Abstract:
This thesis presents empirical research on the development and implementation
of a novel, water-saving user-interfacing module, that operates as a part of a
comprehensive non-sewered sanitation system, the Cranfield Circular Toilet, that
performs decentralized human waste evacuation and treatment. Building upon
previous knowledge in this project, a prototype was designed, manufactured and
assembled. It boasts new automated features that augment the functions of its
mechanical evacuation subsystems, utilisation of water for interface flushing from
the liquid purification process, and a streamlined design for manufacturability, in
preparation for volume production and commercialization.
Laboratorial tests were carried out to validate its main functionalities in self-
cleaning and waste evacuation of solid and liquid human wastes to the backend
treatment modules. Being a first prototype, findings from those tests were
substantial in informing future design decisions in the module’s evolution, through
selection of suitable and cost-effective operational features, optimisation of its
geometric designs, and achieving further rationalisation in using resources, in aim
to achieve higher levels of performance and user appeal, and a successful
integration with the rest of the sanitation system.
