Sun-Mar EXCEL AC/DC, Owner'S Manual

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HOW YOUR COMPOSTING TOILET WORKS
How Composting Works
Composting is a natural recycling process in
which human waste and toilet paper are broken
down by microbes into their constituent minerals
and converted back to earth. Heat, oxygen,
organic material and moisture are needed to
transform this waste into good fertilizing soil.
Heat is generated by the compost itself, assisted
by a heating element if electricity is connected.
Oxygen is provided by the ventilation system,
and by the tumbling of the composting drum.
Additional organic material is introduced by
adding peat mix (or peat moss).
The waste entering the toilet is approximately
90% water content, which may be evaporated
into water vapor and carried back to the
atmosphere through the venting system. The
remaining waste material is transformed into an
inoffensive earth-like substance.
The Sun-Mar "EXCEL AC/DC"
The key to the success of the "EXCEL AC/DC"
lies in it's three chamber design. Each of the
three chambers;- composting, compost finishing,
and evaporation have their own independent
environments for optimum efficiency.
The Composting Chamber
The composting chamber is in the form of a Bio-
drum™ which holds the natural compost heat,
provides the necessary mass to maintain a good
compost, and is rotated by turning the handle to
achieve perfect mixing and aeration.
A drum stopper (beneath the drum handle)
automatically maintains the Bio-drum™ in a
top dead centre position with the drum door
open so that the drum is positioned to receive
new material.
To mix and aerate, the drum handle is rotated
clockwise. This rotates the drum anti-clockwise,
and the drum door closes automatically as the
drum rotates.
Material is extracted by pulling the drum lock,
and rotating the handle anti-clockwise. When this
is done (at a regular speed), the drum door
remains open and some compost falls into the
second chamber;- the compost finishing drawer.
To ensure that the compost remains moist, but
does not get too wet, any excess liquid which the
compost cannot absorb, drains through a screen
at the rear of the drum directly into the
evaporating chamber.
Compost Finishing Drawer
The compost finishing drawer is immediately
below the composting drum, and just above the
evaporating chamber. For seasonally used units,
several drawers of compost are normally removed
at the beginning of the season. Otherwise some
composted material can be extracted into the
drawer and left there for some weeks until it is
time to remove more compost from the drum.
Evaporating Chamber
The third chamber is the floor of the Sun-Mar
"EXCEL AC/DC" which forms the evaporating
pan from where any excess liquids are
evaporated. Air is pulled through intake holes at
the front of each side of the toilet; over the
evaporating chamber, and up the 2" vent stack
(when the unit is operating with 110 volt power)
or up the 4" vent stack when 110 Volt power is
not available. The 2" vent exits from the top
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MECHANICAL TROUBLE SHOOTING (Cont'd
)
Symptoms Possible
Causes
Remedies
NO
APPARENT
EVAPORATION
110 Volt thermostat
has failed.
The floor of the evaporating chamber is not hand warm.
Replace the thermostat by removing the thermostat
access plate (mid 1993 models and later); or separate
the heater compartment from the unit (mid 1993
models and prior) to access and replace thermostat.
(Detailed instructions are included with the replacement
part.)
110 volt heating
element has failed.
After replacement of the thermostat, if the floor of the
evaporating chamber is still not hand warm;- separate
the 1½" heater base from the unit and replace the
heating element. (Detailed instructions are included
with the replacement part).
Poor Air Flow See “Poor Air flow remedies”, and ensure drain is
connected.
DRAIN
LEAKING Drain damaged in
transit or during
installation. Tip the unit towards the drain until most liquid is
drained out. Wipe drain and wait 1 hour or more for
the drain to dry. Silicone thoroughly around joints
(after roughing up with sandpaper) until the leak or
leaks are sealed.
DRAIN
BLOCKED
Peat moss debris or
ice has blocked drain
fitting, or drain line. 1. Use the rake to extract loose peat moss from
the evaporating chamber.
2. Remove the drawer and clear the block by
pouring ½ bucket of hot water through
drawer opening.
3. If still blocked, force in a 4-6" stick or similar
from the unused side of the drain.
4. If the blockage is in the drain hose;- remove,
flush out, and re-attach.
5. Heat trace drain hose to avoid ice-up
LIQUID
COMING
FROM
DRAWER/AIR
INTAKE See "Drains Blocked"
causes (above) See "Drains Blocked" remedies (above), and if not
done, connect drain to avoid re-occurrence.
See “No Apparent
Evaporation” (above) See “No Apparent Evaporation” remedies (above),
and if not done connect drain to avoid re-occurrence.
MECHANICAL TROUBLE SHOOTING