions of the process. The use of silos and conveyors is not limited. The word "silo" should not be construed as limiting, and any given silo may be replaced, for example, with a bag or hopper when the situation warrants. The word "conveyor" should not be construed as limiting and may be omitted or replaced, for example, to allow a person to perform the conveying function or to allow a non-conveyor device such as a cart to perform the conveying.

[0188] In some embodiments, the mixing steps are combined, for example, by using a single mixing auger instead of a mixing auger and a second mixing auger, or instead of using a mixing auger, a second mixing auger, and a third mixing auger.

[0189] In some embodiments, for example, one or more mixers (such as one or more industrial mixers) are used in place of one or more mixing augers.

[0190] In some embodiments, the ingredients or mixture are dried, for example, in a kiln. In some specific embodiments, the mixture fed from the second mixing auger is dried, for example, in a kiln in place of a trommel.

[0191] In some embodiments, the first fluid treatment composition of the present invention is provided as a dry bulk material, for example in a box or bag. In some specific embodiments, the first fluid treatment composition of the present invention is provided as a dry bulk material, for example in a box or bag other than a polyvinyl alcohol bag.

[0192] In some embodiments, the first fluid treatment composition of the present invention is pelletized. In some specific embodiments, the first fluid treatment composition of the present invention is pelletized rather than provided in polyvinyl alcohol bags.

[0193] In some embodiments, the first fluid treatment composition of the present invention comprises or consists of a solid composite material. In some specific embodiments, the first fluid treatment composition of the present invention comprises or consists of a solid composite material, rather than being provided in a polyvinyl alcohol bag.

[0194] In some embodiments, the first fluid treatment composition of the present invention is a pressed brick. In some specific embodiments, the first fluid treatment composition of the present invention is a pressed brick, rather than being provided in a polyvinyl alcohol bag.

[0195] In some embodiments, the first fluid treatment composition of the present invention is a pre-dissolved liquid. In some specific embodiments, the first fluid treatment composition of the present invention is dissolved in an aqueous liquid (such as water) to produce a pre-dissolved liquid. In some very specific embodiments, the first fluid treatment composition of the present invention is dissolved in an aqueous liquid (such as water) to produce a pre-dissolved liquid, rather than being provided in a polyvinyl alcohol bag.

[0196] Advantages of the above new composition:

[0197] Sodium chloride increases the salinity of the water in a portable toilet. It also inhibits the freezing of wastewater, such as that contained in the toilet's wastewater tank. It also improves the shape stability of the fluid treatment composition. It also acts as a deodorant, inhibiting the release of unpleasant odors.

[0198] Magnesium chloride inhibits the freezing of waste water, such as waste water in the waste tank of a toilet. Magnesium chloride also improves the stability of polyvinyl alcohol.

[0199] The colorant masks unpleasant waste colors in the toilet bowl and on the secondary fluid treatment composition of the present invention during use.

[0200] The fragrance masks unpleasant waste odors in the toilet bowl and on the second fluid treatment composition of the present invention during use.

[0201] Enzymes increase the rate of waste degradation, which improves waste disposal and can reduce unpleasant odors generated by the waste.

[0202] Potassium bitartrate improves the shape stability of the fluid treatment composition, which is a solid composite material.

[0203] Sodium bicarbonate improves the shape stability of the fluid treatment composition (which is a solid composite material) and is also a deodorant that inhibits the release of unpleasant odors.

[0204] Additional Ingredients:

[0205] In some embodiments, a saline solution may be used in place of, or in addition to, one or more of the sodium chloride, magnesium chloride solution, and magnesium chloride flakes.

[0206] In some embodiments, a magnesium chloride hydrate such as magnesium chloride hexahydrate may be used in place of or in addition to one or more of sodium chloride, magnesium chloride solution, and magnesium chloride flakes.

[0207] In some embodiments, calcium magnesium acetate may be used in place of, or in addition to, one or more of sodium chloride, magnesium chloride solution, and magnesium chloride flakes.

[0208] In some embodiments, urea may be used in place of, or in addition to, one or more of sodium chloride, magnesium chloride solution, and magnesium chloride flakes.

[0209] In some embodiments, calcium chloride may be used in place of, or in addition to, one or more of sodium chloride, magnesium chloride solution, and magnesium chloride flakes.

[0210] In some embodiments, potassium chloride may be used in place of, or in addition to, one or more of sodium chloride, magnesium chloride solution, and magnesium chloride flakes.

[0211] In some embodiments, sodium formate may be used in place of, or in addition to, one or more of sodium chloride, magnesium chloride solution, and magnesium chloride flakes.

[0212] In some embodiments, potassium formate may be used in place of, or in addition to, one or more of sodium chloride, magnesium chloride solution, and magnesium chloride flakes.

[0213] In some embodiments, sodium acetate may be used in place of, or in addition to, one or more of sodium chloride, magnesium chloride solution, and magnesium chloride flakes.

[0214] In some embodiments, sodium gluconate may be used in place of, or in addition to, one or more of sodium chloride, magnesium chloride solution, and magnesium chloride flakes.

[0215] In some embodiments, potassium sulfate may be used in place of, or in addition to, one or more of sodium chloride, magnesium chloride solution, and magnesium chloride flakes.

[0216] In some embodiments, corn-derived enhancers may be used in any of the fluid treatment compositions of the present invention.

[0217] In some embodiments, corn-derived corrosion inhibitors may be used in any of the fluid treatment compositions of the present invention.

[0218] In some embodiments, molasses may be used in any of the fluid treatment compositions of the present invention.

[0219] In some embodiments, beet juice may be used in any of the fluid treatment compositions of the present invention.

[0220] Additional features of some embodiments:

[0221] Various aspects of the present invention relate to a toilet system comprising a toilet, a urinal, a urinal plumbing, a waste trough, a waste trough fluid treatment composition, and a second fluid treatment composition.

[0222] In some embodiments, the waste trough fluid treatment composition and the second fluid treatment composition are configured to inhibit freezing of wastewater in the waste trough of the toilet system after use to facilitate emptying the waste trough at subfreezing temperatures.

[0223] In some embodiments, the toilet is in fluid communication with a waste trough. In some specific embodiments, the toilet is in fluid communication with a waste trough such that waste from the toilet is directed into the waste trough.

[0224] In some embodiments, the urinal is in fluid communication with a urinal line, and the urinal line is in fluid communication with a waste tank.

[0225] In some embodiments, a urinal plumbing line allows fluid communication between the urinal and the waste tank.

[0226] In some embodiments, the toilet system has no piping for flushing waste from the toilet.In some specific embodiments, the toilet system has no piping for flushing waste from the toilet by washing the waste out of the toilet with water.

[0227] In this specification, "water" that is not part of a composition refers to liquid water that typically contains solutes, such as tap water, and "water" that is part of a composition refers to water molecules (i.e., H2O). For example, water used to flush waste from a toilet or dissolve another composition refers to liquid water that typically contains solutes. For example, a composition containing water at a particular concentration or concentration range refers to a certain concentration of water molecules.

[0228] In some embodiments, the toilet system has no plumbing for flushing waste from the urinal. In some specific embodiments, the toilet system has no plumbing for flushing waste from the urinal by flushing the waste from the urinal with water.

[0229] In some embodiments, the toilet system is not in fluid communication with a sewer. In some specific embodiments, the toilet system is not in fluid communication with a sewer.

[0230] In some embodiments, the toilet system is not in fluid communication with a septic tank. In some specific embodiments, the toilet system is not in fluid communication with a septic tank.

[0231] In some embodiments, the toilet system is a portable toilet.

[0232] In some embodiments, the waste tank contains a waste tank fluid treatment composition.

[0233] In some embodiments, the waste tank fluid treatment composition comprises a first salt.

[0234] In some embodiments, the first salt is selected from sodium chloride, potassium chloride, calcium chloride, magnesium chloride or hydrates thereof, sodium acetate, calcium magnesium acetate, sodium formate, potassium formate, sodium gluconate, potassium gluconate, sodium sulfate and potassium sulfate. In some specific embodiments, the first salt is sodium chloride.

[0235] In some embodiments, the waste tank fluid treatment composition comprises at least 500 grams of sodium chloride in the form of one or both of sodium chloride salt and dissolved sodium chloride. In some specific embodiments, the waste tank fluid treatment composition comprises at least 500 grams of sodium chloride in the form of dissolved sodium chloride.

[0236] In some embodiments, the waste trough is free of waste and the waste trough fluid treatment composition is free of waste. In some specific embodiments, the waste trough is free of waste and the waste trough fluid treatment composition is free of waste because the toilet system is clean and newly installed and the toilet or urinal has not been used. In some very specific embodiments, the toilet system is newly installed and has been cleaned after the toilet or urinal was previously used.

[0237] In some embodiments, the waste tank fluid treatment composition is a liquid.

[0238] In some embodiments, the second fluid treatment composition is a solid composite material. In some specific embodiments, the second fluid treatment composition is a solid composite material comprising a second salt.

[0239] In some embodiments, the second salt is selected from sodium chloride, potassium chloride, calcium chloride, magnesium chloride or hydrates thereof, sodium acetate, calcium magnesium acetate, sodium formate, potassium formate, sodium gluconate, potassium gluconate, sodium sulfate, potassium sulfate, sodium hydrogen tartrate, potassium hydrogen tartrate, sodium bicarbonate and potassium bicarbonate. In some specific embodiments, the second salt is sodium chloride.

[0240] In some embodiments, the second fluid treatment composition is a solid composite material comprising at least 75 grams of sodium chloride salt.

[0241] As used herein, a "solid composite material" is a heterogeneous mixture having a three-dimensional shape that has sufficient structural integrity to be transported and handled without significant deformation of the three-dimensional shape, such as by breaking into particles. Concrete is an example of a solid composite material, and a sandcastle is an example of a three-dimensional shape composed of a heterogeneous mixture, but it is not a solid composite material. A portion of the solid composite material may break into particles during normal transport and handling, and in such cases, the term "solid composite material" refers to any heterogeneous mixture having a three-dimensional shape that has sufficient structural integrity such that greater than 95% of the heterogeneous mixture retains its three-dimensional shape during normal transport and handling, and, for example, no more than 5% of the heterogeneous mixture breaks away from greater than 95% of the heterogeneous mixture during normal transport and handling.

[0242] In some embodiments, the waste tank fluid treatment composition is prepared by dispersing the first fluid treatment composition in water. In some embodiments, the waste tank fluid treatment composition is prepared by dissolving the first fluid treatment composition in water.

[0243] In some specific embodiments, the first salt of the waste tank fluid treatment composition is dissolved sodium chloride; the first salt of the first fluid treatment composition is a sodium chloride salt; and the waste tank fluid treatment composition is prepared by dispersing the first fluid treatment composition in water to convert a majority of the sodium chloride salt of the first fluid treatment composition into dissolved sodium chloride.

[0244] In some embodiments, at least 500 grams of the sodium chloride of the waste tank fluid treatment composition is dissolved sodium chloride, and the waste tank fluid treatment composition is prepared by dispersing a first fluid treatment composition comprising a sodium chloride salt in water to convert a majority of the sodium chloride salt of the first fluid treatment composition to dissolved sodium chloride.

[0245] In some embodiments, the first fluid treatment composition comprises a first salt.

[0246] In some embodiments, the first salt is selected from sodium chloride, potassium chloride, calcium chloride, magnesium chloride or hydrates thereof, sodium acetate, calcium magnesium acetate, sodium formate, potassium formate, sodium gluconate, potassium gluconate, sodium sulfate and potassium sulfate. In some specific embodiments, the first salt is sodium chloride.

[0247] In some embodiments, the first fluid treatment composition comprises a sodium chloride salt at a concentration of at least 90 mass % and at most 99.9 mass %.

[0248] In some embodiments, the first fluid treatment composition comprises at least 500 grams of sodium chloride salt.

[0249] In some embodiments, the first fluid treatment composition comprises a sodium chloride salt, one or more colorants, and one or more flavorants.

[0250] In some embodiments, the first fluid treatment composition comprises one or more colorants at a concentration of at least 10 ppm and at most 0.5 mass %.

[0251] In some embodiments, the first fluid treatment composition comprises one or more fragrances at a concentration of at least 100 ppm and at most 1% by mass.

[0252] In some embodiments, the first fluid treatment composition comprises one or more water-immiscible fragrances.

[0253] In some embodiments, the first fluid treatment composition has a mass of at least 500 grams and at most 1 kilogram.

[0254] In some embodiments, the first fluid treatment composition comprises a surface barrier layer that surrounds the remainder of the first fluid treatment composition. In some specific embodiments, the first fluid treatment composition comprises a surface barrier layer that surrounds the remainder of the first fluid treatment composition and comprises polyvinyl alcohol.

[0255] In some embodiments, the waste tank fluid treatment composition is prepared from a first fluid treatment composition comprising a surface barrier layer surrounding the remainder of the first fluid treatment composition. In some specific embodiments, the waste tank fluid treatment composition is prepared from a first fluid treatment composition comprising a surface barrier layer surrounding the remainder of the first fluid treatment composition and comprising polyvinyl alcohol.

[0256] In some embodiments, the waste tank fluid treatment composition comprises polyvinyl alcohol.

[0257] In some embodiments, the second fluid treatment composition is placed in the urinal. In some specific embodiments, the second fluid treatment composition is placed in the urinal such that upon continued use of the urinal, a continuous portion of the solid composite material dissolves to inhibit freezing of liquid in the urinal plumbing and to increase the amount of mass of dissolved sodium chloride in the waste trough. In some even more specific embodiments, the solid composite material is configured such that upon continued use of the urinal, a continuous portion of the solid composite material dissolves, except for portions of the solid composite material that lack strong solubility in water. In some very specific embodiments, the solid composite material is configured such that upon continued use of the urinal, a continuous portion of the solid composite material dissolves, except for portions of the solid composite material that lack strong solubility in water, such as one or more fragrances.

[0258] In some embodiments, the solid composite material comprises a sodium chloride salt, one or more colorants, one or more flavoring agents, and a bitartrate salt selected from sodium bitartrate and potassium bitartrate.

[0259] In some embodiments, the solid composite material comprises sodium chloride salt at a concentration of at least 75% and at most 95% by mass.

[0260] In some embodiments, the solid composite material comprises bitartrate at a concentration of at least 2% and at most 15% by mass.

[0261] In some embodiments, the solid composite material comprises one or more colorants at a concentration of at least 10 ppm and at most 0.5 mass %.

[0262] In some embodiments, the solid composite material comprises one or more flavoring agents at a concentration of at least 100 ppm and at most 1% by mass.

[0263] In some embodiments, the solid composite material comprises one or more water-immiscible flavoring agents.

[0264] In some embodiments, the solid composite material has a mass of at least 75 grams and at most 500 grams.

[0265] Various aspects of the present invention relate to a kit that facilitates the removal of waste from a waste tank at subfreezing temperatures, the kit comprising a first fluid treatment composition and a second fluid treatment composition.

[0266] In some embodiments, the kit is configured for use with a toilet system comprising (1) a toilet in fluid communication with a waste trough such that waste from the toilet is directed into the waste trough, and (2) a urinal line allowing fluid communication between the urinal and the waste trough.

[0267] In some embodiments, the first fluid treatment composition is configured to be inserted into a waste tank to inhibit freezing of wastewater in the waste tank.

[0268] In some embodiments, the second fluid treatment composition is a solid composite material comprising at least 75 grams of sodium chloride.

[0269] In some embodiments, the solid composite material comprises sodium chloride salt at a concentration of at least 75% and at most 95% by mass.

[0270] In some embodiments, the second fluid treatment composition is configured to be placed in a urinal such that upon continued use of the urinal, a continuous portion of the solid composite material dissolves to inhibit freezing of liquid in the urinal plumbing and to increase the amount of sodium chloride mass in the waste trough, thereby inhibiting freezing of the wastewater. In some specific embodiments, the solid composite material is configured such that upon continued use of the urinal, a continuous portion of the solid composite material dissolves, except for portions of the solid composite material that lack strong solubility in water. In some very specific embodiments, the solid composite material is configured such that upon continued use of the urinal, a continuous portion of the solid composite material dissolves, except for portions of the solid composite material that lack strong solubility in water, such as one or more fragrances.

[0271] In some embodiments, the kit is configured to treat a toilet system that does not have a line to flush waste from the toilet.

[0272] In some embodiments, the kit is configured to treat a toilet system that does not have a line for flushing waste from a urinal.

[0273] In some embodiments, the kit is configured to treat a toilet system that is not connected to a sewer.

[0274] In some embodiments, the kit is configured to treat a toilet system that is not in communication with a septic tank.

[0275] In some embodiments, the kit is configured to treat a toilet system that is a portable toilet.

[0276] In some embodiments, the first fluid treatment composition has a total mass of at most 10 kilograms.

[0277] In some embodiments, the first fluid treatment composition comprises at least 500 grams of sodium chloride.

[0278] In some embodiments, the first fluid treatment composition comprises a sodium chloride salt at a concentration of at least 90 mass % and at most 99.9 mass %.

[0279] In some embodiments, the first fluid treatment composition comprises one or more water-immiscible fragrances.

[0280] In some embodiments, the first fluid treatment composition comprises a surface barrier layer that surrounds the remainder of the first fluid treatment composition and comprises polyvinyl alcohol.

[0281] In some embodiments, the second fluid treatment composition has a total mass of at most 500 grams.

[0282] In some embodiments, the solid composite material comprises a bitartrate salt selected from sodium bitartrate and potassium bitartrate in a concentration of at least 2% by mass and at most 15% by mass.

[0283] In some embodiments, the solid composite material comprises one or more water-immiscible flavoring agents.

[0284] Various aspects of the present invention relate to fluid treatment compositions for inhibiting freezing of waste in a toilet having a waste trough.

[0285] In some embodiments, the fluid treatment composition is configured to disperse in water and is used to lower the freezing point of wastewater in a toilet waste tank. In some specific embodiments, the fluid treatment composition is configured to dissolve in water. In some very specific embodiments, the fluid treatment composition is configured to dissolve in water, except for portions of the fluid treatment composition that lack strong solubility in water, such as one or more fragrances.

[0286] In some embodiments, the fluid treatment composition has a mass of at least 100 grams and at most 1000 grams. In some specific embodiments, the fluid treatment composition has a mass of at least 500 grams and at most 700 grams.

[0287] In some embodiments, the fluid treatment composition comprises a sodium chloride salt at a concentration of at least 90 mass % and at most 99.9 mass %.

[0288] In some embodiments, the sodium chloride salt has a size of 3.2 mm or less.

[0289] In some embodiments, the fluid treatment composition comprises a magnesium chloride salt at a concentration of at least 20 ppm and at most 1 mass %.

[0290] In this specification, 1% is equal to 10,000 ppm.

[0291] In some embodiments, the fluid treatment composition comprises one or more colorants at a concentration of at least 10 ppm and at most 0.5 mass %.

[0292] In some embodiments, the fluid treatment composition comprises one or more fragrances at a concentration of at least 100 ppm and at most 1% by mass.

[0293] In some embodiments, the fluid treatment composition comprises an enzyme. In some specific embodiments, the enzyme is selected to decompose waste, reduce odor, and / or improve the ability to flush waste from a waste tank. In some very specific embodiments, the fluid treatment composition comprises bacteria comprising an enzyme selected from the group consisting of proteases, lipases, amylases, cellulases, ureases, and xylanases.

[0294] In some embodiments, the fluid treatment composition comprises one or both of ethylenediaminetetraacetate and a salt of ethylenediaminetetraacetate.

[0295] In some embodiments, the fluid treatment composition comprises one or more surfactants. In some specific embodiments, the fluid treatment composition comprises one or more surfactants selected from the group consisting of alkyl sulfates, xylene sulfonates, alkylbenzene sulfonates, and one or more salts of alkyl sulfates, xylene sulfonates, and alkylbenzene sulfonates.

[0296] In some embodiments, the fluid treatment composition comprises particles having an average particle size of at least 100 microns and at most 2 millimeters.

[0297] In some embodiments, a majority of the fluid treatment composition comprises particles comprising a core and a coating, wherein each core is composed of crystalline sodium chloride salt. In some specific embodiments, each core comprises a single crystal of sodium chloride salt.

[0298] In some embodiments, the coating comprises one, two, or each of a magnesium chloride salt, one or more colorants, and one or more flavorants.

[0299] In some embodiments, the fluid treatment composition comprises a surface barrier layer that surrounds the remainder of the fluid treatment composition. In some specific embodiments, the surface barrier layer is water soluble. In some very specific embodiments, the surface barrier layer is polyvinyl alcohol.

[0300] Various aspects of the present invention relate to a solid composite material comprising a sodium chloride salt at a concentration of at least 75 mass % and at most 95 mass %.In some embodiments, the fluid treatment composition is a urinal block.

[0301] In some embodiments, the fluid treatment composition consists of at least 50 grams and at most 500 grams of the solid composite material. In some specific embodiments, the fluid treatment composition comprises at least 75 grams and at most 150 grams of the solid composite material.

[0302] In some embodiments, the sodium chloride salt has a size of 3.2 mm or less.

[0303] In some embodiments, the solid composite material comprises crystals of sodium chloride salt having an average particle size of at least 100 microns and at most 2 millimeters.

[0304] In some embodiments, the solid composite material comprises a magnesium chloride salt at a concentration of at least 20 ppm and at most 1 mass %.

[0305] In some embodiments, the solid composite material comprises a tartrate salt at a concentration of at least 2% by mass and at most 15% by mass. In some specific embodiments, the tartrate salt is selected from sodium tartrate and potassium tartrate. In some very specific embodiments, the tartrate salt is potassium tartrate.

[0306] In some embodiments, the solid composite material comprises a bicarbonate salt at a concentration of at least 2% by mass and at most 15% by mass. In some specific embodiments, the bicarbonate salt is selected from sodium bicarbonate and potassium bicarbonate. In some very specific embodiments, the bicarbonate salt is sodium bicarbonate.

[0307] In some embodiments, the solid composite material comprises one or more colorants at a concentration of at least 10 ppm and at most 0.5 mass %.The one or more colorants of the solid composite material are not limited, and they can be selected, for example, from one or more colorants that are the same or different from the first fluid treatment composition.

[0308] In some embodiments, the solid composite material comprises one or more fragrances at a concentration of at least 100 ppm and at most 1% by mass. The one or more fragrances of the solid composite material are not limited and can be selected, for example, from one or more fragrances that are the same or different from the first fluid treatment composition.

[0309] In some embodiments, the solid composite material is configured such that upon continued use of the urinal, a continuous portion of the solid composite material dissolves to inhibit freezing of wastewater in the urinal and in the pipes configured to direct waste away from the urinal. In some specific embodiments, the solid composite material is configured such that upon continued use of the urinal, a continuous portion of the solid composite material dissolves, except for portions of the solid composite material that lack strong solubility in water. In some very specific embodiments, the solid composite material is configured such that upon continued use of the urinal, a continuous portion of the solid composite material dissolves, except for portions of the solid composite material that lack strong solubility in water, such as one or more fragrances.

[0310] In some embodiments, the solid composite material is free of dichlorobenzene and naphthalene.Urinal cakes are traditionally composed mainly of aromatic hydrocarbons such as dichlorobenzene and naphthalene.

[0311] Various aspects of the present invention relate to a method of inhibiting freezing of waste in a toilet comprising a urinal and a waste trough, the method comprising providing a first fluid treatment composition; introducing the first fluid treatment composition into the waste trough of the toilet; providing a second fluid treatment composition; and introducing the second fluid treatment composition into the urinal.

[0312] In some embodiments, the first fluid treatment composition comprises sodium chloride, magnesium chloride, one or more colorants, and one or more flavorants; the first fluid treatment composition comprises at least 500 grams of sodium chloride; the sodium chloride is a sodium chloride salt or dissolved sodium chloride; and the magnesium chloride is a magnesium chloride salt or dissolved magnesium chloride.

[0313] In some embodiments, the first fluid treatment composition is a fluid treatment composition described above.

[0314] In some embodiments, the second fluid treatment composition is a solid composite material comprising a sodium chloride salt, a magnesium chloride salt, one or more colorants, one or more flavoring agents, a bitartrate salt, and a bicarbonate salt; the second fluid treatment composition comprises at least 75 grams of the sodium chloride salt; the bitartrate salt is selected from sodium bitartrate and potassium bitartrate; and the bicarbonate salt is selected from sodium bicarbonate and potassium bicarbonate.

[0315] In some embodiments, the second fluid treatment composition is a fluid treatment composition as described above. In some specific embodiments, the second fluid treatment composition is a fluid treatment composition comprising a solid composite material as described above. In some very specific embodiments, the second fluid treatment composition is a urinal block as described above.

[0316] In some embodiments, the toilet includes a urinal plumbing system that allows fluid communication between the urinal and a waste trough; and the second fluid treatment composition is configured such that upon continued use of the urinal, a continuous portion of the solid composite material dissolves to inhibit freezing of liquid in the urinal plumbing system and to increase the amount of dissolved sodium chloride in the wastewater from the waste trough. In some specific embodiments, the solid composite material is configured such that upon continued use of the urinal, a continuous portion of the solid composite material dissolves, except for portions of the solid composite material that lack strong solubility in water. In some very specific embodiments, the solid composite material is configured such that upon continued use of the urinal, a continuous portion of the solid composite material dissolves, except for portions of the solid composite material that lack strong solubility in water, such as one or more fragrances.

[0317] In some embodiments, introducing the first fluid treatment composition into the waste trough and introducing the second fluid treatment composition into the urinal both effectively lower the freezing point of the wastewater in the waste trough. In some specific embodiments, introducing the first fluid treatment composition into the waste trough and introducing the second fluid treatment composition into the urinal are more effective in lowering the freezing point of the wastewater in the waste trough than either composition alone. In some very specific embodiments, introducing the first fluid treatment composition into the waste trough and introducing the second fluid treatment composition into the urinal both have a synergistic effect in lowering the freezing point of the wastewater in the waste trough.

[0318] In some embodiments, the mass of the first fluid treatment composition is at least 500 grams and at most 1000 grams; the first fluid treatment composition comprises a sodium chloride salt at a concentration of at least 90 mass% and at most 99.9 mass%; the first fluid treatment composition comprises a magnesium chloride salt at a concentration of at least 20 ppm and at most 1 mass%; the first fluid treatment composition comprises one or more colorants at a concentration of at least 10 ppm and at most 0.5 mass%; the first fluid treatment composition comprises one or more fragrances at a concentration of at least 100 ppm and at most 1 mass%; and the first fluid treatment composition comprises a surface barrier layer that surrounds the remainder of the first fluid treatment composition and comprises polyvinyl alcohol.

[0319] In some embodiments, the first fluid treatment composition comprises an enzyme. In some specific embodiments, the enzyme is selected to decompose waste, reduce odor, and / or improve the ability to flush waste from the waste tank. In some very specific embodiments, the first fluid treatment composition comprises bacteria comprising an enzyme selected from the group consisting of proteases, lipases, amylases, cellulases, ureases, and xylanases.

[0320] In some embodiments, the first fluid treatment composition comprises one or both of ethylenediaminetetraacetate and a salt of ethylenediaminetetraacetate.

[0321] In some embodiments, the first fluid treatment composition comprises one or more surfactants. In some specific embodiments, the first fluid treatment composition comprises one or more surfactants selected from the group consisting of alkyl sulfates, xylene sulfonates, alkylbenzene sulfonates, and one or more salts of alkyl sulfates, xylene sulfonates, and alkylbenzene sulfonates.

[0322] In some embodiments, providing the first fluid treatment composition comprises dispersing the first fluid treatment composition in water to produce an aqueous composition; and introducing the first fluid treatment composition into the waste tank comprises introducing the aqueous composition into the waste tank. In some specific embodiments, providing the first fluid treatment composition comprises dissolving substantially all of the first fluid treatment composition in water.

[0323] In some embodiments, the second fluid treatment composition comprises 75 to 500 grams of a solid composite material; the solid composite material comprises a sodium chloride salt at a concentration of at least 90 mass % and up to 99.9 mass %; the solid composite material comprises a magnesium chloride salt at a concentration of at least 2 mass % and up to 15 mass %; the solid composite material comprises a bitartrate salt at a concentration of at least 20 ppm and up to 1 mass %; the solid composite material comprises a bicarbonate salt at a concentration of at least 2 mass % and up to 15 mass %; the solid composite material comprises one or more colorants at a concentration of at least 10 ppm and up to 0.5 mass %; and the solid composite material comprises one or more flavoring agents at a concentration of at least 100 ppm and up to 1 mass %.

[0324] In some embodiments, the method comprises: emptying waste from a waste tank after use of the toilet, wherein the emptying is performed at a temperature below -7°C (below 20°F); the waste comprises wastewater; and the wastewater is capable of being pumped. In some specific embodiments, the wastewater is sufficiently fluid to be pumped during emptying. In some very specific embodiments, less than 5% of the wastewater in the waste is frozen during emptying.

[0325] All measurements disclosed above can vary depending on the environment, application, and subject. They can vary from ±1% to as much as ±40%, with some embodiments varying by different amounts for different aspects of a given composition and the ingredients used to make it. For large-scale systems, some embodiments can be scaled from 40% larger to as large as desired, such as 5000% larger or even larger.

[0326] The foregoing detailed description has described certain specific embodiments. However, the illustrative embodiments described above are not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the precise forms disclosed. Many modifications and variations are possible in light of the above teachings. The embodiments were chosen and described in order to explain the principles of the systems and methods of the present invention and their practical applications, thereby enabling others skilled in the art to best utilize the systems, their components and methods, and the various embodiments of the present invention, and various modifications may be made to suit the specific application contemplated.

[0327] Unless otherwise specified, the terms "a" or "an" used in the specification and claims are to be interpreted as meaning "at least one". In addition, for ease of use, the words "including" and "having" used in the specification are interchangeable with the word "comprising" and have the same meaning.

[0328] Unless otherwise indicated, all numbers or expressions used in this specification, such as those representing dimensions, physical properties, etc., should be understood to be modified by the term "about" in all cases. All disclosed ranges should be understood to include and provide support for claims describing any and all subranges or any and all individual values ​​contained in each range. For example, the range of 1 to 10 should be considered to include and provide support for claims describing any and all subranges or individual values ​​between and / or including a minimum of 1 and a maximum of 10; that is, all subranges starting with a minimum of 1 or greater and ending with a maximum of 10 or less (e.g., 5.5 to 10, 2.34 to 3.56, etc.) or any value from 1 to 10 (e.g., 3, 5.8, 9.9994, etc.).

[0329] All disclosed values ​​are understood to be variable and thus range from -90% to +3000%, and thus provide support for claims describing such values ​​or any and all ranges or subranges that can be formed from such values. For example, the value 8 is understood to be capable of varying from 0.8 (-90%) to 240 (+3000%).

[0330] Finally, it should be understood that embodiments of the present compositions and methods of use and manufacture have been described in conjunction with human toilets. Embodiments of the present compositions and methods can also be used with other animals, such as pets and livestock, and potentially other environments.

Claims

1. A toilet system comprising a toilet, a urinal, a urinal line, a waste trough, a waste trough fluid treatment composition, and a second fluid treatment composition, wherein: the toilet being in fluid communication with the waste tank; the urinal plumbing allowing fluid communication between the urinal and the waste trough; The waste tank contains the waste tank fluid treatment composition; The waste tank fluid treatment composition comprises at least 500 grams of sodium chloride in the form of one or both of a sodium chloride salt and dissolved sodium chloride; The second fluid treatment composition is a solid composite material comprising at least 75 grams of sodium chloride salt; the second fluid treatment composition being disposed in the urinal such that upon continued use of the urinal, successive portions of the solid composite material dissolve to inhibit freezing of liquid in the urinal plumbing and to increase the amount of mass of dissolved sodium chloride in the waste trough; and The waste tank fluid treatment composition and the second fluid treatment composition are configured to inhibit freezing of wastewater in the waste tank after use of the toilet system to facilitate emptying the waste tank at below-freezing temperatures.

2. The toilet system of claim 1, wherein the waste tank fluid treatment composition comprises polyvinyl alcohol.

3. The toilet system of claim 1, wherein the solid composite material comprises bitartrate in a concentration of at least 2% by mass and at most 15% by mass.

4. The toilet system of claim 1, wherein the solid composite material has a mass of at least 75 grams and at most 500 grams.

5. The toilet system of claim 1, wherein the solid composite material comprises sodium chloride salt in a concentration of at least 75% by mass and at most 95% by mass.

6. The toilet system according to claim 1, wherein: The solid composite material comprises bitartrate in a concentration of at least 2% by mass and at most 15% by mass; The solid composite material has a mass of at least 75 grams and at most 500 grams; and The solid composite material comprises sodium chloride salt in a concentration of at least 75% by mass and at most 95% by mass.

7. A toilet system comprising a toilet, a urinal, a urinal line, a waste trough, a waste trough fluid treatment composition, and a second fluid treatment composition, wherein: the toilet being in fluid communication with the waste tank; the urinal plumbing allowing fluid communication between the urinal and the waste trough; The waste tank contains the waste tank fluid treatment composition; The waste tank fluid treatment composition comprises a first salt; The second fluid treatment composition is a solid composite material comprising a second salt; the second fluid treatment composition being disposed in the urinal; The waste tank fluid treatment composition is prepared by dispersing a first fluid treatment composition in water; The first fluid treatment composition has a mass of at least 500 grams and at most 1 kilogram; The first fluid treatment composition comprises a sodium chloride salt at a concentration of at least 90% by mass and at most 99.9% by mass; The first fluid treatment composition comprises one or more colorants at a concentration of at least 10 ppm and at most 0.5 mass %; the first fluid treatment composition comprising one or more fragrances at a concentration of at least 100 ppm and at most 1 mass %; and The first fluid treatment composition consists of a surface barrier layer and the remainder of the first fluid treatment composition, wherein the surface barrier layer comprises polyvinyl alcohol and surrounds the remainder of the first fluid treatment composition.

8. A toilet system comprising a toilet, a urinal, a urinal line, a waste trough, a waste trough fluid treatment composition, and a second fluid treatment composition, wherein: the toilet being in fluid communication with the waste tank; the urinal plumbing allowing fluid communication between the urinal and the waste trough; The waste tank contains the waste tank fluid treatment composition; The waste tank fluid treatment composition comprises a first salt; The second fluid treatment composition is a solid composite material comprising a second salt; the second fluid treatment composition being disposed in the urinal; and The waste tank fluid treatment composition is prepared from a first fluid treatment composition, which consists of a surface barrier layer and the remainder of the first fluid treatment composition, wherein the surface barrier layer contains polyvinyl alcohol and surrounds the remainder of the first fluid treatment composition.

9. A toilet system comprising a toilet, a urinal, a urinal line, a waste trough, a waste trough fluid treatment composition, and a second fluid treatment composition, wherein: the toilet being in fluid communication with the waste tank; the urinal plumbing allowing fluid communication between the urinal and the waste trough; The waste tank contains the waste tank fluid treatment composition; The waste tank fluid treatment composition comprises a first salt; The second fluid treatment composition is a solid composite material comprising a second salt; the second fluid treatment composition being disposed in the urinal; and The solid composite material comprises sodium chloride salt, one or more coloring agents, one or more flavoring agents, and a bitartrate salt selected from sodium bitartrate and potassium bitartrate.

10. The toilet system according to claim 9, wherein: The first salt is sodium chloride; and The waste tank fluid treatment composition comprises at least 500 grams of sodium chloride in the form of one or both of a sodium chloride salt and dissolved sodium chloride.

11. The toilet system according to claim 9, wherein: The second salt is a sodium chloride salt; and The second fluid treatment composition comprises at least 75 grams of sodium chloride salt.

12. The toilet system according to claim 9, wherein: The second salt is a sodium chloride salt; and The second fluid treatment composition comprises at least 75 grams of sodium chloride salt; and The solid composite material comprises sodium chloride salt in a concentration of at least 75% by mass and at most 95% by mass.

13. The toilet system according to claim 9, wherein: The second salt is a sodium chloride salt; The second fluid treatment composition comprises at least 75 grams of sodium chloride salt; The solid composite material comprises sodium chloride salt in a concentration of at least 75% by mass and at most 95% by mass; and The solid composite material comprises bitartrate in a concentration of at least 2% by mass and at most 15% by mass.

14. The toilet system according to claim 9, wherein: The first salt is sodium chloride; The waste tank fluid treatment composition comprises at least 500 grams of sodium chloride; The second salt is a sodium chloride salt; The second fluid treatment composition comprises at least 75 grams of sodium chloride salt; and The solid composite material comprises sodium chloride salt in a concentration of at least 75% by mass and at most 95% by mass.

15. The toilet system of claim 9, wherein: The first salt is sodium chloride; The waste tank fluid treatment composition comprises at least 500 grams of sodium chloride; The second salt is a sodium chloride salt; The second fluid treatment composition comprises at least 75 grams of sodium chloride salt; The solid composite material comprises sodium chloride salt in a concentration of at least 75% by mass and at most 95% by mass; The solid composite material comprises bitartrate in a concentration of at least 2% by mass and at most 15% by mass; and The solid composite material has a mass of at least 75 grams and at most 500 grams.

16. The toilet system of claim 9, wherein: The first salt is sodium chloride; The waste tank fluid treatment composition comprises at least 500 grams of sodium chloride; The second salt is a sodium chloride salt; The second fluid treatment composition comprises at least 75 grams of sodium chloride salt; The solid composite material comprises sodium chloride salt in a concentration of at least 75% by mass and at most 95% by mass; The solid composite material comprises bitartrate in a concentration of at least 2% by mass and at most 15% by mass; The solid composite material has a mass of at least 75 grams and at most 500 grams; The solid composite material comprises one or more colorants in a concentration of at least 10 ppm and at most 0.5% by mass; and The solid composite material comprises one or more fragrances in a concentration of at least 100 ppm and at most 1% by mass.

17. The toilet system of claim 9, wherein: The first salt is sodium chloride; The waste tank fluid treatment composition comprises at least 500 grams of sodium chloride; The waste tank fluid treatment composition comprises polyvinyl alcohol; The second salt is a sodium chloride salt; The second fluid treatment composition comprises at least 75 grams of sodium chloride salt; The solid composite material comprises sodium chloride salt in a concentration of at least 75% by mass and at most 95% by mass; The solid composite material comprises bitartrate in a concentration of at least 2% by mass and at most 15% by mass; The solid composite material comprises one or more colorants in a concentration of at least 10 ppm and at most 0.5% by mass; The solid composite material comprises one or more fragrance agents in a concentration of at least 100 ppm and at most 1 mass %; and The solid composite material has a mass of at least 75 grams and at most 500 grams.

18. The toilet system of claim 9, wherein: The first salt is sodium chloride; The waste tank fluid treatment composition comprises at least 500 grams of sodium chloride; The second salt is a sodium chloride salt; The second fluid treatment composition comprises at least 75 grams of sodium chloride salt; The solid composite material comprises sodium chloride salt in a concentration of at least 75% by mass and at most 95% by mass; The solid composite material comprises one or more colorants in a concentration of at least 10 ppm and at most 0.5% by mass; and The solid composite material has a mass of at least 75 grams and at most 500 grams.

19. The toilet system of claim 9, wherein: The first salt is sodium chloride; The waste tank fluid treatment composition comprises at least 500 grams of sodium chloride; The second salt is a sodium chloride salt; The second fluid treatment composition comprises at least 75 grams of sodium chloride salt; The solid composite material comprises sodium chloride salt in a concentration of at least 75% by mass and at most 95% by mass; The solid composite material comprises one or more fragrance agents in a concentration of at least 100 ppm and at most 1 mass %; and The solid composite material has a mass of at least 75 grams and at most 500 grams.

20. A toilet system comprising a toilet, a urinal, a urinal line, a waste trough, a waste trough fluid treatment composition, and a second fluid treatment composition, wherein: the toilet being in fluid communication with the waste tank; the urinal plumbing allowing fluid communication between the urinal and the waste trough; The waste tank contains the waste tank fluid treatment composition; The waste tank fluid treatment composition comprises a first salt; The second fluid treatment composition is a solid composite material comprising a second salt; the second fluid treatment composition being disposed in the urinal; The solid composite material has a mass of at least 75 grams and at most 500 grams; The solid composite material comprises sodium chloride salt in a concentration of at least 75% by mass and at most 95% by mass; The solid composite material comprises bitartrate in a concentration of at least 2% by mass and at most 15% by mass; The solid composite material comprises one or more colorants in a concentration of at least 10 ppm and at most 0.5 mass %; and The solid composite material comprises one or more fragrances in a concentration of at least 100 ppm and at most 1% by mass.

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