Squat toilet apparatus

Abstract

Squat toilet apparatus having a trough (12) provided with an open cavity (20) having an upper rim (22) and a lower throat region. A flap (19) is moveably mounted to extend across the cavity at the throat region to define a base surface of the cavity onto which human waste may be deposited. The trough is compatible for coupling to a squat pan having a main bowl that extends downwardly from an upper support face upon which a user of the squat pan stands.

Description

[0001] Squat Toilet Apparatus

[0002] Field of invention

[0003] The present concept relates to squat toilet apparatus to receive human waste and in particular, although not exclusively, to aspects of a squat toilet having a trough provided with a flap to open and close a discharge throat region at the trough.

[0004] Background

[0005] According to the World Health Organisation as reported in June 2019, around 2 billion people do not have basic sanitation facilities such as toilets or latrines. Of these, an estimated 673 million defecate in the open, for example in street gutters, behind bushes or into open bodies of water. Poor sanitation is linked to transmission of diseases such as cholera, diarrhoea, dysentery, hepatitis A, typhoid and polio. In particular, inadequate sanitation, is estimated to cause around 432k diarrhoea deaths annually. Additionally, poor sanitation has been proven to reduce human wellbeing and social and economic development. Additionally, the use of pit latrines is extensive in countries that do not have adequate sewage infrastructures. These latrines typically involve digging a deep pit that provides a waste deposit for small communities. The pit is typically covered by a platform having a suitable hole through which an individual’s waste is deposited. The pit latrine continues in use until it reaches capacity. The waste should then be extracted and disposed of sustainably. However, in many countries across the world, the waste is typically extracted and discharged untreated into a local river or other water course.

[0006] Attempts to address the various problems associated with no or little sewage infrastructure has included with the use of non-flushing or chemical toilets and that may be conveniently supplied and installed in remote and rural communities. It is generally required that such toilets be environmentally friendly, can be easily maintained and require low energy consumption.

[0007] Non-flushing toilets have existed for many years including for example incinerator toilets as described within US 3,020,559 and US 3,230,913. These types of toilet use a coiled electrical heating element to incinerate / bum the faeces with all emitted gases and smoke exhausted via ducts into the surrounding environment. Whilst such devices are effective to kill bacteria and other pathogens within the faeces, they are typically very energy intensive and generate harmful NOX and SOX gases (together with carbon dioxide) that are released into the surrounding environment.

[0008] Chemical toilets collect human excreta in holding tank and use chemicals to minimise odours and in some cases initiate chemical breakdown of the excreta to inhibit the growth of harmful bacteria and pathogens. However, such toilets typically require large holding tanks and significant volumes of disinfectant and deodorising chemicals. Biocides, alcohols and ammonium-based compounds are typically used. However, the collected and chemically treated waste is required to be transported to large-scale sewage processing plants before it can be discharged safely and preferably utilised for applications such as within fertilisers.

[0009] Accordingly, there is a need for improved apparatus and methods for the safe, effective and environmentally sustainable collection and treatment of human waste particularly in deprived regions with poor sanitation facilities and connection to sewage treatment networks.

[0010] Summary of the Invention

[0011] It is an objective of the present concept to provide a squat toilet, commonly referred to as a squat plate or squat pan, configured to receive human waste (faeces and urine) and to channel the waste for onward transport to a waste processing unit, apparatus or sewage network. It is a further specific objective to provide squat toilet apparatus configured to minimise odour release. It is a further specific objective to provide squat toilet apparatus in which regions of the apparatus contacted by the human waste are capable of being cleaned via a minimised volume of cleaning or flushing liquid / water. It is a further specific objective to provide squat toilet apparatus having a relatively low profile in a height direction or vertical plane so as to provide convenient installation within regions or locations with space restrictions or other small areas.

[0012] The objectives are achieved via the present squat toilet apparatus that comprises a trough or trough region provided with a movable flap extending laterally across a throat that provides a base surface of an open cavity onto which human waste may be deposited for onward discharge to human waste processing apparatus and / or a sewage network. The present squat toilet is advantageous and configured to use minimal flushing liquid / water whilst capable of being maintained in a hygienic and clean state. The present squat toilet is ideally suited for use in regions or environments with little available flushing water and is adaptable for integration into a mobile human waste processing unit to provide a self- contained toilet unit.

[0013] The present squat toilet comprises a moveable and in particular hinge mounted flap that is capable of actuation between a raised and a lowered position in which the raised position is capable of being seated against a lowermost annular end (rim) of the trough cavity. A small volume of liquid may be dispensed onto an upper surface of the flap so as to provide a low volume puddle at the base or trough of the squat toilet main cavity. The flap is capable of being actuated manually or to be mechanised via suitable actuators for movement between the upper closed position (against the lower rim of the cavity wall) and the lowered open position to allow the onward discharge of the waste (faeces and urine) into a lower chamber of the trough and subsequently into a waste transfer chute. Preferably the flap comprises a tray, bowl, cup or container shape profile and / or configuration to be capable or retaining a volume of liquid such as water. Preferably the flap is configured to retain a relatively small volume of liquid (such as flushing water) in the range 10-50ml when the flap is orientated with its main plane generally horizontal. Such a configuration is advantageous to create a wet seal with a lower rim of the main cavity to prevent release of odours into the cavity from the lower chamber or transfer chute of the apparatus.

[0014] The present squat toilet is capable of connection and / or integration at human solid-liquid waste processing systems and arrangements that include paralysis or torrefaction apparatus and processes and / or membrane distillation processes and / or apparatus. In particular, the present filtration apparatus may be integrated, optionally via a modular installation configuration, within a static or mobile human waste processing module having a pyrolysis / torrefaction unit and a membrane distillation unit. In particular, a pyrolysis device is connectable to a waste outlet of the present apparatus. Similarly, membrane distillation apparatus is connectable to the waste outlet of the present apparatus.

[0015] The pyrolysis apparatus and process is configured to thermally decompose solid waste and to effectively eliminate pathogens and bacteria within faeces so as to generate a safe and biologically benign product char that may be disposed of conveniently and / or used for one or more applications. Preferably, the pyrolysis system is configured for torrefaction processing to convert generally solid biomass into a product char via a mild form of pyrolysis involving heating temperatures optionally between 200°C to 350°C. Such a configuration is beneficial to kill pathogens and bacteria within the biomass without releasing harmful product gases such as NOX and SOX pollutants directly into the environment. The torrefaction thermochemical treatment apparatus and method is conveniently operational at atmospheric pressure and utilises an oxygen depleted environment that is convenient and energy efficient to create and maintain. The present squat toilet apparatus is capable of connection and / or integration at human solid-liquid waste processing systems and arrangements configured to process human liquid waste to filter and to remove solid matter and solid particulates optionally in addition to toxins and bacteria so as to generate a processed liquid suitable for further applications such as hand washing, toilet flushing, crop irrigation etc. In particular, the present toilet apparatus is connectable to a predominantly liquid processing assembly and system that utilises a variety of sequential staged filter treatment processes and units adapted specifically to separate sequentially solid matter from liquid waste. The liquid processing assembly and system is configured specifically to require little or zero flushing water and / or additional liquids and chemicals as part of the filtration process. In particular, the apparatus and / or liquid processing assembly and system utilises liquid processing loops for the efficient use of liquid and additional materials and apparatus. The assembly and system is designed specifically to minimise the number of working components and to facilitate transport to remote locations and for installation and use within confined spaces. Moreover, the system attempts to minimise the use of chemicals and material that are not suitable for recycling or further uses. Membrane distillation is advantageous to separate non-volatile components, such as ions, macro-molecules and colloidal particles from a condensate liquid generated by the distillation-condensation cycle and the water-repelling nature of the membrane. Reference within the specification to "permeate ’ encompasses a liquid that is the result of vapourisation and condensation via a membrane distillation unit. Such a term includes a condensate, a vapour, a gas, a product and the condensation of vapour or a gas within or outside the membrane module / unit. Preferably, the apparatus comprises a holding tank positioned in a fluid flow direction between the pre-filter treatment unit and the membrane distillation unit. Preferably, the apparatus comprises liquid / slurry pump. Optionally, the apparatus comprises a first distillation flow pump to drive a flow of liquid from the holding tank to the membrane distillation unit. Preferably, the apparatus further comprises a permeate collection reservoir to collect liquid permeate output from the permeate flow outlet. Preferably, the membrane distillation unit further comprises a permeate flow inlet connected in fluid flow with the permeate flow outlet to provide a permeate flow loop through the filter membrane. Preferably, the apparatus further comprises a second distillation flow pump connected in fluid flow with the permeate flow loop. Preferably, the apparatus further comprises a permeate output filter connected in fluid communication to an outlet of the permeate collection reservoir to receive and collect output from the membrane distillation unit. Preferably, the apparatus comprise at least one conduit network coupled to the membrane distillation unit to provide a feed loop conduit / manifold having a feed loop inlet and a feed loop outlet at respective regions and connected in fluid communication to the membrane distillation unit. Optionally, the feed loop conduit / manifold is connected to the holding tank positioned between the pre-filter treatment unit and the membrane distillation unit. Preferably, the feed loop conduit / manifold comprises a pump. Preferably, the feed loop conduit / manifold comprises a heater. Preferably, the pump and heater of the feed loop conduit / manifold are positioned in a fluid flow direction up-stream of a feed inlet at the membrane distillation unit. Preferably, the holding tank is positioned in a fluid flow direction upstream of the pump and / or the heater. Preferably, the feed loop conduit / manifold comprises an outlet to provide an outflow / purge of liquid. Preferably, the outlet conduit of the feed loop is positioned in a fluid flow direction between the pump or heater and the membrane distillation unit. Preferably, the outlet conduit is connected to a waste collection tank. Preferably, the feed loop conduit / manifold comprises one or a plurality of valves, sensors, heaters and / or pumps.

[0016] Preferably, the apparatus comprises a permeate feed loop conduit / manifold coupled in fluid flow communication with the membrane distillation unit. Preferably, the permeate flow loop conduit / manifold comprises at least one pump, at least one condenser and / or at least one permeate holding tank. Preferably, an outlet of the permeate flow loop / conduit at the membrane distillation unit is connected in fluid communication with a condenser and an inlet of the permeate flow loop conduit / manifold at the membrane distillation unit is connected in fluid communication to the pump. Preferably, the permeate holding tank is positioned in a fluid flow direction between the condenser and the pump. Preferably, the holding tank comprises an overflow liquid outlet. Preferably, the overflow liquid outlet comprises a weir arrangement. Preferably, the outlet of the permeate holding tank is connected in fluid communication to a storage tank and / or output of the apparatus. Preferably, a filter (for example a carbon filter) is connected in fluid communication with the permeate holding tank so as to receive an outflow of liquid from the permeate holding tank and to filter the liquid to remove odours and / or any pathogens, bacteria, microbes etc. Optionally, the filter at this polishing step comprises an antimicrobial compound. Optionally, the filter at the polishing step comprises silver and / or activated granular carbon.

[0017] According to a first aspect of the present concept there is provided squat toilet apparatus comprising: a trough having an open cavity defined by an annular wall having an interior surface defined between an upper rim and a lower rim, the open cavity having a lower throat region terminate by the lower rim; a flap movably mounted to extend across the cavity at the throat region and having a main surface positionable opposite the lower rim to define a base surface of the cavity; a base region of the trough defining a receiving chamber positioned below the cavity, the flap configured to partition the cavity and the chamber when extending across the cavity at the throat region; and wherein the flap comprising a lip extending at a perimeter of the flap, the lip and the main surface defining a tray to retain a liquid.

[0018] Reference herein to the flap having lip encompasses configurations in which the flap is tray-shaped and / or comprises a perimeter region that is upwardly projecting relative to a main face or generally planar main body or region that represents a majority of the flap component.

[0019] The flap a main surface is defined by a perimeter of the flap, a surface area of the main surface being greater than a cross sectional surface area of the throat as defined by a lower rim of the cavity. The cross-sectional surface area of the throat is aligned in a horizontal plane, with the apparatus in normal use. The cross-sectional surface area is defined by an inner edge of the lowermost annular rim (corresponding to the annular end) of the cavity.

[0020] Optionally, at least a portion of the lips is positioned external to the lower rim when the flap is positioned to extend across the throat. Optionally, the flap comprises a hinge extending upwardly from the main surface at a perimeter of the flap. Optionally, the lip is at least partially defined by the hinge at the perimeter of the flap. Optionally, the perimeter of the flap is bent or curved to define the lip. Optionally, the main surface and the lip define a well configured to retain a volume of liquid. Optionally, the volume of liquid is in the region of 10 to 50ml, 50 to 140ml or 15 to 30ml.

[0021] Preferably, the main surface of the flap is configured to contact, abut or sit against the lower rim of the cavity to define the base surface of the cavity. Optionally, a depth of the cavity between the upper rim and lower rim is less than a maximum distance across the flap. Optionally, a cross sectional area of the cavity in a horizontal plane decreases over a depth of the cavity from the upper rim and the lower rim (at the throat).

[0022] Optionally, the apparatus comprises a resiliently deformable gasket provided at the lower rim is less. Optionally, the gasket may comprise a rubber, a polymer, a natural or synthetic polymer or rubber.

[0023] Optionally, the apparatus may comprise a liquid supply conduit having an outlet port provided at the cavity to dispense a liquid onto the flap. The supply conduit may comprise a nozzle positioned at the cavity. Optionally, a nozzle or outlet of the liquid supply conduit may be positioned proximate or collocated close to or adjacent an upward facing surface of the flap. The water is configured to settle / collect within the tray shaped flap.

[0024] Preferably, the apparatus comprises a discharge chute extending from receiving chamber. Preferably, the chute comprises a non-circular cross- sectional profile. Optionally, the cross-sectional profile of the chute may be oval, rectangular, part rectangular, stadium shaped or oblong shaped. Optionally, a cross section of the chute, a height of the chute in a generally vertical plane is greater than a width of the chute in a generally horizontal plane. Optionally, the chute comprises an oval or stadium shaped cross-sectional profile. Optionally, the chute is devoid of a U-bend and extends laterally outward from the receiving chamber.

[0025] Optionally, the flange is hingeably mounted and configured to pivot about a pivot axis between a raised position abutting or opposite the lower rim and a lowered declined position to provide fluidic communication between the cavity, the receiving chamber and the chute. Optionally, the flange is mechanically mounted at its perimeter via at least one pivoting and / or axel mounting. Optionally, the mounting mechanism may be manually configured / actuated or may comprise electromagnetic or other electronic components to enable electronic control of the actuation of the flap between the raised and lowered positions. Preferably, the hinge mechanism comprises at least one bias component to resiliently bias the flap into a raised upper / horizontal position in contact or in near touching contact with the lower annular rim of the throat of the cavity. The bias component may comprise a spring, a mechanised servo. Optionally the flap may be configured for gravity assisted opening. Optionally the flap may be configured for vacuum assisted opening, with the apparatus further comprising a vacuum pump or similar.

[0026] Optionally, the chute comprises a lengthwise section that extends upwardly from a lowermost base section of the receiving chamber. Optionally, the receiving chamber comprises a base surface positioned below and opposed to the flap, the flap pivotally mounted to move between a raised position extending across the throat and a lowered position in contact or in near touching contact with the base surface. Optionally, the base surface is declined to extend downwardly from a hinge mounted side of the flap to a lowermost or base region of the receiving chamber and / or the chute. Optionally, the chute comprises an inclined section extending upwardly from the base region relative to the declined orientation of the base surface of the receiving chamber to define a V-shaped section of the chute in a lengthwise of the chute.

[0027] Optionally, the apparatus further comprises a squat pan attachable to the trough, the squat pan having a main bowl with a bowl cavity defined by an interior bowl surface extending between an upper support face upon which a user of the squat plate stands and a flange provided at a lower throat region of the bowl. Optionally, the flange is mountable in contact with the upper rim of the trough, the flange and the upper rim having corresponding shape profiles to be mateable together such that the interior surface of the bowl cavity is capable of being aligned and / or coplanar with the interior surface of the trough cavity.

[0028] According to a further aspect of the present concept there is provided a squat toilet comprising a squat pan and a trough. Optionally, the squat toilet comprises an upper pan and a lower trough, wherein the pan and the trough formed integrally and optionally wherein the pan and the trough each comprise the respective components and function as described herein. Optionally, the pan and trough are formed as separate components releasably attachable together via suitable fixings including screws, bolts, adhesive, welding or other chemical or mechanical attachment means.

[0029] Brief description of drawings

[0030] A specific implementation of the present invention will now be described, by way of example only, and with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:

[0031] Figure 1 is a perspective view of a squat toilet having an upper squat pan and a lower trough according to a specific implementation of the present concept;

[0032] Figure 2 is a cross sectional perspective view of the squat toilet of figure 1;

[0033] Figure 3 is a perspective view of the trough portion of the squat toilet of figures 1 to 2;

[0034] Figure 4 is a further perspective view of the trough of figure 3;

[0035] Figure 5 is a cross sectional perspective view of a lower region of the squat pan and the trough of figure 2;

[0036] Figure 6 is a perspective view of the squat pan and trough provided with a hingeably mounted flap moveable between upper closed and a lower open positions;

[0037] Figure 7 is a further cross sectional perspective view of the squat pan and trough of figure 6 with the hingeable flap at a lowered position;

[0038] Figure 8 is a perspective view of the squat toilet of figures 1 and 2 forming part of a modular human waste processing unit having a pyrolysis / torrefaction unit and membrane distillation unit for the processing of predominantly solid and liquid waste according to a specific implementation of the present concept; Figure 9 is a perspective view of pyrolysis / torrefaction processing apparatus according to the modular unit of figure 8.

[0039] Detailed description of preferred embodiment of the invention

[0040] Referring to figure 1, a squat toilet 10 comprises an upper squat pan 11 removably connectable to a lower trough 12. Squat pan 11 comprises a generally rectangular upward facing support surface 13 onto which a use of the squat pan stands. A main bowl 14 having an open receiving aperture extends downwardly from support surface 13 and into which faeces and urine are deposited. Trough 12 is removably connectable to a lower portion of squat pan 11. Trough 12 comprises an annular wall 25 from which extends laterally a discharge chute 15 having a laterally extending manifold 16 that is, in turn, connectable to a downstream processing unit and / or a main sewer network.

[0041] Referring to figures 2 to 4, main bowl 14 comprises an internal cross-sectional area that increases upwardly from a lowermost annular end / rim 21. In particular, main bowl 14 comprises a laterally extending trench portion 14a such that an upper rim 23 of main bowl 14 is elongate and extends lengthwise over support surface 13. Trench 14a at its base region is declined and comprises a depth that increases from a first lateral end 14b to a transition end 14c that is tapered downwardly as a transition / interface with main bowl 14 that, in turn, extends generally downward from support surface 14.

[0042] Trough 12 comprises an open cavity 20 connectable in internal communication with main bowl 14. Cavity 20 is defined by annular wall 25 and in particular an annular internal surface 26. Surface 26 extends between a lower rim 28 and upper rim 22 of wall 25. An annular collar 18 projects radially outward from upper rim 22 and has a planar upward facing surface 24 mateable in touching contact against a downward facing surface of an annular collar 17 that projects radially outward from lowermost annular end 21 of squat pan 11. A movable flap 19 is mounted at a lower region of trough 12 at a position so as to be capable of extending laterally across a throat of trough 12 in touching contact or near touching contact against lower rim 28. Flap 19 comprises a main surface defined by and extending between a perimeter 19d (figure 5). Flap 19 is hingeably mounted to a region of annular wall 25 via a hinge mechanism 27 having axle 29 about which flap 19 is capable of pivoting. According to the specific implementation, an axis of axle 29 is aligned perpendicular to a main length of bowl 14 and cavity 20 such that in normal operation, the axis of axle 29 is aligned generally horizontally whilst the depthwise lengths of bowl 14 and cavity 20 are aligned generally vertically (with support surface 13 extending in a generally horizontal plane).

[0043] Referring to figures 2 to 5, trough 12 comprises a throat region represented by a lower region of annular wall 25 that extends from lowermost end 28. Trough 12 also comprises a hollow base region or receiving chamber 36 (figure 5 and 6) extending below 28, with a base region of receiving chamber 36 defined, in part, by a declined base surface 34. Base surface 34 extends from a first upper end 34a to a second lower end 34b. Accordingly, a separation distance between base surface 34 and lower rim 28 increases in a direction from end 34a to 34b. Flap 19 is configured to pivot between a raised upper position and a lower open position in which a downward facing flap main surface 19b is positioned opposed to and in touching or near touching contact with base surface 34 as illustrated in figure 5. In this position, flap 19 is configured to partition the trough upper cavity 20 from the lower receiving chamber 36.

[0044] Referring to figure 5, a length or maximum distance f across flap 19 is greater than a corresponding linear distance e across the throat of cavity 20 corresponding to the location of lower rim 28. The maximum distance across flap 19 is defined between a tip 30 of flap 19 and the hinge 27. As distance / is greater than distance e, an end region 19c of flap 19 projects laterally outward beyond cavity 20. End portion 19c extends at an inclined angle upwardly from a main length of flap 19 being raised upwardly from the generally upward facing main surface 19a.

[0045] Referring to figure 7, flap 19 is generally planar and comprises an annular lip that projects upwardly from main surface 19a. Accordingly, flap 19 comprises a tray, cup, dish or bowl configuration. As such, flap 19 is capable of retaining a volume of liquid / water.

[0046] According to the preferred embodiment, flap 19 is configured to retain a volume of liquid in the range of 10 to 50ml as a shallow body or puddle of liquid distributed over main surface 19a and retained by the perimeter lip. A section of the lip (in the circumferential direction) is defined, in part by hinge 27 that extends upwardly from main surface 19a at the perimeter 19d of flap 19. The rim is further defined (in the circumferential direction) by side lip regions 83 extending either lengthwise side of flap 19 between hinge 27 / end 34a and end section 19c / end 34b. According to the preferred embodiment, the tray-shaped flange 19 comprises upwardly projecting region 19c that, in part, defines a final section of the lip (in the circumferential direction) at the flange perimeter 19d.

[0047] Flap 19 comprises a generally planar configuration and in particular comprises a main surface 19a having a surface area that is greater than a corresponding cross sectional area at the throat defined by and within lower rim 28 of wall 25 such that, flap 19 is enlarged relative to lower rim 28.. Accordingly, and as illustrated in figure 6, with flange 19 positionable to extend across the throat region of cavity 20, the perimeter lip of flange 19 is positioned radially outside / extemal to lower rim 28. Accordingly, with a small volume of liquid retained within the tray -like flange 19 (figure 6) the lower rim 28 is at least partially submerged within the volume of liquid. This is advantageous to provide a wet seal between wall 25 and flange 19 to prevent gases, vapour and / or odours passing into cavity 20 from chamber 36 and / or chute 15.

[0048] Referring to figure 3, chute 15 comprises a low-profile height (in the vertical plane) so as to comprise a width w that is greater than a height h. Accordingly, a cross section of the main length of chute 15 is elongate, oval or is stadium shaped (rectangular with semi- circular / arcuate ends of corners).

[0049] Referring to figures 4 to 7, an annular gasket or seal may be provided at lowermost annular ends 28 such that with flap 19 at the raised upper position of figure 6, a watertight seal is provided. Accordingly, hinge mechanism 27 may comprise at least one bias component to urge flap 19 into the upper raised position of figure 6 and to be resiliently biased so as to resist the weight of solid and liquid waste deposited onto flap 19 (an in particular flap surface 19a) via bowl 14 and cavity 20. A flushing liquid supply conduit (not shown) is provided at a region of cavity20 (and / or bowl 14) so as to be capable of delivering a supply of liquid (water) into cavity 20 and onto surface 19a. The supply conduit may be provided at any region of the squat pan 11 or trough 12. With flap 19 in the raised upper and sealed position of figure 6, any water delivered into cavity 20 is entrapped so as to form a low volume puddle 31 over flap surface 19a. Hinge mechanism 27 may be operated manually or may be provided with suitable electromagnetic or electronic actuating components so as to be actuated locally and / or remotely (via a suitable control module such as a PC, handheld mobile device, PLC or similar) to pivot flap 19 between raised (horizontal) upper position 19u and the lowered (declined angle) position 191 (figure 6). Chute 15 extends laterally from a lower throat region of cavity 20 and provides the lateral extension of the base region (lower receiving chamber) of trough 12 extending under and below flap 19 when in the upper raised position 19u of figure 6. A lengthwise section of chute 15 extends at an inclined angle upwardly between a lowermost base end 32 and an uppermost open connecting end 33 that is configured for connection to manifold 16. Accordingly, between ends 32 and 33 chute 15 is inclined relative to base surface 34 that is declined between ends 34a and 34b. In particular, chute end 32 is collocated with base surface end 34b corresponding to the position of the flap tip 19c when in the lower declined position 191 of figure 6. Such an arrangement is advantageous to minimise the height profile of the trough 12 and to allow chute 15 and manifold 16 to be flooded internally with a liquid so as to provide a liquid airlock (similar to a conventional U-bend of a typical sink or toilet).

[0050] Referring to figure 8, squat toilet 10 is connectable to form part of a modular human processing unit 61 having a frame 62 that mounts various modular interchangeable components. In particular, unit 61 comprises a plurality of pre-filtration / separation devices 79 (each having a mesh filter cartridge); a membrane distillation unit 50, and a pyrolysis and emission scrubber module 65 (63, 64, 66,). Pyrolysis and scrubber module 65 is connected to toilet 10 via a waste transporter 67 and an interconnection supply conduit 68. In particular, squat toilet 10 is releasably attachable to the waste transporter 67 via a suitable coupling having a locking collar 41 to provide a fluid tight connection between transporter 67 and squat toilet manifold 16. Separation devices 79 are also coupled, via suitable connection conduits (not shown), to a predominantly liquid waste processing module in the form of membrane distillation unit 50 that is configured for the treatment of predominantly liquid waste (i.e., urine). Fluidic connection between toilet 10 (manifold 16) and separation devices 79 may be via intermediate storage tanks (of the type 49). Membrane distillation unit 50 (connected downstream of the separation devices 79) comprises associated pumps and permeate and distillate flow loops / circuits (not shown) in which predominantly liquid waste is configured to flow through a main chamber that includes a membrane wherein the waste is distilled via conventional membrane distillation processes to provide a distillate being accordingly separated from the permeate flow liquid as described according to the system and apparatus of WO 2022 / 214576 Al that is incorporated herein by reference.

[0051] Figure 9 illustrates further details of the pyrolysis / torrefaction module 65. Module 65 comprises the pyrolysis and emission scrubber configured specifically for the processing and treatment of predominantly solid waste (i.e., faeces / faecal matter). The primary components of the module 65 comprise the pyrolysis unit 64, emission scrubber 63, a char collection trap 66, a heater 69, a gas / moisture vapour conduit 71 providing fluid / gas communication between the pyrolysis unit 64 (via gas outlet 74) and the emission scrubber 63 (via inlet 76) in addition to various inlets and outlets. The emission scrubber 63 comprises a tank to contain a scrubbing liquid (typically water) into which is discharged directly the gas product of the pyrolysis unit 64. Both the emission scrubber 63 and the pyrolysis unit 64 are elongate having respective first upper ends and second lower ends. A char collection trap 66 is mounted to the second lower end of the pyrolysis unit 64.

[0052] The emission scrubber 63 comprises a gas / moisture vapour inlet defined generally by reference 76. Inlet 76 comprises an elongate inlet tube that extends from the first upper end towards the second lower end. A lower terminal end of the tube is submerged within the scrubber liquid contained in the scrubber tank. The scrubber tank also comprises a liquid outlet (not shown) and a gas / moisture vapour outlet 70 located at its first upper end.

[0053] The modular arrangement of figures 8 and 9 provide a human waste treatment system in which squat toilet 10 forms a component part and that represent a front-end toilet unit / module according to the system and apparatus described in WO 2022 / 214576 Al that is incorporated herein by reference. That is, the unit 61 (incorporating toilet 10) enables an automated processing of human waste according to an initial or pre-separation / filtration process (via separators 79) followed by downstream processing of predominantly liquid phase waste (via the membrane distillation module 50) and predominantly solid phase waste (via the pyrolysis / torrefaction module 65).

[0054] In use, a user standing on support surface 13 deposits waste into main bowl 14 that falls downwardly under gravity into cavity 20 and onto flap surface 19a where it is retained in the puddle of water 31. Optionally and according to the primary embodiment the puddle is low volume and typically comprises a volume of approximately 20-25ml. This is advantageous to minimise water demand / volume used by the present system. Via actuation of hinge mechanism 27, flap 19 is moved from the raised horizontal position 19u to the lower declined position 191 (figure 6). The faeces and urine then fall / slide under gravity from cavity 20 into the lower chamber region of trough 12 in communication with chute 15. The liquid and solid waste may then be transferred (via suction or other transfer means) into manifold 16 to be then picked-up by transporter 67. According to the specific implementation, transporter 67 comprises an actuating (rotating) screw transporter described within WO 2022 / 214576 Al, the details of the screw transporter / convey or being incorporated herein by reference. The predominantly solid waste is then transferred to the pyrolysis module 65 whilst the predominantly liquid waste is transferred to the membrane distillation unit 50. As such, the solid and liquid waste is treated and processed to generate waste char and filtered / distilled liquid.

Claims

Claims1. Squat toilet apparatus comprising: a trough having an open cavity defined by an annular wall having an interior surface defined between an upper rim and a lower rim, the open cavity having a lower throat region terminated by the lower rim; a flap movably mounted to extend across the cavity at the throat region and having a main surface positionable opposite the lower rim to define a base surface of the cavity; a base region of the trough defining a receiving chamber positioned below the cavity, the flap configured to partition the cavity and the chamber when extending across the cavity at the throat region; and wherein the flap comprising a lip extending at a perimeter of the flap, the lip and the main surface defining a tray to retain a liquid.

2. The apparatus as claimed in claim 1 wherein the main surface of the flap is greater than a cross sectional surface area of cavity at the throat region.

3. The apparatus as claimed in claims 1 or 2 wherein at least a portion of the lip is positioned external to the lower rim when the flap is positioned to extend across the throat.

4. The apparatus as claimed in any preceding claim wherein the flap comprises a hinge extending upwardly from the main surface at a perimeter of the flap.

5. The apparatus as claim in claim 4 wherein the lip is at least partially defined by the hinge at the perimeter of the flap.

6. The apparatus as claimed in any preceding claim wherein the perimeter of the flap is bent or curved to define the lip.

7. The apparatus as claimed in any preceding claim wherein the main surface and the lip define a well configured to retain a volume of liquid.

8. The apparatus as claimed in claim 7 wherein the volume of liquid is in the region of 10 to 50ml, 50 to 140ml or 15 to 30ml.

9. The apparatus as claimed in any preceding claim wherein a depth of the cavity between the upper rim and lower rim is less than a maximum distance across the flap.

10. The apparatus as claimed in any preceding claim wherein a cross sectional area of the cavity in a horizontal plane decreases over a depth of the cavity from the upper rim to the lower rim.

11. The apparatus as claimed in any preceding claim comprising a resiliently deformable gasket provided at the lower rim .

12. The apparatus as claimed in claim 11 wherein the gasket comprises a rubber, a polymer, a natural or synthetic polymer or rubber.

13. The apparatus as claimed in any preceding claim comprising a liquid supply conduit having an outlet port provided at the cavity to dispense a liquid onto the flap.

14. The apparatus as claimed in any preceding claim comprising a discharge chute extending from receiving chamber.

15. The apparatus as claimed in claim 14 wherein the chute comprises a non-circular cross- sectional profile.

16. The apparatus as claimed in claims 14 or 15 wherein at a cross section of the chute, a height of the chute in a generally vertical plane is greater than a width of the chute in a generally horizontal plane.

17. The apparatus as claimed in any one of claims 14 to 16 wherein the chute comprises an oval or stadium shaped cross-sectional profile.

18. The apparatus as claimed in any one of claims 14 to 17 wherein the chute is devoid of a U-bend and extends laterally outward from the receiving chamber.

19. The apparatus as claimed in any one of claims 14 to 18 wherein the chute comprises a lengthwise section that extends upwardly from a lowermost base section of the receiving chamber.

20. The apparatus as claimed in any preceding claim wherein the flange is hingeably mounted and configured to pivot about a pivot axis between a raised position abutting or opposite the lower rim and a lowered declined position to provide fluidic communication between the cavity, the receiving chamber and the chute.

21. The apparatus as claimed in any preceding claim wherein the receiving chamber comprises a base surface positioned below and opposed to the flap, the flap pivotally mounted to move between a raised position extending across the throat and a lowered position in contact or in near touching contact with the base surface.

22. The apparatus as claimed in claim 21 wherein the base surface is declined to extend downwardly from a hinge mounted side of the flap to a base region of the receiving chamber and / or the chute.

23. The apparatus as claimed in claim 22 wherein the chute comprises an inclined section extending upwardly from the base section relative to the declined orientation of the base surface of the receiving chamber to define a V-shaped section of the chute in a lengthwise direction of the chute.

24. The apparatus as claimed in any preceding claim further comprising a squat pan attachable to the trough, the squat pan having a main bowl with a bowl cavity defined by an interior bowl surface extending between an upper support face upon which a user of the squat plate stands and a flange provided at a lower throat region of the bowl.

25. The apparatus as claimed in claim 24 wherein the flange is mountable in contact with the upper rim of the trough, the flange and the upper rim having corresponding shape profiles to be mateable together such that the interior surface of the bowl cavity is capable of being aligned and / or coplanar with the interior surface of the trough cavity.

26. The apparatus as claimed in claim 25 wherein the upper rim of the trough comprises an annular collar mateable with the flange of the squat pan.

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