Image Courtesy: Sustainability Zero
Indian Railways have adopted the concept of vacuum toilets for the first time and it has taken the first step by launching a trial run in in Dibrugarh Rajdhani from today, 14 September. Vacuum toilets are currently operational in aircrafts.
The environment-friendly vacuum-based toilets consume much less water than conventional ones despite improved efficiency of the flush, aiding water conservation efforts. Besides, such toilets would also help prevent corrosion of rail tracks.
How It Works?
When a flush is activated compressed air flows through the vacuum pump (ejector) and a vacuum is created in the intermediate tank. The bowl is rinsed. The inlet valve opens and the contents of the bowl is discharged into the intermediate tank. As soon as the valve has closed, the system increases the pressure in the intermediate tank. The outlet valve opens and the contents of the intermediate tank is transported into the waste water tank. (More information is available here.)
The Logical Indian community thanks and appreciates the sincere efforts by our Railway Ministry.