Aqua-free urinals save close to 151,000 litres of water per year compared to a six litre flush, (in itself the latest technology), as these urinals work on zero millilitre of water says M A Hassan, regional head of one of the big players in organised sector that manufacture these urinals.
The waterfree urinal involves a vitreous china or acrylic fixture (as with conventional urinals). The difference really is a patented, replaceable cartridge which is installed at the base of the urinal.
The cartridge contains a biodegradable sealant liquid. A barrier is formed between the drain and the open air by the liquid sealant, eliminating odours.
The cartridge is designed to collect uric sediment and the remaining liquid which is non-corrosive and free of hard water which is later allowed to flow into the drainage pipe, says V P Goyal, director of another company that sells these units.
The urinal with prices in the range of Rs 10,000 can be cleaned using damp cleaning sponge and common multi-purpose disinfectants.
Goyal admits that demand from domestic users has been slow, primarily due to lack of information and mindsets that the urinal cannot remain clean without water.
"These systems are touch-free so there is little chance of bacteria transfer possible with manual flush systems. Since no water is used there is no breeding ground for bacteria," he says. The system is free from damage as it has little hardware and is designed aesthetically as the cartridge is hidden.
It has been tried and tested successfully in 27 countries across the globe including those in North and South America, Europe and Scandinavia," Goyal says.
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