SSS stands for shit supply system. It is the first step in an innovative system where human excrements is transformed into biogas and fertilizer. This SSS can easily be made from materials available in the household. An open invitation is extended to the residents of droevendaal to participate.
The S(hit) is collected in a container, lined with newspaper, placed inside the toiletbowl. Some saw dust is added to soak up moisture, and reduce smell.
The S is quickly dropped into a trash can outside the front door. Because of the sawdust and newspaper, the contents are dry, thus there is very little odour. In addition, the trash can has a tight lid so, only a slight odour occurs when opening the lid.
From here, there are two options. Composting or Anaerobic Digestion. In my system we use AD. The contents of the trash can are delivered once every few days, or as needed to the reactor, where they are mixed with digestate or water, and chopped into slurry (roughly 5% solids) by a drill with a blade on the end.
The slurry is then dropped taken through a valve into the insulated reactor (100L) where biogas is produced. The reactor is maintained at 35 C and occasionally stirred by hand. Electricity consumption of the drill and heater system is much lower than biogas energy produced, but varies througout the year depending on ambient temperature.
The liquid effluent is emptied into a bucket or jerry can and used as fertilizer. It can be pasteurized at 70 C for 1 hour to fulfill EU ABPR. This liquid has minimal odour, and very little organic matter. It is basically water with nutrients.
The biogas from the system is collected in a floating inverted drum, which is connected to the reactor and also the kitchen stove.
In the kitchen, one element is connected to the biogas pipe. The pressure from the weight of the floating drum is sufficient for a strong flame (there is no pressure regulator on the gas pipe). Roughly 15 minutes of cooking can be achieved, per person per day with excreta and newspaper. Adding degradable kitchen waste can double the gas production.
