
go green pay less no mess
6. PREPARATION
»Climate Considerations.
Any decomposition process works better where temperatures are warmer rather
than in cold temperatures, this is also true of composting toilet. The compost
pile will generate its own heat, but is cooled by exposure to its surroundings
and ventilation air drawn through the tank.
Over the winter months the composting process slows or can even temporarily
stop where temperatures in the pile drop below 4ºC. Once the warmer weather
comes again the rate of decomposition increases to normal levels. The nominal
capacity of your Clivus Multrum system is based on an annual mean ambient
temperature of 18ºC. In Australia this usually means that in colder weather if
the daily mean temperature is less than 13ºC for an extended period of time
steps may need to be taken to ensure that the tank can handle its full nominal
use capacity.
Assuming that you have already purchased your composting toilet tank and
that you have chosen the size tank that will take into account the above
factors, the composting process can be further improved through the use of
natural or passive heating.
As the composting tank is black, it will absorb heat from the sun. Simply by
installing the compost bin on the north side of the house will make a dramatic
difference in the composting process by increasing daytime temperatures
inside the tank. In addition, a translucent hatch and enclosure can be installed
around the compost bin. In really cold areas another successful method of
heating the composting tank is to duct warm air from another source such as
a green house or a solar air heater, or to locate a hot water storage tank in the
same room. In extreme alpine conditions it may be necessary to insulate the
tank itself in addition to the above.
»Positioning the system components.
After fully reading this manual and before starting the installation roughly
position all the major components. It is always a good idea to have an overall
picture of the project before starting and do the following:
»Position the compost tank.
Check the position planned for the toilet chute (refer Section 9). The toilet
chute must be positioned over the top of the compost tank. For less
maintenance of the compost pile, the optimum location for the chute/s to
enter the tank is mid-width, in the rear half of the tank. A clearance of at least
150mm from edge of chute to edge of tank-top is desirable to avoid rapid
build up of the pile against the sides.
Check there are no major support beams or pipes or wires that are in the way
of the toilet chute.
Locate where the vent pipe is to run (refer Section 11).
Where mains power is to be used, check that a power point has been installed
near the location for the ventilation fan.
Locate where the excess liquid drainpipe and trench is to go.
If there is very little room between the top of the tank and the floor of the
building, the order of the installation can be changed as follows: Firstly, cut
the pedestal hole in the floor of the building (refer Section 9) and then mark
the hole position on the tank when the tank is in position, but before the tank
is secured into the ground. After the tank has been marked, it can be removed
from under the building and then cut the hole in the tank and fit the chute
collar before replacing the tank.
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