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SED Review: Going the whole Hog GenQuip has introduced an innovative range of portable sanitation products designed to be environmentally friendly, efficient and economical. Portable sanitation might not seem the sort of market that could feature high-technology innovation. But GenQuip has proved otherwise with the launch of its Hogloo, which was unveiled at SED. An addition to the range of Groundhog secure units offered by the company, it is described as a new concept in on-site effluent management and certainly boasts several impressive features. The Hogloo has a standard flush toilet with a 170-litre water tank, as well as a waterless urinal that incorporates absorbent crystals. At the heart of the unit is a diesel-fired burner that converts macerated sewage into an odourless vapour with no residue. Waste is kept in a 60-litre holding tank and when a certain level is reached, it is pumped automatically into the incinerator. The 1100°C burning temperature is said to leave the chamber sterile. The 24V electricity required to ignite the burner comes from batteries, charged by an integral diesel generator that can be supplemented by optional solar panels and a wind turbine, for further environmental friendliness. To save energy, a sensor is incorporated so that the light comes on automatically when the door is opened, and extinguishes itself when the user leaves the cubicle. GenQuip says that the Hogloo requires no chemicals and no emptying, with no risk of spillage and reduced water consumption, meaning that fewer visits to site will be needed to service the toilet. The cabin measures 2.5m by 1.2m and telemetry is available for remote monitoring of the unit, which incorporates forklift eyes and craning points. The Hogloo is also incorporated within the new Groundhog GP420 mobile welfare unit. Like existing Groundhog models, it is designed to meet on-site Health & Safety requirements, offering toilet and washing facilities, drinking water, areas for changing and drying clothes, and a place for resting and eating. However, an added feature is derived from the Hogloo incinerator, as the hot flue offers available warmth for hot water and for radiators inside the cabin, again reducing fuel requirements. The undercarriage on the road-towable Groundhog fully retracts for security. Further developing the theme of innovation, and shown on the stand as a prototype, was a G360 Groundhog cabin with a generator incorporating fuel cells developed by Voller Energy, termed the Hogcell. Fuel cells work by converting chemical energy in hydrogen to electrical energy, without conventional combustion. Hydrogen is combined with oxygen from the air across a special membrane. The outputs from the reaction are electricity, heat and water, with no toxic emissions. Since the fuel cell has no moving parts, there is none of the noise or vibration that can be associated with conventional generators, making it suitable for use in residential areas or near buildings such as hospitals. The fuel cell system can be fitted into the existing wiring in the cabin and it operates from liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) or propane. It works in conjunction with batteries inside the Groundhog. Power is provided by the battery bank and, via an inverter, electricity is supplied to the cabin for lighting, hot water and for items like microwave ovens and kettles. The fuel cell automatically monitors the battery voltage and, if it falls, it switches itself on to recharge the batteries, and then switches off to conserve fuel. GenQuip reported huge interest in the Hogcell-equipped Groundhog, which is scheduled for launch by the end of the year. Josh Llewellyn, Chairman of GenQuip, states “We pride ourselves on our innovation and we are delighted to show the world’s first fuel cell system installed in a welfare cabin. We look forward to offering our customers an environmentally friendly alternative.” • T
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777028 Executive Hire News › Archives › June 2007 › SED Review › Going the whole Hog
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