Human waste collection and separation system

Abstract

A system and method for collecting and separating human waste is described. The system includes a container (102) configured to receive human waste and a solids separator (106). The solids separator includes a vacuum tank, an inlet chamber formed in the vacuum tank at a top, a solids receiving portion formed in the vacuum tank at a bottom and centrally located in the vacuum tank, a liquid receiving portion formed in the vacuum tank at a bottom and surrounding the solids receiving portion, and a separation filter having a cylindrical tubular shape and extending from the inlet chamber outlet to the solids receiving portion. The separation filter forms a central separation volume in the vacuum tank. The inlet chamber is configured to receive the mixed waste via an inlet (132) and direct the mixed waste to the central separation volume. A liquid portion of the mixed waste flows through the separation filter to an outer portion surrounding the central separation volume and is collected in the bottom liquid receiving portion. A solid portion of the mixed waste is contained within the central separation volume and is collected in the bottom solids receiving portion.

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS This application claims the benefit of and priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 63 / 338,998, entitled "HUMAN WASTE COLLECTION AND SEPARATION SYSTEM," filed May 6, 2022, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. [Background technology]

[0002] An estimated 4.5 billion people worldwide do not have access to a safe, affordable sanitation system. High levels of child mortality and illness are associated with oral-fecal contamination, where pathogen-laden feces enters food and drinking water. Non-sewered sanitation systems are needed where traditional sanitary sewer systems are unavailable or impractical. Summary of the Invention

[0003] Disclosed herein is a solids separator for separating mixed human waste, the solids separator comprising a vacuum tank having a top, a bottom and a cylindrical wall, comprising an inlet chamber, a solids containment section, a liquid containment section and a separation filter.

[0004] The inlet chamber is formed in the vacuum tank at an upper portion and includes an inlet and a chamber outlet. The inlet chamber is configured to receive the mixed waste via the inlet such that the mixed waste is spirally guided around the inner surface of the inlet chamber and directed to the central separation volume. A liquid portion of the mixed waste may flow through the separation filter to the outer portion surrounding the central separation volume and be collected in the bottom liquid receiving portion, while a solid portion of the mixed waste is contained within the central separation volume and is collected in the bottom solid receiving portion.

[0005] A solids containment compartment is formed in a bottom of the vacuum tank, is centrally located within the vacuum tank, and includes a solids outlet. The solids containment compartment is configured to hold a separated solids portion of the mixed waste.

[0006] A liquid containment portion is formed in a bottom portion of the vacuum tank and contained within the vacuum tank surrounding the solids containment portion, the liquid containment portion being configured to hold a separated liquid portion of the mixed waste.

[0007] The separation filter has a cylindrical tubular shape and extends from the chamber outlet to the solids receiving portion. The separation filter forms a central separation volume within the volumetric tank.

[0008] Also disclosed herein is a method for separating mixed human waste using the disclosed solids separator.

[0009] Other systems, methods, features, and advantages of the present disclosure will be or become apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art upon examination of the following drawings and detailed description. All such additional systems, methods, features, and advantages are intended to be included within this description, be within the scope of the disclosure, and be protected by the accompanying claims. Moreover, all any preferred features and modifications of the described embodiments can be used in all aspects of the disclosure taught herein. Moreover, the individual features of the dependent claims, and all any preferred features and modifications of the described embodiments, can be combined with each other and are interchangeable. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0010] Many aspects of the present disclosure can be better understood with reference to the following drawings. The components in the drawings are not necessarily to scale, emphasis instead being placed upon clearly illustrating the principles of the present disclosure. In the drawings, like reference numbers indicate corresponding parts throughout the several views.

[0011] [Figure 1A] 1A and 1B show schematic diagrams of an exemplary human waste collection and separation system according to various embodiments described herein. [Figure 1B]1A and 1B show schematic diagrams of an exemplary human waste collection and separation system according to various embodiments described herein.

[0012] [Diagram 2] 1A and 1B show an exemplary solids separator for the human waste collection and separation system shown in FIG. 1A according to various embodiments described herein.

[0013] [Diagram 3] FIG. 3 illustrates a cross-sectional view of the front-end solids separator of FIG. 2 according to various embodiments described herein.

[0014] [Figure 4] 3 illustrates separation of solids and liquids in the solids separator of FIG. 2 according to various embodiments described herein.

[0015] [Diagram 5] 1 illustrates an exemplary method for collection and separation of human waste according to various embodiments described herein.

[0016] [Figure 6] FIG. 1 shows an example of a schematic diagram of a human waste collection and separation system used as a module in a non-sewered single unit toilet system according to various embodiments described herein.

[0017] [Figure 7] 1 shows another example schematic diagram of a human waste collection and separation system for use as a module in a non-sewered single unit toilet system according to various embodiments described herein. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0018] Sanitation systems are needed in parts of the world where open defecation and lack of improved sanitation are common and can lead to disease. Traditional sewage and wastewater treatment plants that receive human waste from sewer systems can be expensive to install and operate. Community toilet technologies have been developed to treat human waste on a large scale. However, technologies are needed that provide access to safe and affordable sanitation systems that can be installed in households without sewer connections. Overall, with increasing water scarcity around the world, sanitation systems that reduce reliance on large amounts of water to transport human waste over long distances will become increasingly important not only in developing countries but around the world.

[0019] To address these shortcomings, a system for use in a stand-alone non-sewered toilet system is discussed herein. The system can be configured to inactivate pathogens from human waste and prepare the waste for safe disposal. The system can also recover valuable resources such as clean water. The system can be configured to operate without connection to an input water or output sewer system. Some example systems can be battery based or powered by off-grid renewable energy. The system can be optimized for low-cost manufacturing and low operating costs. The system can facilitate sustainable sanitation services that operate in developed and developing countries, as well as poor urban environments.

[0020] The ISO 30500 standard provides technical standards for non-sewered sanitation systems designed to address basic sanitation needs and promote economic, social, and environmental sustainability through strategies that minimize water and energy consumption and convert human waste into a safe output. These sanitation systems are intended to operate without connection to a sewer or drainage network and meet health and environmental safety and regulatory parameters. In some examples, the systems described herein may be configured to provide a treatment output that meets or exceeds the ISO 30500 standard.

[0021] For example, the human waste stream may include urine, feces, diarrhea, etc. Sanitary attendant products include toilet paper, feminine hygiene waste, diapers, other paper products, etc. In some toilet systems, a portion of the sanitary attendant products, including non-organic products such as diapers, may be received and treated separately from the human waste stream. In some examples, the waste stream includes human feces and urine, menstrual blood, bile, wash water, anal cleansing water, toilet paper, other bodily fluids and / or solids. Additionally, the waste stream may include water, including wash water, rinse water, cleaning water, fresh water, consumable water, drinking water, usable water, etc.

[0022] For example, a stand-alone non-sewered toilet system may include a liquid treatment system and a solids treatment system, each of which may operate as separate systems or may be interconnected for the treatment of human waste. A stand-alone non-sewered toilet system may also include at least one separation system. In some instances, the contents of the human waste stream may be separated or treated separately. Separating the stream allows for more efficient treatment than a mixed-content human waste stream by splitting the material into primarily fecal, urine, and wastewater streams. Since 100% separation is not practical, some degree of cross-contamination between the streams is acceptable for subsequent downstream treatment approaches. As described herein, a fecal stream that contains primarily feces is also referred to as a "brown stream." Brown streams are mostly feces, but may also contain other liquid and solid waste materials. For example, a brown stream may contain feces, toilet paper, some urine, and some water. As described herein, a "green stream" may contain mostly water, some urine, and some toilet paper, and typically does not contain feces. A green stream is mostly liquid with some solids. A urinary stream that contains primarily urine may also be referred to as a "yellow stream" as described herein. For example, a yellow stream may contain urine and some water. A wastewater stream may also be referred to as a "blue stream" as described herein. For example, a blue stream may contain primarily wastewater in the form of flushing water, anal irrigation water, or excess water poured into the toilet. In some instances, the blue stream may also contain some urine. Considering the high variability of small amounts of fecal deposits (mostly recognized as diarrhea), large amounts of urinary deposits, and excess amounts of flushing and anal irrigation water, and considering future water scarcity constraints, separation of the streams may result in a lower cost and more robust treatment process.

[0023] In the above context, various examples of human waste collection and separation systems and methods are described herein. The human waste collection and separation system may be a separation system that can operate independently or may be configured to be integrated with another system. For example, the human waste collection and separation system may be a separation system configured for use in a stand-alone non-sewered toilet system. For example, the human waste collection and separation system may be integrated as a module for solids processing in a stand-alone non-sewered sanitary system. In some examples, the human waste collection and separation system may be configured to operate as part of a single-unit toilet system. For example, the human waste collection and separation module may be integrated for use in a single-unit toilet system configured to convert adult human waste into water, carbon dioxide, and mineral ash. For example, the stand-alone non-sewered sanitary system may also include a urine and wastewater treatment system and a fecal treatment system.

[0024] In this regard, the human waste collection and separation system may be used to receive and separate input human waste from urination and / or defecation toilet events. The human waste collection and separation system may also be referred to herein as a front-end separation system or a front-end module. For example, the human waste collection and separation system may be configured as a stand-alone non-sewered single unit toilet system or a front-end module of another toilet system. In some aspects, the front-end module may be configured to provide a type of toilet configuration that is acceptable in a particular region of the world. For example, the human waste collection and separation system may include a toilet bowl that is a front-end primary receptacle for collecting human waste and may be adapted to either a squat or pedestal configuration. Additionally, the human waste collection and separation system may be configured to accommodate a user who uses toilet paper to wipe or flush with water. The human waste collection and separation system may also accommodate a standing male urinator.

[0025] In the following description, a general description of the human waste collection and separation system and components is provided, including a description of its operation. Non-limiting examples of the human waste collection and separation system are described. In some examples, the configuration can include optional connections for integrating the human waste collection and separation system with other systems. For example, the human waste collection and separation system can be integrated with a stand-alone non-sewered sanitary system, including a urine and wastewater treatment system and / or a fecal treatment system. In some examples, the human waste collection and separation system provides a user input unit for an ISO-30500 compliant toilet system.

[0026] The human waste collection and separation system can treat mixed human waste and separate the waste into at least two different output streams for further treatment and / or processing. The human waste combined with water and / or toilet paper can be separated into at least two streams, a mostly liquid stream and a mostly solids stream. As mentioned above, the mostly liquid stream, also referred to herein as the green stream, can contain proportionally small amounts of solids. The mostly liquid stream, or green stream, can contain flush water, some urine, some feces, and some toilet paper. As mentioned above, the mostly solids stream, also referred to herein as the brown stream, can contain mostly solids and some liquids. The mostly solids stream, or brown stream, can contain feces, flush water, urine, and toilet paper. In some instances, the third output stream, containing mostly urine, can be bypassed before separating the mixed waste, thereby reducing the volume of the mixed waste that is separated. This mostly urine stream, or yellow stream, can contain urine and trace amounts of flush water. It should be noted that the yellow, green, and brown streams are defined by the composition of human waste as described herein, and not by the actual color of the physical stream.

[0027] As shown in FIG. 1A, the human waste collection and separation system 100 can include a primary vessel 102, a flash tank 104, and a front-end solids separator 106. The human waste collection and separation system 100 can also include a user interface panel 108, a controller 110, and a vacuum pump 112. The primary vessel 102 can be a toilet bowl configured to receive human waste, such as urine and feces, as well as toilet paper. After a urination and / or defecation event, a volume of flush water received from the flash tank 104 can be added to the primary vessel 102 to form a mixed waste in the vessel. The mixed waste can be discharged through a primary outlet 114 of the primary vessel 102 into the solids separator 106. The mixed waste received in the solids separator 106 can be separated into a liquid portion that is mostly liquid and includes some solids, and a solid portion that is mostly solids and includes some liquids. For example, in FIG. 1A, the two outputs of solids separator 106 are labeled as a green stream, which is the liquid portion, and a brown stream, which is the solids portion.

[0028] The human waste collection and separation system 100 is configured to receive human waste from a user into a primary receptacle 102. The primary receptacle 102 can be configured based on local preferences and / or customs. In some parts of the world, users are accustomed to squat configuration toilets. In some parts of the world, users are accustomed to pedestal or sitting configuration toilets. The primary receptacle 102 can be a toilet bowl configured in either a squat or pedestal configuration. Similarly, although examples of mixed waste herein include feces, urine, toilet paper, and / or flush water, some parts of the world may not be accustomed to using toilet paper. For users who do not use toilet paper, the human waste collection and separation system 100 and primary receptacle 102 can be adapted to a rinse configuration. In the rinse configuration, excess rinse water can also be accommodated and can be considered to be added to the mixed waste instead of or in addition to the flush water.

[0029] The flush tank 104 can be configured to deliver a volume of flush water to the primary vessel 102. In some examples, the amount of flush water is a predetermined amount regardless of the human waste event. In some examples, the predetermined amount of flush water is based on whether the received human waste is from a urination event or a defecation event. The flush tank 104 can be configured to receive and store water from an external system or recirculation source for use as flush water. In one example, the water for the flush tank 104 can be received from another system or module of the toilet system that interconnects with the human waste collection and separation system 100. For example, the water for the flush tank 104 can be received from a urine and wastewater treatment system or a liquid treatment module of a non-sewer toilet system. In another example, the water for the flush tank 104 can be received from a municipal water supply or other external water supply. The flush tank 104 can also be configured with an overflow outlet to drain excess water to a buffer tank or other system or module. For example, the human waste collection and separation system 100 may be a user front-end module for a single unit non-sewered toilet system that includes a urine and wastewater treatment module, and / or a module for treating waste streams including feces. The human waste collection and separation system may be configured with an overflow output from the flush tank 104. In one example, excess water from the flush tank 104 may be sent to a separate buffer tank or buffer system.

[0030] The human waste collection and separation system 100 may also include a controller 110. For example, the controller 110 may include a microprocessor and memory, and may be configured to control or operate one or more elements of the human waste collection and separation system 100. The controller 110 may be CE compliant. The controller 110 may be configured to initiate flush sequences and control or operate additional elements of the human waste collection and separation system 100. For example, the controller 110 may operate the vacuum pump 112, the valves 116, and additional components not shown. For example, the human waste collection and separation system 100 may also include valves, pumps, motors, sensors, etc. (not shown). The controller 110 may be configured to control or operate one or more valves, pumps, motors, and sensors based on an indication that a user input has been received within the primary vessel. For example, input via the sensors and / or user interface panel 108 may control operation of the vacuum pump 112 or other means of evacuating the primary vessel 102. The waste from the main vessel 102 can be sent to the solids separator 106 by actuating a main valve 116. Further, the controller 110 can be configured to control the discharge of the separated liquid portion and / or the separated solid portion in the vacuum tank.

[0031] As shown in FIG. 1A, the user interface panel 108 may be configured to initiate the release of a volume of flush water from the flush tank 104 into the primary vessel 102. In some examples, the user interface panel 108 may include a button or other selector option for the user to select a urination or defecation waste event for flushing the toilet. For example, the selector option may include a button, lever, switch, knob, digital interface, or the like. For example, if the user places toilet paper during a urination event, the user may select a small flush button on the user interface panel 108 to release a first predetermined volume of water into or from the flush tank 104 to flush any residual urine and / or toilet paper and to drain the contents of the primary vessel 102 into the front-end solids separator 106. Similarly, in the case of a defecation event, the user can select a flush button on the user interface panel 108 to release a second predetermined amount of water to or from the flush tank 104 to wash the mixed waste contents and drain the main vessel 102 into the front-end solids separator 106. For example, the first predetermined amount of water can be a smaller amount for a urination event compared to a larger second predetermined amount of water for a defecation event.

[0032] In one example, the user interface panel 108 may have color-coded buttons for identification by the user, although color is not required. For example, the buttons may include symbols and / or words. Additionally, a simplified panel may include only two buttons, a urination event and a bowel movement event. In a simplified example, the size of the buttons may indicate the type of event. For example, a smaller button may indicate a urination event that releases a first predetermined amount of water, and a larger button may indicate a bowel movement event that releases a second predetermined amount of water, which is a larger amount of water. The user interface panel 108 is not limited to the example configuration provided, as the buttons in the panel are configured to activate a signal to the controller 110 to operate a flush sequence associated with the waste event. For example, a user may select a flush button on the user interface panel 108 to select a type of waste event, such as a urination event or a bowel movement event. For a waste event that includes at least toilet paper, the contents of the primary receptacle 102 may be sent to the solids separator 106. For example, in the case of a human waste event, the event flush button is pressed and flush water is introduced from the flush tank 104 into the main vessel 102 to wash the mixture of residual urine, residual feces, and / or toilet paper into the bottom of the main vessel 102, and is closed by the two-way main valve 116. At this time, a weak vacuum can be generated in the solids separator 106 by operating the vacuum pump 112. For example, the vacuum pressure of the weak vacuum can be about -0.5 bar. Once a predetermined vacuum pressure is achieved, the main valve 116 is opened and waste is transported to the solids separator 106.

[0033] In another example, the human waste collection and separation system 100 can include at least one sensor configured to detect a waste event and send a signal to the controller 110 to control a flush operation to release water from the flush tank 104. In examples with at least one sensor, the user interface panel 108 may be optional, omitted, or may function as a secondary back-up to the sensor. In some examples, the sensor can detect a urination or defecation event and release a first or second predetermined amount of water in response.

[0034] In another example system, as shown in FIG. 1B, an alternative primary receptacle 122 may include a urine diverter 124 to provide an additional output stream containing urine from the human waste collection and separation system 101 (system 101). The system 101 is substantially similar to the human waste collection and separation system 100, but in addition to the alternative primary receptacle 122 with a urine diverter 124, includes an additional feature for directing a diverted urine stream, shown as a yellow stream in FIG. 1B. An example of a primary receptacle including a urine diverter is disclosed, for example, in PCT Application No. PCT / AT2019 / 060064. The urine diverter may be molded within the receptacle, and may be configured such that surface tension and cohesion effects cause a bypass portion of the waste liquid to flow along the contour of the receptacle to a bypass liquid outlet. This optional feature of the alternative primary receptacle 122 with a urine diverter 124 allows the alternative primary receptacle 122 to be configured in either a squat or pedestal configuration, and may be adapted for a rinse configuration, as specified in various regions of the world. The urine diverter 124 can be incorporated into the geometry of the toilet bowl design and can be configured to capture urine in a passive manner. For example, during a urination event or an excretion event involving urine, since urine is a liquid, separation of solids is not required. When using an alternative primary container 122 with a urine diverter 124, urine can be separated via the urine diverter 124 without the use of water.

[0035] In some examples, the urine stream output, shown in FIG. 1B as a yellow stream, can be temporarily stored in the urine tank 126, routed to join the liquid output stream from the solids separator 106, or routed for treatment in another module or system. For example, the urine stream from the urine tank 126 can be directed to a buffer tank separation system or a liquid treatment system. In some examples, depending on the type of toilet or treatment system to which the system 101 is connected, the yellow and green streams can be transported separately to other systems or treatment modules or combined for transport. For example, if the treatment system can utilize or output separated urine, the yellow and green streams can be kept separate. In another example, the yellow and green streams can be combined and treated as a liquid waste stream.

[0036] As shown in FIG. 1B, the remaining features of the system 101 are substantially the same as those shown in the human waste collection and separation system 100 of FIG. 1A. In some urination events, at least a portion of the urine may be diverted or sent separately. As described with respect to the human waste collection and separation system 100, the user input received in or remaining in the alternate primary receptacle 122 may be mixed with water in a flush event to form a mixed waste, which may be sent to the solids separator 106 by activating the main valve 116. For example, in the case of a waste event that includes at least toilet paper, the mixed waste contents of the alternate primary receptacle 122 may be sent to the solids separator 106 by generating a weak vacuum in the solids separator 106 by activating the vacuum pump 112. Once a predetermined vacuum pressure is achieved, the main valve 116 is opened and the waste is transported to the solids separator 106.

[0037] The controller 110 may be configured to control or operate additional elements of the system 101. For example, the system 101 may also include valves, pumps, motors, sensors, etc. (not shown) for controlling and facilitating operation of the system, including transport of urine from the urine tank 126. In some examples, the urine tank 126 may be included in the human waste collection and separation system 101 having an alternative primary container 122. Sensors may be disposed in the urine tank 126 to monitor the level of liquid in the urine tank. In some examples, a pump may be provided to facilitate movement of the yellow stream from the urine tank 126 to an outlet of the human waste collection and separation system 101.

[0038] 2 and 3, an example of a front-end solids separator 106 is shown. With reference to FIG. 2, the exemplary solids separator 106 includes a vacuum tank 130 that may include an inlet 132, a separation filter 134, a solids outlet 136, and a liquid outlet 138. The vacuum tank 130 has a top 140, a bottom 142, and a cylindrical wall 144. The solids separator 106 may also include a first valve 146 and a first actuator 148 for the solids outlet 136, and a second valve 150 and a second actuator 152 for the liquid outlet 138. The first valve 146 and the second valve 150 may be two-way valves.

[0039] 3 shows a cross-section of the vacuum tank 130. The vacuum tank 130 includes an inlet chamber 156 formed at the top 140 within the vacuum tank 130. The inlet chamber 156 includes an inlet 132 and a chamber outlet 158. The inlet chamber 156 has a tangential inlet 132 configured to distribute a volumetric flow to the wall and further to the inner wall of the filter 134. A solids containment section 160 is formed at the bottom 142 of the vacuum tank 130 and is centrally located within the vacuum tank 130. The solids containment section 160 includes a solids outlet 136. The solids containment section 160 is configured to hold a separated solids amount of the mixed waste that is controlled by a geometric shape. For example, the solids containment section 160 has a first diameter (d 1 ) substantially equal to the diameter of the separation filter 134. s1 ) and a second diameter (d s2 ) can have a conical shape with a diameter of 160 and a cone angle between 0 and 90 degrees. For example, the diameter of 160 can be changed and the angle of the cone can be changed between 0 and 90 degrees to control the volume and composition of the separated solids in 160. For example, the total solids (TS) of the solids portion discharged through the solids outlet 136 can be controlled within the volume of the containment portion 160 by diluting the included solids. A liquid containment portion 162 is formed in the bottom 142 of the vacuum tank 130 and is contained within the vacuum tank 130 surrounding the solids containment portion 160. The liquid containment portion 162 includes a liquid outlet 138. The liquid containment portion 162 is configured to hold the separated liquid portion of the mixed waste portion. The separation filter 134 has a cylindrical tube shape and extends from the chamber outlet 158 ​​to the solids containment portion 160. The separation filter 134 forms a central separation volume 164 within the vacuum tank 130.

[0040] The inlet chamber 156 is configured to receive the mixed waste through the inlet 132 and direct the mixed waste to the central separation volume 164. The liquid portion of the mixed waste can flow through the separation filter 134 to the outer portion 166 surrounding the central separation volume 164 and collect in the liquid receiving portion 162 of the bottom portion 142. The solid portion of the mixed waste is received in the central separation volume 164 and collected in the solid receiving portion 160 of the bottom portion 142. The solid receiving portion 160 can have a funnel or cone shape to direct the solid portion of the mixed waste to the solid outlet 136. The solid portion collected in the solid receiving portion 160 can be discharged through the outlet 136 by overpressure or gravity. For example, the overpressure vacuum pressure can be about 0.5 bar. As will be further described, the solid portion collected in the solid receiving portion 160 can be discharged through the solid outlet 136 by activating the first valve 146. The bottom 142 of the vacuum tank 130 has a sloped bottom within the liquid containing portion 162 such that the flow of the liquid portion of the mixed waste collected within the liquid containing portion 162 is directed by gravity towards the liquid outlet 138. The liquid portion collected in the liquid containing portion 162 may be discharged via the liquid outlet 138 by actuating the second valve 150. If evacuation of the vacuum tank 130 is performed by overpressure, liquid is discharged from the liquid containing portion 162 before the overpressure is applied.

[0041] The separation filter 134 may include profile wires 168 mounted on supports 170 and aligned to form slots 172 ( FIG. 4 ) configured to retain solids in the central separation volume 164 and allow liquids to pass to the outer portion 166 of the vacuum tank 130. The profile wires 169 may be rods formed to have a particular profile cross-section. In one example, each profile wire may have a wedge-shaped cross-section. In other examples, the profile wires may have a circular, rectangular, triangular, or other particular shape. The separation filter 134 may have a predetermined minimum width (w 1) on at least one side of the arrangement. The size and shape of the slot may vary depending on the arrangement. For example, the profile wire 168 may be configured such that the slot has a predetermined minimum width (w 1 ) to form slots 172 between the profile wires 168.

[0042] 2 and 3, the support 170 is oriented in a direction substantially parallel to the central axis (X) of the vacuum tank 130, and the profile wires 168 of the separation filter 134 are oriented in a substantially horizontal direction such that the slots 172 between the profile wires 168 are oriented in a substantially perpendicular direction to the central axis (X) of the vacuum tank 130. In another example (not shown), the wedge-shaped wires 168 of the separation filter 134 are oriented in a direction substantially parallel to the central axis (X) of the vacuum tank 130 such that the slots between the profile wires 168 are oriented in a substantially parallel direction to the central axis (X) of the vacuum tank 130.

[0043] In FIG. 4, a portion of the separation filter 134 is shown to illustrate liquid separation of mixed waste. In one example, the separation filter 134 may be a wedge-shaped wire filter, although this design can be implemented and relied upon for other types and configurations of metal or wire filters. In this example, the separation filter 134 comprises a plurality of wires, each having a wedge-shaped or triangular cross-section. The plurality of wires are arranged such that the separation filter 134 has a predetermined minimum width (w) between each pair of wedge-shaped wires on the inner circumference of the cylindrical tubular shape in the central separation volume 164. 1 ) to a wider opening (W 2) to the central separation volume 164. The wire shape allows for the passage of liquids while the solids are contained in the central separation volume 164 and directed to the solids containment section 160 in the bottom 142 of the vacuum tank 130. For example, the controller 110 may also operate pumps, motors, and valves to control the vacuum tank 130. The controller 110 may operate the vacuum pump 112 to drain the mixed waste from the main vessel 102 or 122 through the inlet 132 into the inlet chamber 156. The inlet 132 and the inlet chamber 156 are configured such that the velocity of the mixed waste stream is slowed by the geometry of the inlet chamber 156 as it enters the inlet chamber 156. The inlet chamber has a tangential inlet 132 such that the volumetric flow is distributed to the walls, so that the mixed waste stream is guided in a spiral manner to the central separation volume 164 of the vacuum tank 130 and further distributed to the inner wall of the vacuum filter 134. The fluid can pass through the separation filter 134 and collect in the liquid-receiving portion 162 of the base 142 .

[0044] In the case of a urination event, a proportionately smaller amount of solids may collect in the solids containment portion 160, but the solids may remain collected until the next event that uses additional solids. For example, if a urination event is determined by a user selection or a sensor, the controller 110 may actuate the second valve 150 to release the collected liquid via the liquid outlet 138. In some examples, in the case of a urination event, overpressure may be applied to the vacuum tank 130 to release the solids that remain collected in the solids containment portion 160 via the solids outlet 136. In the case of a defecation event, where a solids portion is collected in the solids containment portion 160 in the bottom 142 of the vacuum tank 130, the solids portion may be released via the solids outlet 136 by gravity or overpressure. For example, overpressure may be applied to the vacuum tank 130 after the liquid portion collected in the liquid containment portion 162 in the bottom 142 is released. The liquid portion of the mixed waste collected in the liquid containment portion 162 can be discharged through the liquid outlet 138 by gravity flow after opening the second valve 150. The vacuum pump 112 can be reversed to create an overpressure or a separate pump can be used to pressurize the contents of the vacuum tank 130. The solid portion of the mixed waste collected in the solid containment portion 160 can be discharged through the solid outlet 136 after pressure is applied to the vacuum tank. The first actuator 148 can be configured to operate the first valve at the solid outlet 136 and the second actuator 152 can be configured to operate the second valve 150 at the liquid outlet 138. The controller can be configured to open the first valve 146 when overpressure is applied to the vacuum tank 130 to discharge the solid portion of the mixed waste collected in the solid containment portion 160.

[0045] The solids separator 106 is configured with a two-way valve 146 at the solids outlet 136, which is actuated by a motor. In another example, the two-way valve 146 can be actuated by overpressure. For example, the two-way valve 146 can be a ball valve. When the contents of the vacuum tank are pressurized, the two-way valve opens and can direct the solids stream to one or more modules of a larger system for processing feces and other solids. For example, the output of the solids stream can be delivered as an input to a feces processing module or system. After pressurizing the vacuum tank and releasing the solids portion, the two-way valve can be opened to release the liquid portion. The liquid portion can be passively drained from the liquid containment. The bottom of the liquid containment has a slope to direct the liquid to the liquid outlet. The liquid stream released from the liquid outlet can be directed for processing in one or more modules of a larger system. For example, the output of the liquid stream can be delivered as an input to a liquid processing module or system. For example, the liquid stream can be directed to a buffer system and / or a urine and wastewater treatment system. In one example, the liquid portion separated from the mixed waste comprises less than 5% dry solids, the solids comprising feces and toilet paper. In one example, the solids portion separated from the mixed waste comprises between about 1% and 25% dry solids, the solids comprising feces and toilet paper.

[0046] The front end may also include a touchless human-machine interface configured to communicate the status of the toilet system to the user. For example, the human-machine interface may be integrated into a pane of the user interface and indicate whether the toilet system is ready for use, requires maintenance, is shut down, etc. The human waste collection and separation system may be connected to a power source and, in some examples, may also include a backup battery in case of intermittent power or temporary power loss. In some examples, the human waste collection and separation system or the complete toilet system may be powered by a battery or an off-grid energy system.

[0047] FIG. 5 illustrates an exemplary method for collection and separation of human waste using the system of FIG. 1A described herein. Box 1102 receives human waste in a container. The human waste includes at least one of liquid waste and solid waste. The liquid waste includes at least one of urine and rinse water. The solid waste includes at least one of feces and toilet accessories such as toilet paper. The human waste includes at least one of urine, feces, and toilet accessories.

[0048] In some examples, where the vessel includes a urine diverter 124, such as the system 101 shown in FIG. 1B, the method may also include diverting a bypass portion of the urine through the urine diverter formed within the vessel. For example, the bypass liquid outlet may be connected to a urine tank to hold liquid, including mostly urine, before releasing the yellow stream for further processing. For example, in the case of a urination event, the liquid waste may include mostly urine and some water, and may be diverted from the main vessel outlet to the yellow stream outlet via the urine diverter.

[0049] In box 1104, flush water for a human waste event is received that is sufficient to flush residual urine, residual feces, and toilet paper to a primary outlet of the primary receptacle. In some examples, a predetermined amount of water is used for every human waste event. In some examples, a first predetermined amount can be used for a urination event, and a second predetermined amount can be used for a bowel movement event. For example, the first predetermined amount can be considered small compared to the amount of water required for a bowel movement event.

[0050] The mixed waste with the flush water is discharged through the main outlet of the main vessel at box 1106. A vacuum pump can be used to create a slight vacuum to transport the mixed waste to the vacuum tank of the solids separator.

[0051] At box 1108, the mixed waste is received at an inlet portion of a vacuum tank. The inlet portion is configured to decelerate and direct the mixed waste to a separation volume within the vacuum tank. The inlet to the solids separator can be positioned to receive the mixed waste tangentially and direct the mixed waste along a circumferential inner wall of an inlet chamber to decelerate and attenuate the input. For example, the inlet can be positioned off-center, with the received mixed waste stream flowing along the inner wall of the inlet chamber and through the inlet chamber in a circular motion, with the chamber shaped to direct the mixed waste stream to an outlet of the chamber. For example, the inlet is offset from the center and configured to direct the input stream in a spiral manner.

[0052] In box 1110, the liquid portion of the mixed waste is passed through a separation filter to collect the liquid in a liquid receiving section at the bottom. The bottom has a solids receiving section formed at the bottom of the vacuum tank and centrally located within the vacuum tank, and a liquid receiving section formed at the bottom and surrounding the solids receiving section. When the mixed waste flow is received in the separation volume within the separation filter, a portion of the liquid having a lateral movement passes through the separation filter. The liquid of the mixed waste received in the separation volume can also be induced to flow through the separation filter by gravity.

[0053] In box 1112, the solids portion of the mixed waste is collected in a bottom solids containment volume. The solids containment volume is configured to hold the separated solids portion of the mixed waste as the liquid portion passes through the volume between the separation filter and the vacuum tank wall. The solids portion of the mixed waste remains in the separation filter as the mixed waste settles by gravity. The solids containment section can have a funnel shape that contains and directs the solids to a solids outlet while allowing excess liquid to collect in the liquid containment section.

[0054] In box 1114, the solids portion of the mixed waste collected in the solids containment section is discharged via the solids outlet. Applying overpressure to the vacuum tank causes a portion of the liquid remaining in the separation volume to pass through the separation filter along with the air and be collected in the bottom liquid containment section. The solids separator is configured with a two-way valve at the solids outlet that is actuated by a motor. When the contents of the vacuum tank are pressurized, the two-way valve can be opened to direct the solids stream for processing feces and other solids in one or more modules of a larger system. For example, the output of the solids stream can be delivered as an input to a feces processing module or system.

[0055] In box 1116, the liquid portion of the mixed waste collected is discharged into a liquid containment portion formed at the bottom of the vacuum tank. The solids separator is configured with a two-way valve at the liquid outlet that is actuated by an actuator. The liquid portion can be discharged by opening the two-way valve before pressurizing the vacuum tank to discharge the solids portion. The liquid portion can be passively drained from the liquid containment portion. The bottom of the liquid containment portion has a slope to direct the liquid to the liquid outlet. The liquid stream discharged from the liquid outlet can be directed for processing in one or more modules of a larger system. For example, the output of the liquid stream can be delivered as an input to a liquid processing module or system. For example, the liquid stream can be directed to a buffer system and / or a urine and wastewater treatment system.

[0056] The human waste collection and separation system 100 or 101 can be configured for use in a variety of systems and applications. In some examples, the solids separator 106 can be used in other applications and can be configured to separate mixed waste received from sources other than toilets. As described above, the human waste collection and separation system 100 or 101, or the solids separator 106, can be a separation system configured for use in a stand-alone non-sewered toilet system. For example, in a stand-alone non-sewered toilet system, a front-end system configured to receive human waste can comprise the human waste collection and separation system 100 or 101. The human waste collection and separation system 100 or 101 can be configured to operate as part of and integrate with other systems of the stand-alone non-sewered toilet system, such as a liquid treatment system, a solids treatment system, and / or another separation system.

[0057] FIG. 6 shows an example schematic diagram of a non-sewered single unit toilet system including a front-end system 1, a buffer tank system 2, a urine and wastewater system 3, and a water oxidation solids treatment system 4. In this example, the front-end system 1 can be a separation system including a human waste collection and separation system 100 or 101 described herein. For example, the front-end system 1 can be configured to capture human waste and separate the mixed waste stream into at least one of a green stream and a brown stream. In an example using the system 101, a yellow stream can also be separated. The separated green stream, brown stream, and / or yellow stream can be further processed by the buffer tank system 2. The buffer tank system 2 can be configured to output the clarified green stream to the urine and wastewater treatment system 3, and the brown stream slurry to the water oxidation solids treatment system 4. Additionally, the buffer tank system 2 can receive inputs from one or more systems or modules of the non-sewered single unit toilet system for additional processing. The non-sewered single unit toilet system can be configured to deliver a treated liquid output and a treated solids output. The clean and / or treated water can be further used in the front end system 1 flush water system or for processing in one or more systems or modules. The single unit toilet system can further include a control unit including at least one controller for operation of the system and / or one or more modules of the system including valves, pumps, motors, sensors, and other devices.

[0058] FIG. 7 shows another example schematic diagram of a non-sewered single unit toilet system including a front-end system 1, a buffer tank system 2, a urine and wastewater system 3, a reduced-volume solids treatment system 5, and an external combustor 6. In this example, the front-end system 1 can be a separation system with a human waste collection and separation system 100 or 101 as described herein. As shown, the front-end system 1 is modular and can be configured to fit another configuration of a non-sewered single unit toilet system. There is a similar system in both FIG. 6 and FIG. 7, but a different solids treatment module is shown in FIG. 8 as a reduced-volume solids treatment system 5. As in FIG. 6, the front-end system 1 can be configured to capture human waste and separate the mixed waste stream into at least one of a green stream and a brown stream. In the example with the human waste collection and separation system 101, a yellow stream can also be separated. The separated green, brown, and / or yellow streams can be further processed by the buffer tank system 2. The buffer tank system 2 can be configured to output the clarified green stream to a urine and wastewater treatment system 3, and the brown stream slurry to a reduced solids treatment system 5. The single unit toilet system can be configured to deliver a treated liquid output and a treated solids output. The single unit toilet system can further comprise a control unit including at least one controller for operation of the system and / or one or more modules of the system including valves, pumps, motors, sensors, and other devices. In this example, an external combustor 6 can also be part of the non-sewered single unit toilet system, which can be configured to receive the treated solids output.

[0059] Aspects

[0060] The following list of exemplary embodiments supports and is supported by the disclosure provided herein.

[0061] Aspect 1. 1. A solids separator for separating mixed human waste, said solids separator comprising: a vacuum tank having a top, a bottom, and a cylindrical wall, said vacuum tank comprising: an inlet chamber formed within the vacuum tank at the top, the inlet chamber having an inlet and a chamber outlet; a solids receiving section formed at a bottom of the vacuum tank and centrally located within the vacuum tank, the solids receiving section having a solids outlet and configured to hold a separated solids portion of the mixed waste; a liquid receiving section formed at a bottom of the vacuum tank and contained within the vacuum tank surrounding the solids receiving section, the liquid receiving section having a liquid outlet and configured to hold a separated liquid portion of the mixed waste; a separation filter having a cylindrical tubular shape and extending from the chamber outlet to the solids receiving portion, the separation filter forming a central separation volume within the vacuum tank; a separation filter configured to receive the mixed waste through an inlet such that the mixed waste is guided spirally around an inner surface of the inlet chamber and directed to the central separation volume, the liquid portion of the mixed waste flows through the separation filter to an outer portion surrounding the central separation volume and is collected in the liquid storage section at the bottom, and the solid portion of the mixed waste is contained within the central separation volume and is collected in the solid storage section at the bottom.

[0062] Aspect 2. 2. The solids separator of claim 1, wherein the separation filter comprises a plurality of profile wires, each profile wire having a particular cross-section, the plurality of profile wires being spaced apart to form a plurality of grooves extending from slits between the profile wires on an inner circumference of the cylindrical tubular shape to a wider opening on an outer circumference of the cylindrical tubular shape.

[0063] Aspect 3. 3. The solids separator of claim 1 or 2, wherein the bottom of the vacuum tank has a sloped bottom within the liquid containing section such that the liquid portion of the mixed waste collected in the liquid containing section at the bottom is directed to the liquid outlet.

[0064] Aspect 4. A solids separator according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the solids containment section is funnel or cone shaped to direct the solids portion of the mixed waste to the solids outlet.

[0065] Aspect 5. 5. The solids separator of any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the solids portion of the mixed waste collected in the solids containment section is discharged through the solids outlet after pressure is applied to the vacuum tank.

[0066] Aspect 6. A solids separator according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the liquid portion of the mixed waste collected in the liquid containment section is discharged via the liquid outlet by gravity.

[0067] Aspect 7. 7. The solids separator of any one of aspects 1 to 6, further comprising a first actuator configured to operate a first valve at the solids outlet and a second actuator configured to operate a second valve at the liquid outlet.

[0068] Aspect 8. A solids separator as described in any one of the preceding aspects, wherein the first valve is configured to open when an overpressure is applied to the vacuum tank to release a solids portion of the mixed waste collected in the solids containment section.

[0069] Aspect 9. Aspect 9. The solids separator of any one of aspects 1 to 8, wherein the second valve operates after the first valve to discharge the liquid portion of the mixed waste collected in the liquid storage section.

[0070] Aspect 10. 1. A system comprising: a receptacle having a primary outlet configured to receive human waste including at least one of urine and feces; a flush tank configured to provide a volume of flush water to the vessel to form a mixed waste stream with the human waste within the vessel; A solids separator according to any one of aspects 1 to 9.

[0071] Aspect 11. 11. The system of embodiment 10, wherein when the main valve is actuated, a weak vacuum is applied to a vacuum tank of the solids separator by a vacuum pump to evacuate the vessel.

[0072] Aspect 12. The system of aspect 10 or 11, further comprising a user interface configured for a user to select a flush mode including at least one of a urine event mode and a bowel movement event mode.

[0073] Aspect 13. 13. The system of any one of aspects 10 to 12, wherein the container comprises a urine diverter, and in response to a urination event, a bypass portion of the urine is passively directed towards a bypass outlet of the container and a urine tank.

[0074] Aspect 14. A method for collecting and separating human waste using a solids separator according to any one of aspects 1 to 9, comprising the steps of: receiving human waste, including at least one of urine and feces, into a receptacle having a primary outlet; receiving a quantity of flush water forming a mixed waste product in said container; Discharging the mixed waste through a main outlet of the vessel and into the solids separator; and separating said mixed waste into a liquid portion which is mostly liquid with some solids and a solid portion which is mostly solids with some liquid.

[0075] Aspect 15. 15. The method of claim 14, wherein discharging the mixed waste comprises creating a weak vacuum using a vacuum pump to send the mixed waste to the solids separator.

[0076] Aspect 16. 16. The method of claim 14 or 15, wherein the mixed waste is received into the inlet chamber of the solids separator through the inlet, the inlet being positioned to receive the mixed waste tangentially and direct the mixed waste along a circumferential inner wall of the inlet chamber to decelerate the mixed waste.

[0077] Aspect 17. 17. The method of any one of aspects 14 to 16, wherein the solids portion of the mixed waste collected in the solids containment section is released through the solids outlet after pressure is applied to the vacuum tank.

[0078] Aspect 18. 18. The method of any one of aspects 14-17, wherein the liquid portion separated from the mixed waste comprises less than 5% dry solids, the solids comprising at least one of feces and toilet paper.

[0079] Aspect 19. 19. The method of any one of aspects 14-18, wherein the solids portion separated from the mixed waste comprises about 1% to 25% dry solids, the solids comprising at least one of feces and toilet paper.

[0080] Aspect 20. 20. The method of any one of aspects 14-19, wherein the amount of flush water comprises a predetermined amount of flush water based on whether the received human waste is from a urination event or a defecation event.

[0081] The features of the embodiments described herein are representative, and alternative embodiments may add or omit certain features and elements. It is to be understood that, unless otherwise indicated, the present disclosure is not limited to particular materials, manufacturing processes, and the like, which may vary. It is also to be understood that the terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only, and is not intended to be limiting. The present disclosure also allows steps to be performed in differing order where this is logically possible.

Claims

1. 1. A solids separator for separating mixed human waste, said solids separator comprising: a vacuum tank having a top, a bottom, and a cylindrical wall, said vacuum tank comprising: an inlet chamber formed within the vacuum tank at the top, the inlet chamber having an inlet and a chamber outlet; a solids container formed in the bottom of the vacuum tank and centrally located within the vacuum tank, the solids container having a solids outlet and configured to hold a separated solids portion of the mixed waste; a liquid receiving section formed in the bottom of the vacuum tank and contained within the vacuum tank surrounding the solids receiving section, the liquid receiving section having a liquid outlet and configured to hold a separated liquid portion of the mixed waste; a separation filter having a cylindrical tubular shape and extending from the chamber outlet to the solids receiving portion, the separation filter forming a central separation volume within the vacuum tank; a separation filter configured to receive the mixed waste through an inlet such that the mixed waste is guided spirally around an inner surface of the inlet chamber and directed to the central separation volume, the liquid portion of the mixed waste flows through the separation filter to an outer portion surrounding the central separation volume and is collected in the liquid storage section at the bottom, and the solid portion of the mixed waste is contained within the central separation volume and is collected in the solid storage section at the bottom.

2. 2. The solids separator of claim 1, wherein the separation filter comprises a plurality of profile wires, each having a particular cross-section, the plurality of profile wires being spaced apart to form a plurality of grooves extending from slits between the profile wires on the inner circumference of the cylindrical tubular shape to wider openings on the outer circumference of the cylindrical tubular shape.

3. 2. The solids separator of claim 1, wherein the bottom of the vacuum tank has a sloped bottom within the liquid containing section such that the liquid portion of the mixed waste collected in the liquid containing section of the bottom is directed to the liquid outlet.

4. 2. The solids separator of claim 1, wherein the solids containment portion is funnel or cone shaped to direct the solids portion of the mixed waste to the solids outlet.

5. 2. The solids separator of claim 1, wherein the solids portion of the mixed waste collected in the solids containment section is discharged through the solids outlet after pressure is applied to the vacuum tank.

6. 2. The solids separator of claim 1, wherein the liquid portion of the mixed waste collected in the liquid containment section is discharged via the liquid outlet by gravity.

7. 10. The solids separator of claim 1, further comprising a first actuator configured to operate a first valve at the solids outlet and a second actuator configured to operate a second valve at the liquid outlet.

8. 8. The solids separator of claim 7, wherein the first valve is configured to open when an overpressure is applied to the vacuum tank to release a solids portion of the mixed waste collected in the solids containment section.

9. 8. The solids separator of claim 7, wherein the second valve operates after the first valve to discharge the liquid portion of the mixed waste collected in the liquid containment section.

10. 1. A system comprising: a receptacle having a primary outlet, the receptacle configured to receive human waste including at least one of urine and feces; a flush tank configured to provide a volume of flush water to the vessel to form a mixed waste stream with the human waste within the vessel; A system comprising the solids separator of claim 1.

11. 11. The system of claim 10, wherein when the main valve is actuated, a weak vacuum is applied to the solids separator vacuum tank by a vacuum pump to evacuate the vessel.

12. 11. The system of claim 10, further comprising a user interface configured for a user to select a flush mode, the flush mode comprising at least one of a urine event mode and a bowel movement event mode.

13. 11. The system of claim 10, wherein the container comprises a urine diverter, and in response to a urination event, a bypass portion of urine is passively directed toward a bypass outlet of the container and a urine tank.

14. 13. A method for collecting and separating human waste using the solids separator of claim 1, comprising: receiving human waste, including at least one of urine and feces, into a receptacle having a primary outlet; receiving a quantity of flush water forming a mixed waste product in said vessel; Discharging the mixed waste through a main outlet of the vessel and into the solids separator; and separating said mixed waste into a liquid portion which is mostly liquid with some solids and a solid portion which is mostly solids with some liquid.

15. 15. The method of claim 14, wherein discharging the mixed waste comprises using a vacuum pump to create a slight vacuum to send the mixed waste to the solids separator.

16. 15. The method of claim 14, wherein the mixed waste is received into the inlet chamber of the solids separator through the inlet, the inlet being positioned to receive the mixed waste tangentially and direct the mixed waste along a circumferential inner wall of the inlet chamber to decelerate the mixed waste.

17. 15. The method of claim 14, wherein the solids portion of the mixed waste collected in the solids containment section is discharged through the solids outlet after pressure is applied to the vacuum tank.

18. 15. The method of claim 14, wherein the liquid portion separated from the mixed waste comprises less than 5% dry solids, the solids comprising at least one of feces and toilet paper.

19. 15. The method of claim 14, wherein the solids portion separated from the mixed waste comprises about 1% to 25% dry solids, the solids comprising at least one of feces and toilet paper.

20. 15. The method of claim 14, wherein the amount of flush water comprises a predetermined amount of flush water based on whether the received human waste is from a urination event or a defecation event.

Images