Any grey nomad tired of saying ‘socks’ every time someone asks them what they want Christmas, now has the perfect opportunity to shake things up …. and say: ‘next year, I want a toilet in my van that can vapourise urine so I don’t have to empty the cassette as often’.
Yes, it’s true!
A French company has come up with a rather ingenious device, known as the Etteliot S, which is intended for dry toilets with systems that already separate urine and faeces into different containers.
The invention automatically pumps urine from the tank, purifies it using electrolysis, and releases it as a harmless mist through an ultrasonic membrane … and it’s all completely free of unpleasant odours.
The urine nebuliser can be installed in existing setups. PIC: Etteliot
The company says the urine nebuliser is easy to install on all standard dry-separation toilets and blends seamlessly into existing setups.
And the big plus … there’s no need to store or manually empty urine.
The electrolysis process neutralises ‘nasties’ like bacteria and enzymes so that the urine becomes a clean liquid that can then be discharged out of a drain pipe – potentially from the underbody of the van – as an ultrasonic mist.
Etteliot’s Ronan Blaison told the Greu Nomads that the device was developed specifically for the caravan and motorhome market.
He said that for travellers like grey nomads, the benefits included reducing the need to empty urine tanks; increasing autonomy for those on the road; improving hygiene and comfort; and minimising environmental impact.
Mr Blaison says the system is very compact, easy to install, operates off 12v power, and is easy to maintain … just requiring weekly cleaning and annual parts replacement.
The Etteliot S currently sells in Europe for around 900 Euros (A$1,600).
But grey nomads eager to vapourise their urine may not have to long to wait.
“Regarding Australia, we are exploring international distribution opportunities,” said Mr Blaison.
Are you a Grey Nomad member yet? Click here to find out about the discounts, competitions and other benefits on offer.
