Vaults and chambers
From Akvopedia
Vaults and chambers Excreta from dry toilets and faeces from urine diversion toilets can be collected in vaults and chambers, built above ground, using bricks or stones, and accessible through a door. The floor should be made watertight from impermeable material. Excreta is not only collected here, but also (pre-) treated by pre-composting. Most systems use two chambers, in order to avoid handling fresh material; while one vault is filling up, excreta in the other vault is processed. These systems are referred to as Double Vault systems. For dehydration processes in these vaults, see Dehydration.
| Advantages | Disadvantages |
|---|---|
| The design reduces the need to handle fresh faecal material. On site pre treatment of excreta or faeces. | Treatment process in the vault needs attention. (Post) treatment of the excreta / faeces is required after collection. |
Contents |
Capacity
- For a family with 7 users - Capacity: 0,6-0,8 m³ - Filling time: about 6 months.
Costs
- Complete double vault system, freestanding unit US$ 160 (Mexico, 1998).
- Complete double vault system, within the home US$ 35 (China, 2002).
- Operation and maintenance - Negligible.
Applying conditions
- Vaults and chambers are suitable in areas with a hard subsurface and high ground water table.
- The system can be applied in rural, as well as in urban areas. However, it should be noted that, if composted and dehydrated matter cannot be used on site, the need for transport will increase the operation and maintenance costs.
- Processing mixed excreta is only possible in arid climates.
- As with other dry sanitation options, the health risks related to handling of (pre-) treated excreta or faeces have to be taken into consideration.
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External links
- General information about Vaults and chambers www.who.int www.gtz.de/ecosan
- South Africa www.csir.co.za
- Australia www.enviro-options.com.au
