Device for the collection, treatment and valorization of human urine

Abstract

A portable device (1) for the collection and treatment of human urine to extract at least one nutrient present in the urine, said device (1) being intended for installation on a conventional flush toilet, the device (1) comprising: - a reservoir (2) intended to contain a reagent capable of reacting with at least one nutrient and / or with micropollutants present in the urine, said reservoir (2) comprising an upper side (22) and at least one side wall (21); - a urine separation tank (4) intended to receive the user's urine, said tank (4) being disposed in a housing formed in the upper side (22) of the reservoir (2), said tank comprising a bottom (41) and a discharge port (42); - said discharge port (42) allowing the transfer of urine from the separation tank (4) to the reservoir (2) for treatment. Abstract figure: Figure 1

Description

Title of the invention: Device for the collection, treatment and valorization of human urine technical field

[0001] This disclosure relates to the processing and valorization of human urine. In particular, this disclosure relates to a portable device for collecting and processing human urine to transform it into raw materials used in the manufacture of fertilizers. Previous technique

[0002] Human urine is known to have fertilizing potential in agriculture. Indeed, urine is rich in nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P) and potassium (K), which are essential elements for soil fertilization and crop development.

[0003] In conventional wastewater systems, urine is generally disposed of via the sewer system. Although it represents less than 1% of the total wastewater volume, the majority of nutrients arriving at a wastewater treatment plant come from urine: 85 to 90% of the nitrogen, 50 to 80% of the phosphorus, and 80 to 90% of the potassium. This disproportion between the small volume and the nutrient richness makes collecting urine separately particularly advantageous in order to recover and utilize these nutrients for agricultural purposes.

[0004] Urine can be collected and treated on-site or transported by means other than traditional toilet and sewage systems to avoid unnecessary dilution by wastewater. For this purpose, the urine must be collected selectively by source separation using urine-diverting toilets or dry toilets. Subsequently, various treatments can be carried out to produce fertilizers.

[0005] Urine recovery and its separate treatment from wastewater offer many advantages.

[0006] Collecting human urine also allows for better management of this waste by reducing water consumption. Currently, human urine is diluted in drinking water when toilets are flushed. An adult uses an average of 20 to 25 liters of drinking water per day just to flush urine. Separating and collecting urine reduces water consumption. Separate treatment of urine allows for the recovery of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium as fertilizer usable in agriculture, while limiting their release into the environment and maintaining concentrations at levels acceptable for ecosystems. In wastewater treatment plants, the removal of these nutrients is a cumbersome process that It requires a lot of energy. Separate treatment also allows for the removal of the micropollutants it contains.

[0007] Urine represents less than 1% of the volume arriving at a wastewater treatment plant. Given its composition, namely more than 80% of the nitrogen, 60% of the phosphorus and 90% of the pharmaceutical compounds that must be treated by the wastewater treatment plant, collecting it makes it possible to considerably and effectively reduce the pollution loads arriving at the wastewater treatment plant.

[0008] One of the challenges is therefore to be able to collect a large volume of urine before it is mixed with water in the toilet; this requires separation before mixing and dilution with water.

[0009] Another challenge is to be able to propose an effective urine treatment process while limiting environmental impacts.

[0010] In the context of this disclosure, the urine treatment used is an extractive treatment which aims to recover one or more nutrients present in the urine to obtain a fertilizer.

[0011] For example, phosphorus can be recovered by precipitation to obtain struvite (MgNH4PO4.6H2O). Today, struvite precipitation is one of the most developed processes and is implemented in some wastewater treatment plants.

[0012] This natural fertilizer exhibits particularly effective agronomic properties. Indeed, unlike chemical fertilizers, struvite is a slow-release fertilizer that diffuses nutrients throughout the plant's growth cycle. Its action is comparable to that of coated chemical fertilizers. Struvite is among the mineral fertilizers authorized in organic farming.

[0013] Struvite is suitable for use in all conventional field crops as a replacement for chemical or biological fertilizers. It can also be used for soilless cultivation, in containers, planters, greenhouses, horticulture and nurseries.

[0014] It is known to use dry toilets to collect urine in 5 or 10 L containers. The urine must then be treated separately by the user. Such a solution requires additional steps and does not allow for effective urine treatment. Furthermore, existing devices require replacing existing toilets.

[0015] Another technique involves using conventional flush toilets to collect urine and send it to a separate network from the conventional network for treatment. The major drawback of this solution is that it requires the costly installation of a secondary network, making it difficult to implement.

[0016] There is therefore a need for a device which allows urine to be collected and treated efficiently in order to transform it into fertilizer, while allowing simple and inexpensive use for the user compared to the solutions mentioned above, without modification of existing toilets.

[0017] Another objective of the present disclosure is to propose a device that can be easily and removably installed by the user on conventional toilets and to temporarily convert them into a separating toilet without structural modification of the existing toilet. Summary

[0018] This disclosure improves the situation.

[0019] This disclosure relates to a portable device for the recovery and treatment of human urine to extract at least one nutrient present in urine, said device being intended to be installed on a conventional flush toilet, the device comprising: - a reservoir intended to contain a reagent capable of reacting with at least one nutrient and / or with micropollutants present in urine, said reservoir comprising an upper side and at least one side wall; - a urine separation tank intended to receive the user's urine, said tank being disposed in a housing formed in the upper side of said tank, said tank comprising a bottom and a drainage orifice; - said discharge orifice allowing the transfer of urine from the separation tank to the reservoir for its treatment.

[0020] The features described in the following paragraphs may optionally be implemented independently of each other or in combination with each other.

[0021] According to one embodiment, the device may further include a suspension device configured to hold said tank in position on the toilet bowl.

[0022] According to one embodiment, the suspension device may include fixing tabs configured to clip onto the bowl and a support configured to receive the upper side of the tank as a support.

[0023] Preferably, the assembly formed by the fixing tabs and the support can be removably fixed to the suspension device so that different assemblies with different tab heights can be used to adapt to the dimensions of the toilet.

[0024] Preferably, the surface of the bottom of the separation tank can be inclined towards the discharge orifice.

[0025] According to one embodiment, the separation tank may include a filter system integrated into the discharge port to retain solids or impurities.

[0026] According to another embodiment, the reservoir and the separation tank can be made of materials resistant to alkaline media.

[0027] The reagent contained in the reservoir can be chosen from magnesium oxides, calcium or magnesium salts or other alkaline compounds allowing the precipitation of nutrients such as phosphorus alone or in combination with at least one additive intended to modify their properties, said additive being suitable, for example, for the release of a pleasant odor during use.

[0028] According to one variant, the reservoir may contain an adsorbent material, such as activated carbon, intended to capture at least one nutrient and / or at least one micropollutant present in the urine.

[0029] To facilitate the recovery of the treated urine, a drain outlet can be provided in a side wall of the reservoir.

[0030] Preferably, the device includes a drain positioned in the tank, and the drain valve being connected to the drain. Brief description of the drawings

[0031] Other features, details and advantages will become apparent from reading the detailed description below and from analyzing the accompanying drawings, in which: Fig. 1

[0032] [Fig.1] Fig.1 is a schematic perspective view of the urine recovery and treatment device according to an embodiment with the separation tank extracted from its housing. Fig. 2

[0033] [Fig.2] Fig.2 represents a schematic perspective view of the device of the [Fig.l] with the separation tank fully inserted into its housing. Fig. 3

[0034] [Fig.3] Fig.3 is a perspective view from above the device recovery without the separation tank, showing the inside of the tank. Fig. 4

[0035] [Fig.4] Fig.4 is a view from the top of the urine separation tank mounted on the tank. Fig. 5A

[0036] [Fig.5A] The [Fig.5A] is a schematic top view of the device of the [Fig.1] installed in a toilet bowl by means of a suspension bracket. Fig. 5B

[0037] [Fig.5A] The [Fig.5B] is a side view showing the suspension support alone. Fig. 6

[0038] [Fig.6] Fig.6 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the tank showing the solid precipitates formed and deposited by decantation on the bottom of the reservoir. Description of the implementation methods

[0039] Reference is now made to Figures 1 to 4, which illustrate, in perspective view, a device for collecting and treating human urine 1 according to an embodiment for extracting one or more nutrients present in urine. This device 1 is designed to be portable and can be removably installed on a conventional flush toilet by means of a suspension device, without requiring any structural modification of the toilet, in order to collect human urine, store it, and treat it to extract one or more nutrients present in human urine.

[0040] The device 1 includes a reservoir 2 intended to contain a reagent capable of reacting with at least one nutrient and / or with micropollutants present in urine, and a urine separation tank 4 intended to receive the user's urine.

[0041] The reservoir 2 comprises an upper side 22, and at least one lateral wall. Depending on its shape, for example cylindrical or parallelepiped, the body may comprise one or more walls (also called lateral "faces").

[0042] Following the example of [Fig. 1] and in the remainder of the description, we will consider a body having an upper side 22 and four lateral walls or faces 21.1, 21.2, 21.3, 21.4. In Figures 1 and 2, only the lateral walls 21.1, 21.2, and 21.4 are visible. The lateral walls of the reservoir thus define a cavity 23 for storing urine. The opposing lateral walls 21.1 and 21.4 are inclined and meet at their lower edge to close the reservoir, so that the latter has a substantially triangular shape in a cross-sectional plane, while the other two walls remain straight and are substantially parallel. In other words, the reservoir has no bottom.

[0043] The device includes a urine separation tank 4 sized to be inserted into the upper side of the tank. For this purpose, the upper side may, for example, include a peripheral shoulder that provides a support surface for the separation tank 4. The tank 4 is intended to receive the user's urine when the device is installed on the toilet. The separation tank 4 allows for the direct collection of the user's urine, thus preventing the urine from mixing with the water in the toilet bowl or flush.

[0044] The separation tank 4 comprises a base 41 and a discharge orifice 42 formed in the base 4L. The discharge orifice 42 allows the transfer of urine from the separation tank 4 to the cavity 23 of the reservoir 2 for processing. Depending on its shape, The tank may include one or more walls. In the example shown in [Fig. 2], the tank comprises a base 41 and four side walls that define an internal volume of the tank. Only walls 43 and 44 are visible. Preferably, the base 41 of the separating tank 4 has a surface inclined towards the discharge opening 42, allowing the urine flow to be directed towards the discharge opening.

[0045] According to one embodiment, the device includes a filter system integrated into the discharge port 42 to retain solids and / or impurities.

[0046] The reservoir 2 is arranged under the tank so as to receive the urine from the separation tank 4 via the discharge port 42. The urine is thus transferred from the separation tank 4 to the reservoir 2.

[0047] Preferably, the reservoir 2 and the separation tank are made of a material resistant to alkaline media.

[0048] The reservoir 23 pre-contains a reagent capable of reacting with at least one of the nutrients present in the urine in order to extract it. In other words, when the device is installed, the reservoir 2 collects, stores, and processes the urine to extract one or more nutrients contained in the urine.

[0049] In [Fig. 2], the bottom 41 is shown in a position in which it is fully inserted into the main body. Preferably, the bottom 41 can be fully removed from the housing, allowing access to the inside of the tank 23, for example, for the purpose of recovering the fertilizer produced or cleaning it.

[0050] The device is designed to be placed at the front of the toilet bowl and to allow the separation tank to collect the urine as simply as possible. Therefore, the side wall of the main body 2 is dimensioned to install the device in the toilet bowl.

[0051] The device is designed to be installed in any type of conventional flush toilet bowl. The dimensions of the main body and the geometric shape of the main body of the device can therefore be modified to fit all types of bowls.

[0052] In the following description, a wall or face of an element of the device oriented towards the user is called a "front wall or face" when the device is installed in the toilet bowl and a wall or face of an element of the device oriented towards the inside of the toilet bowl is called a "rear wall or face"

[0053] The reagents may be calcium or magnesium salts or other alkaline compounds allowing the precipitation of nutrients such as phosphorus alone or in combination with at least one additive intended to modify their properties, said additive being suitable, for example, for the release of a pleasant odor during use.

[0054] According to one embodiment, the reservoir may include an odor neutralization system such as a fragrance diffuser.

[0055] According to one embodiment, the reagent is magnesium-based for extracting at least one nutrient present in urine by precipitation. For example, the magnesium reagent is magnesium oxide and is in the form of a powder distributed homogeneously on the bottom of the reservoir to form a layer of magnesium oxide. The magnesium oxide reacts with the phosphorus present in the urine to produce struvite (MgNH4PO4.6H2O) by precipitation. Furthermore, the magnesium oxide will increase the pH of the urine (pH > 9), and the magnesium will react with phosphorus and nitrogen to form struvite. Magnesium oxide is a reagent that is safe for the user. It is suitable for storage in the reservoir, allowing for significant autonomy of use, which is advantageous for daily use of the device.The product resulting from the treatment is then collected by the user and stored in a separate compartment of the device for later use.

[0056] As illustrated in [Fig. 6], precipitates 105 are formed and are deposited by gravity to the bottom of the tank, separating them from the urine 104. In other words, during the use of the device, the urine is collected and stored in the tank as it is collected, and the phosphorus is immediately extracted by precipitation. Indeed, the precipitation reaction of struvite is generally rapid, less than 30 seconds. The solid precipitates are then deposited to the bottom of the tank, allowing for liquid / solid separation by decantation.

[0057] Preferably, the reservoir 2 is made of a material which promotes the deposition and adhesion of the precipitated compounds which result from the reaction between the urine and the reagent.

[0058] According to another embodiment, the reservoir 2 may contain an adsorbent material, for example activated carbon, biochar, or zeolite, intended to capture one or more nutrients and / or one or more micropollutants present in urine by adsorption. The activated carbon may, for example, be activated to maximize the adsorption of target compounds such as ammonia or phosphates.

[0059] In this way, the treatment of micropollutants is coupled with the recovery of nutrients in order to produce a treated effluent that meets strict environmental standards.

[0060] The treatment of micropollutants can be carried out by oxidation using an oxidizing reagent such as hydrogen peroxide or sodium persulfate combined together, activated or catalyzed possibly by UV rays or iron.

[0061] Preferably, the oxidizing reagent and the activated carbon can be arranged in the cavity of the reservoir to simultaneously achieve the adsorption of nutrients present in the urine using activated carbon, and the elimination of micropollutants by an oxidation or adsorption process.

[0062] To collect the treated urine contained in the reservoir 2, the device includes a drain outlet 32 ​​provided on the walls of the reservoir. In the example shown in [Fig. 2], the drain outlet 32 ​​is provided on the wall 21.1. When the reservoir is fully inserted into its housing, under the separation tank, the drain outlet is visible from outside the main body. This outlet is connected to a drain valve to empty the reservoir when the overflow level is reached. Thus, it is not necessary to remove the separation tank 4 from its housing to perform the emptying.

[0063] According to one embodiment, the device includes an overflow or spillway 27 formed in one of the walls of the tank 2. In the example of this disclosure, the overflow 27 is formed on the wall 21.1. An overflow conduit is inserted into the orifice so as to allow urine to flow into a water toilet space when the level of urine in the tank exceeds the overflow level. The overflow orifice 27 is located at a height H1, as shown in [Fig. 6], referred to as the "overflow height or overflow level," relative to the bottom of the tank. The overflow orifice 27 allows excess urine to be discharged when the tank is full of urine. The volume of treated urine in the tank is thus the same each time the device is operated.

[0064] The device of this disclosure 1 operates as follows. Urine is separated by the separation tank 4 and then collected in the reservoir 2 via the overflow port 42. The reagent in the reservoir reacts with the nutrients in the urine to form solid precipitates by precipitation or to trap the nutrients. In other words, the reagent acts as a decanter by filtering the urine. The filtered urine and precipitates are stored in the reservoir until the level of the treated urine reaches the level permitted by the reservoir's volume. The permitted level corresponds to the level of the overflow port 27.

[0065] With reference to [Fig. 3], the reservoir 2 further includes a drain 26 connected to the discharge port 32 for emptying the reservoir 23. Ideally, the openings of the drain are oriented towards the bottom of the reservoir to limit the accumulation of precipitate in the drain and its obstruction. The discharge port 32 is connected to a valve to regulate the drainage flow rate. The valve is located outside the device.

[0066] Advantageously, the device is designed with an ergonomic external surface to facilitate its handling and installation.

[0067] According to one embodiment, the device can be equipped with sensors fixed either in the separation tank or in the reservoir so as to be in direct or indirect contact with the urine. The sensors can be configured to measure physicochemical or biological characteristics of the urine. The characteristics can include at least one of the following values: pH, conductivity, color, urine specific gravity, osmolality, protein content, glucose, creatinine, nitrates, vitamins, or heavy metals. The collected data can be transmitted, for example, to a display system or a mobile application via a wireless connection, such as Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, or others.

[0068] With reference to Figures 5A and 5B, and according to one embodiment, the portable urine recovery and treatment device includes a suspension device configured to hold in position or removably fix the reservoir and the separation tank on the rim 101 of a toilet bowl.

[0069] The suspension device includes fixing tabs 53 configured to clip onto the bowl 101 and a support 51 configured to receive the upper side 22 of the tank 2 as a support. In the example of [Fig.5A], the suspension device is provided with six fixing tabs which are configured to clip onto the toilet bowl 101 to hold the device in position in the bowl.

[0070] Preferably, the length of the tabs 52 is adjustable to accommodate different toilet dimensions, particularly the depth and inclination of the toilet bowl. For example, the assembly formed by the fixing tabs 52 and the support 51 is removably attached to the suspension device 5 so that different assemblies with different tab heights 52 can be used to adapt to the toilet dimensions.

[0071] The human urine collection and treatment device 1 can advantageously operate in a portable mode. The reservoir 2 contains reagents. The user grasps the device 1 and attaches it to the suspension device 5. The latter is installed in the basin by clipping the fastening tabs 53 to the edges of the basin. The urine is received in the separation tank 4 and then enters the reservoir 2 of the device through the discharge port 42. The nutrient(s) in contact with the reagent present in the reservoir 2 are extracted by precipitation or trapping, depending on the nature of the reagent used. Urine is collected and treated as the device is used, until the level of treated urine is above the overflow port 27. When the urine level exceeds the overflow level in the reservoir, the excess urine in the reservoir 2 flows out through the drain port 32.The treated urine contained in reservoir 2 is drained using the drain valve connected to the drain outlet 32. After draining, the device is removed from the basin and reservoir 2 is taken out of the suspension support to collect the solid precipitates formed in the reservoir. After cleaning the separation tank and the reservoir, the reagent is placed in the bottom of the reservoir and the device is reinstalled in the basin for use.

[0072] The recovery and treatment device is particularly easy to use. It is inexpensive and easy to manufacture. All the elements of the device They can be made of plastic and manufactured using additive manufacturing. Finally, it is compact and does not require structural modification of the conventional flush toilet, nor the addition of extra collection networks.

[0073] Preferably, the inner surface of the tank can be made of a material that facilitates the adhesion of precipitates.

Claims

Demands

1. A portable device (1) for the recovery and treatment of human urine to extract at least one nutrient present in the urine, said device (1) being intended to be installed on a conventional flush toilet, the device (1) comprising: - a reservoir (2) intended to contain a reagent capable of reacting with at least one nutrient and / or with micropollutants present in the urine, said reservoir (2) comprising an upper side (22) and at least one side wall (21); - a urine separation tank (4) intended to receive the user's urine, said tank (4) being disposed in a housing formed in the upper side (22) of said reservoir (2), said tank comprising a bottom (41) and a discharge port (42); - said discharge port (42) allowing the transfer of the urine from the separation tank (4) to the reservoir (2) for its treatment.

2. Device according to claim 1, further comprising a suspension device (5) configured to hold said tank (2) in position on the toilet bowl (101).

3. Device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein said suspension device (5) comprises fixing tabs (53) configured to clip onto the bowl (101) and a support (51) configured to receive the upper side (22) of the tank (2) as support.

4. Device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the assembly formed by the fixing tabs (52) and the support (51) are removably fixed to the suspension device (5) so as to be able to use different assemblies with different heights of tab (52) to adapt to the dimensions of the toilet.

5. Device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the bottom surface (41) of the separation tank (4) is inclined towards the discharge orifice (42).

6. Device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the separation tank (4) includes a filter system integrated in the discharge port (42) to retain solids or impurities.

7. Device according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the reservoir (2) and the separation tank (4) are made of materials resistant to alkaline media.

8. Device according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the reagent contained in the reservoir (2) is selected from magnesium oxides, calcium or magnesium salts or other alkaline compounds enabling the precipitation of nutrients such as phosphorus alone or in combination with at least one additive intended to modify their properties, said additive being suitable, for example, for the release of a pleasant odor during use.

9. Device according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that the reservoir (2) contains an adsorbent material, such as activated carbon, intended to capture at least one nutrient and / or at least one micropollutant present in urine.

10. Device according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein a drain outlet (32) is provided in a side wall (21) of the tank.

11. Device according to claim 10, further comprising a drain (26) positioned in the tank, said drain valve being connected to the drain (26).

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