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By mauraleigh
#15063
Storing reusable diapers, reusable personal wiping cloths and reusable menstrual cloths in water between use and washing can help prevent stains from setting, but the anaerobic conditions of a pail of stagnant water makes such stinky items even more stinky and can pose health risks. The introduction of oxygen to such a pail by an air pump and air stone (as used in aquariums and hydroponics) could help to control the growth of the anaerobic microorganisms that are the source of these offending odors.

A water pump could also be added along with a mechanical filter to filter out solids and a biofilter to convert compounds such as ammonia to less toxic and stinky ones, such as nitrate. A biofilter would act on water after it is mechanically filtered and would consist of a well-aerated medium with a large surface to harbor beneficial bacteria that break down unwanted compounds (search Google for "biofilter"). Some aquaculture systems have incorporated plants into their biofilters (Growing plants with water that fish live in is called aquaponics). The filters would need to be cleaned regularly. It may be helpful to add certain compounds to the water to adjust its pH or carbon/nitrogen ratio.

If the water was filtered well, it could be connected to a toilet to refill the tank after flushing and draw new water from what would have been the toilet's water connection. If the water was filtered very well, it could just stay in the pail indefinitely.

If a biofilter were used, care would need to be taken to ensure that oxygen delivery is not interrupted, as this could kill the aerobic microorganisms and plants. If a biofilter is not added, a UV sterilizer could be used to kill bacteria. In this case, a motorized agitator could also be included in the pail for it to be used as a mini-washing machine. Alternatively, the pail itself could be agitated. It seems that the portable "Wonder Washer" works this way. A portable spin dryer or manual wringer could be used to extract water from the items before and after rinsing.

Sonic waves could be introduced to break up stains. Sonic waves are used in some jewelry cleaners. I am not sure how microorganisms respond to sonic waves though. Sonic waves might not be usable with a biofilter.

This pail could make it easier for people and families wanting to use disposable hygiene products and help them save water in the process.

Reward: A free one. Don't ask what for.
#15207
I've had some time to think about this and think that a homemade device modeled after aquaponic systems would be best. There would be a pump with a pre-filter at the bottom of the pail. The soiled items would be submerged in a synthetic mesh bag suspended above the pump (to prevent them from blocking it). The water in the pail would be pumped up to a plant growing hydroponically in expanded clay balls (hydroton) or a another medium that offered lots of surface area. The water would then filter through the medium (a biofilter) and drain back into the pail.

I'm guessing that this "pail" would need to be at least five gallons and cleaned regularly to prevent the pre-filter from becoming clogged and bacteria in the biofilter from becoming overwhelmed. If the moving of the water doesn't oxygenate it enough in the pail, an air stone could be added. The system would need to cycle for a while before the plant could be added.

This wouldn't actually save water, but it wouldn't use much either.
By mike797
#19705
If the water was filtered well, it could be connected to a toilet to refill the tank after flushing and draw new water from what would have been the toilet's water connection. If the water was filtered very well, it could just stay in the pail indefinitely.

Never thought about that

Mike..
By warren09
#19802
A method comprising operating steps required for safely operating wet oxidation reactors in which combustible substances are oxidized at elevated temperatures and pressures using pure oxygen. The steps satisfy the criteria that a potential of oxidation is established prior to introducing oxygen and maintained until after oxygen flow is stopped; that an inert gas, either from an external source or generated in situ, is present in the reactor from before oxygen flow is introduced until after oxygen flow is stopped; and that the oxygen introducing means is clean for oxygen use from prior to the introduction of oxygen flow until after the oxygen flow is stopped.
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