Pyrolysis of Human Feces: Odor and Odor Treatment Options

Graduate Thesis Or Dissertation

Citations

Citeable URL: https://scholar.colorado.edu/concern/graduate_thesis_or_dissertations/fn106z37b

Abstract

In response to the Reinvent the Toilet Challenge, the University of Colorado, Boulder developed the Sol-Char toilet. It pyrolyzes human feces, rendering it safe and transforming it into a usable char. The release of large amounts of volatile sulfur compounds and odor represents a challenge associated with toilet operation. In tests, the pyrolysis of 160-900 grams of feces released hydrogen sulfide peaks between 25 and 90 ppm and had an odor detection threshold of 510,000 OU/ft3. Feces-derived chars for the treatment of hydrogen sulfide were explored using static breakthrough experiments, with 900°C char having the highest breakthrough capacity. Preliminary tests using a pilot scale soil biofilter indicate it represents a potential treatment for odor f fecal pyrolysis exhaust.

Creator