Benefits of the Phoenix

Odorless. There are no unpleasant smells in the toilet room, tank area, or around the building. Aerobic decomposition and a ventilation fan ensure odorless operation. Finished material is inoffensive.

Waterless. Designed for dry operations. No flushing saves thousands of gallons of water per person.

Rugged. Lasts a lifetime! Thick, tough, insulated crosslinked polyethylene walls, and corrosion resistant fittings.

Capacious. Accommodates families, guests, relatives. Large surge capacity.

Owner-friendly. Easy maintenance is a hallmark of the Phoenix’s field proven design. Finished compost is removed just once a year.

Frost-safe. Freezing does not injure the composting process. Use of the Phoenix in cold weather can continue at a lower rate. Composting resumes when the system warms up.

Energy efficient. A 5-watt fan is the only electrical load in residential units.

Chemical-free. Requires only an organic bulking agent such as wood shavings. No Chemicals! Composting uses a wide variety of organisms to decompose wastes naturally.

Clog-proof. Rubber balls, apples, and other items that stop up conventional flush toilets wonít clog the foot-wide chutes connecting the toilet and food waste inlet to the Phoenix composting tank.

Pollution-free. Wastes are totally contained in the Phoenix. No cracks, no leaks. A long, uniform, retention time ensures a stable, biologically benign end product, reduced 80 to 90 percent in volume, that can be easily transported or disposed of on-site.

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Phoenix Residential Models

Phoenix residential packages contain all of the components necessary for an installation except for the wood shavings starter bed for the tank, and the 4-inch (100 mm) rigid vent pipe. Every package includes a Phoenix tank, one toilet with three feet (910 mm) of chute, a complete ventilation system, a manual liquid spray system, a compost bin, rake, and installation and operating instructions.

Capacity. The capacity of the Phoenix system depends on the size of the tank, the temperature of the compost pile, and the frequency and quality of maintenance. Warm tanks have a higher capacity than cold tanks. Our capacity ratings assume a minimum tank room temperature of 65F (18 C), our minimum recommended temperature. Below 55F (13 C), composting is very slow.

	R-199 R-200 R-201 Height 53″ (1,350 mm) 68″ (1,730 mm) 84″ (2,130 mm) Width 40″ (1,020 mm) 40″ (1,020 mm) 40″ (1,020 mm) Front to back 61.5″ (1,560 mm) 61.5″ (1,560 mm) 61.5″ (1,560 mm) Capacity 2 persons 4 persons 8 persons
The R-199 cabin model can be used continuously by two persons. The R-200 accommodates four full-time users. The R-201 accommodates eight full-time users. Model R-200 can be upgraded by adding a midsection. Model R-199 can be upgraded by adding a midsection and/or a 200 level top.

Peak use. The Phoenix’s large volume allows it to accommodate peak use well in excess of its nominal rating,an important advantage in seasonal situations such as family reunions. The annual average use should not exceed the rating, but very heavy use over relatively short periods is handled easily.

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Residential Installation Options and Planning Guide

The area in which the tank is located should be at least 43 inches (1,030 mm) wide. Five feet (1,500mm) of clear space in front of the Phoenix must be provided for maintenance. This area should also be at least six inches (150 mm) taller than the tank. The surface supporting the Model 201 Phoenix should be smooth, flat, level and capable of supporting 4,000 pounds (1,800 kg).

All Phoenix tank models are 40 inches (1,020 mm) wide and 61.5 inches (1,560 mm) long. Model 199, the cabin unit, is 53 inches (1,350 mm) tall; the Model 200, 68 inches (1,730 mm); Model 201, 84 inches (2,130 mm). The unassembled Phoenix fits through an opening 35 inches (890 mm) wide, the width of a rough opening for a 36-inch (910mm) door.

Dry toilets connect to the Phoenix tank with 12-inch (300mm) diameter chutes that must be vertical (see drawing at left). One Phoenix tank can accommodate two standard toilets if they are located back-to-back. The toilets can be located several stories above the tank. The minimum clearance from the center of the toilet chute to the finished surface of the wall behind the toilet is 9 inches (230 mm).

Gravity micro-flush toilets provide an alternative for installations requiring a toilet not directly above the Phoenix. They connect via a 4-inch (100mm) pipe and require a one-pint water flush. The maximum horizontal offset from the Phoenix is 10 feet (3,000 mm). The minimum slope is one-in-ten.

Vacuum-flush toilets offer an alternative for installations requiring a toilet on the same floor as the Phoenix (see drawing at left). They connect via a 1.5-inch (38 mm) diameter hose, and require running water and 12 or 24-volt electricity.

Leachate decants through the Phoenix drain, which must be connected to a holding tank, sump pump, or gravity sewer. Micro and vacuum-flush toilets increase the amount of liquid end product in the Phoenix.

The ventilation system mounts on either side of the Phoenix. A short length of four-inch flexible hose connects the fan to 4-inch (100 mm) rigid pipe for exiting the roof. Roof supports and flashings adjust from flat to 12/12 pitches. In cold climates, insulate the vent pipe to reduce frost accumulation and condensation. With high snow loads, the vent should exit near the roof ridge.

A small amount of electricity is required for residential Phoenixes is for the 12-volt-dc., five-watt ventilation fan (120 watt hours per day). We provide a 12-volt-dc power supply for utility connected homes. An optional uninterruptible supply for areas with frequent electrical outages is available. An energy saving, electronic fan speed controller, available as an option, helps conserve energy in off-grid systems.

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Eight Key Questions for Choosing the Composting Toilet that’s Right for You

Composting is a familiar process to many rural and suburban residents. Organic materials, such as leaves, lawn clippings and food waste, are placed in a pile or enclosure. Over time, in the presence of oxygen, heat, and moisture, biochemical processes convert the waste to stabilized compost, which resembles rich, dark, potting soil. Pathogens are nearly eliminated and the volume of the organic material is reduced by 90 percent or more.

The same biochemical processes are employed by composting toilets to treat human waste. A composting toilet is a system that provides an environment for aerobic (in the presence of oxygen) decomposition. It is a miniature, on-site sewage treatment plant.

Not all composting toilets are created equal. They vary in size, materials, features, effectiveness, maintenance, energy requirements and safety. In choosing a composting system it is useful to consider the following questions:-

1. What are the durability, suitability and longevity of the materials used in manufacturing?

2. Does the size and shape of the composting vessel make sense?

3. Does compost removal require a pumper truck or climbing into the tank?

4. Can you remove compost without also removing fresh waste?

5. What are the energy and ventilation requirements?

6. What are the long term operating costs?

7. Would you personally be willing to perform the required maintenance?

8. Are the product specifications meaningful?

The Phoenix Composting Toilet is a large and very rugged composting system that provides for the safe and effective stabilization of human waste on site. The insulated tank, efficient ventilation system and automatic controls assure the lowest possible heat and electrical requirements; most often these requirements can be met with solar energy. The Phoenixís built-in rotating tines and vertical design assure higher quality compost and easier, safer maintenance.

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Graywater Treatment Options

Several options exist for treating graywater. Treatment systems that utilize natural biological processes require less energy, and are simpler and more reliable. Graywater disposal systems usually require local health department approval prior to installation.

Conventional septic system/leach field. Because of graywater’s lower flow volume, reduced oxygen demand, and lower suspended solids, the size of the septic tank and field can be reduced significantly. Alternatives to the septic tank, such as a roughing filter or forced aeration system, can enhance treatment before infiltration. Leach water can be used to irrigate nonfood plants.

Constructed wetland. A diverse collection of aquatic plants is grown in a layer of gravel in a lined shallow trench. The root zone of these plants provides an aerobic environment for bacterial treatment of the flowing graywater. Treated water infiltrates the soil from an unlined portion of the trench. Nutrients can be recovered through biomass removal.

Aerobic infiltration bed. A coarse organic cover isolates the treatment area while allowing air exchange and providing a large surface area for biological activity and freeze protection. Increased longevity and significant nutrient recovery can be effected by alternating between two beds. In cold climates, the treatment can occur within a greenhouse.

Surface irrigation. Graywater can be spray irrigated on non-food plants. Treatment occurs in the biologically rich topsoil layer. Nutrients are recovered in the biomass.

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