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HOW COMPOSTING WORKS

Composting involves the biological decomposition of organic matter using natural occurring 
organisms such as bacteria, fungi and other micro-organisms into compost which is a humus-
like product. 

The composting process can be aerobic or anaerobic however aerobic decomposition is 

desirable because it is efficient and does not produce unpleasant odours. Composting in a 
Clivus is effectively aerobic however there may be anaerobic decomposition within small 

pockets within the compost pile. 
The composting process involves four main components: microbes ( including bacteria, fungi 
and protozoa), organic matter, water  and oxygen. The carbon compounds present in the 
organic materials are used by the microorganisms as an energy source and transformed into 
carbon dioxide. As the carbon dioxide and water vapor is released into the environment the 
compost pile becomes smaller. 

Nitrogen is also a crucial element in the composting process which is required by the 
microbes for cell growth. For optimal decomposition the ratio of carbon to Nitrogen should be 
around 30:1. Urine and human feces are relatively high in Nitrogen and therefore additional 
carbon is required for optimal composting. 

GENERAL

In optimum conditions, the compost material has the consistency of potting mix with 
approximately 35% to 65% moisture content.

When below 35%, there is not sufficient moisture for the microorganisms to function 

and when above 70%, saturated conditions begin to develop and a lack of oxygen supply 
becomes a limiting factor. Under these condition the process becomes anaerobic and odorous 
gases such as methane and hydrogen sulphide are released. 

MOISTURE

The optimum temperature range for most compost toilets is 18°C to 45°C.

Lower temperatures result in a mouldering process that takes a significantly longer period of 

time to compost. Additional chambers may be required in this instance.

TEMPERATURE

The aerobic organisms responsible for the composting process require oxygen to survive. 
Without oxygen, they will die and be replaced by anaerobic micro organisms that will slow the 

composting process and generate odour. For compost toilets to work effectively, the material 

being composted should be unsaturated, and have a loose texture to allow air to circulate 
freely within the pile.

AERATION

Summary of Contents for NL2

Page 1: ...NL2 OWNERS MANUAL AUS NZ Specifications Capacity 2 person full time use Max Weight 130kg Material LDPE Dimension 620 L x 395W x 500W Electrical Requirements Ventilation Fan 5W 12V DC ...

Page 2: ...2 WHAT IN THE BOX 2x CHAMBERS 1x NL2 PEDESTAL WITH SEAT SPYGOT 1x VENT COWL 1x 12V TRANSFORMER 1x FAN HOUSING 1x 90 50 DWV BEND 1x 50mm DWV PIPE LONG 1x REDUCER ...

Page 3: ...1x ENZYMES SPRAY BOTTLE 1x HOW TO USE SIGN How to use BULKING MATERIAL 2x HEMP BULKING MATERIAL 1x BAG OF MICROBES 2x MOUNTING BLOCKS 1x TOILET ROLL 1x 25mm SULLAGE HOSE 1x HOSE TAIL 1x 50mm WALLACE SEAL ...

Page 4: ...ation you may require the following items FOR THE EXCESS FLUID DRAIN TRENCH ARCH DRAIN AGI DRAIN WITH SOCK GRAVEL Note A Drain Kit can be purchased from Ecoflo FOR THE VENT PIPE PIPE BRACKETS DEKTITE 100mm DWV PIPE PVC GLUE Note A Vent Kit can be purchased from Ecoflo ...

Page 5: ...be connected to the fan in the housing If no 240v power socket is available the fan can be connected to alternative power sources such as a solar power system Solar kits are available from Ecoflo The fans are rated for voltages between 8 and 12V DC VENTILATION Vent Cowl Dektite NOT SUPPLIED Fan in Housing Fan Reducer Pipe Bracket NOT SUPPLIED DWV Pipe NOT SUPPLIED Outlet Pipe TO ABSORBTION TRENCH ...

Page 6: ...irectly through the rear wall Figure 1 or alternatively the vent pipe can be installed on the inside exiting up through the ceiling Figure 2 this must be indicated at the time of purchase Hole Saw 38mm 65mm Min sizes PPE Silicon Adhesive Sealant TOOLS REQUIRED Figure 1 0 Ventilation Pipe Installed Outside 12v EcoFan in Housing Figure 2 0 Ventilation Pipe Installed Inside SEALANT 600mm 600mm ...

Page 7: ... permeability of soil extra trenching length may be required especially if a hand basin or other fittings will also drain into the same trench 4 The liquid leaving the compost unit when in use is not expected to exceed 1 litre per day per resident 5 In some locations it may be desirable or necessary to connect the excess liquid drain to a grey water system or an alternative disposal method complyi...

Page 8: ...8 1 2 Drill 38mm Ø hole Drill 65mm Ø hole Ensure the hole is sloping downwards to the outside Mark holes on rear wall with pencil BACK VIEW SIDE VIEW INSTALLATION ...

Page 9: ...V Pipe 25 Sullage Hose Hose clamp hose barb Insert rubber wallace seal use soapy water if difficult to insert Feed vent pipe sullage hose through the wall Ensure the hose end point is lower than the pedestal outlet ...

Page 10: ...10 5 6 Cut PVC if required EXTERIOR PIPE CONNECTOR OUTDOOR VIEW Secure pedestal to wall with mounting blocks ...

Page 11: ...11 7 Min 600mm OUTDOOR VIEW ...

Page 12: ...12 INSTALLATION COMPLETE ...

Page 13: ...chamber lid on 2 Swing the handle upright and lift the chamber out from the pedestal When lifting the chamber please be cautious incase of dropletsfrom the chamber floor holes 3 Place the chamber outside for secondary composting The chamber should be placed in a warm sunny position where direct access is restricted 4 Put the empty second chamber into the pedestal Remove the chamber lid and keep it...

Page 14: ...s of heavy use if the liquid is not draining well through the compost or if the compost appears too dry we suggest mixing the additional bulking agent through the compost pile By mixing the solid waste paper and bulking material the compost will be kept porous and moist and the supply of oxygen will increase which substantially speeds up the transformation of waste materials into humus Bulking mat...

Page 15: ...to Nitrogen should be around 30 1 Urine and human feces are relatively high in Nitrogen and therefore additional carbon is required for optimal composting GENERAL In optimum conditions the compost material has the consistency of potting mix with approximately 35 to 65 moisture content When below 35 there is not sufficient moisture for the microorganisms to function and when above 70 saturated cond...

Page 16: ...d All other components come with a standard 12 month warranty TROUBLESHOOTING This can be caused by ineffective composting processes due to a number of issues as listed below Compost pile being too wet This means liquid is trapped in the compost chamber contributing to build up Check if the drainage outlet is being blocked If drainage outlet is ok this could be caused by prohibited solids blocking...

Page 17: ...n cool climates do not insulate the toilet turn down the fan voltage to lessen cool air being drawn into the system If odour occurs due to the fan voltage being turned down simply turn it up slightly to increase airflow When taking the compost chamber out for secondary composting make sure it is located in a warm spot preferably in direct sunlight 3 How to deal with insects attracted to compost pi...

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