Dometic Marine, the world's leading supplier of marine sanitation systems, launches the new SailVac(TM)vacuum holding tank at this year's IBEX. Dometic's new and sophisticated SailVac(TM) technology incorporates vacuum pump and holding tank into one compact unit and is the world's first vacuum holding tank specifically designed for small to medium-sized sailboats. The system offers a wealth of benefits over current sailboat sanitation systems, including elimination of malodors and exceptional water-efficiency which effectively triples flush capacity.
"The electrical, freshwater and space restrictions of sailboats, especially in the 30ft - 50ft category, meant that it was simply not possible to install a modern convenient toilet system similar to those enjoyed aboard powerboats of the same size," comments Ed McKiernan, President, Dometic Sanitation. "So instead, sailors have been 'making do' with what was available, which is essentially a manually operated toilet that causes malodor, uses too much water and is inefficient, unreliable and difficult to pump. SailVac technology addresses all of these issues."
The SailVac system combines a vacuum pump, vacuum reservoir and waste-holding tank into one unit, which curves and narrows to fit the outboard space of a head that's typical of a sailboat hull. It features an interior baffle system that protects vacuum components from wastewater at high angles of heel; and reinforces ribs to prevent tank distortion while building or storing vacuum or during pump-out. The holding tank is made of specially formulated long-lasting polyethylene resin that is roto-molded to eliminate seams or weak points.
The combination of these material and design factors (SailVac(TM)Technology) permits construction of tanks with sufficient capacity for several days of usage, therefore significantly extending cruising time between pump-outs.
Paired with a VacuFlush toilet, the SailVac system has the lowest water consumption for flushing. With less than 0.5 liter per flush, odor-free freshwater can be used in place of microbe-laden seawater. This also reduces the requirement for through-hull seacocks. Flushwater consumed is less than one gallon per person per day. Due to reduced water consumption, a modest holding tank supplies more days of usage between discharges (six days for two people using just an 80 liter tank).
Additionally, because every flush is vacuumed completely into the holding tank, no wastewater is left standing in the flexible hose that runs between the toilet and the tank. This is common with traditional toilet systems and can lead to malodor permeation of the hose over time. The vacuum eliminates the foul smells that can buildup in a sailboat head. The air vacated from the vacuum holding tank is also purged of malodors by an activated carbon filter on the vent side of the vacuum pump.
The SailVac has the lowest electrical consumption of any electric toilet system. By using a powerful vacuum force (similar to toilets in passenger jet aircraft), waste and flush water are instantly blasted out of the bowl and upward into the vacuum holding tank. Power draw is no more than 3 amps (12 volts DC) to regenerate and maintain vacuum level for the next flush. Other electric toilet systems consume 25 to 40 amps per flush.
"The SailVac makes holding tanks a very attractive option and it meets all requirements for marine sanitation equipment," continues McKiernan. "In addition to significantly extending time between pump-outs, eliminating head odors, and being simple to operate and install, it protects the marine environment against the harmful impact of micro-organisms and nutrients found in discharged sewage, therefore enhancing the natural lifestyle of cruising pristine waters."
Dometic Marine is launching its extensive range of new products, including the SailVac vacuum holding tank at this year's IBEX, 28-30 September 2010. For further information please visit the Dometic Marine team at Booth 2115.
To view the SailVac Holding Tank video, please visit: http://www.dometic.com/enie/International/Site/Marine/Holding-Tank-Systems/SailVac-Vacuum-Holding-Tank-Video/