Manual or electric sanitation pumps can pump holding tanks and certain types of toilets and some can be used as macerators. They are not to be confused with Type I or II marine sanitation devices (MSDs).
TYPES
Most sanitation systems use manual or electric diaphragm pump. Flexible impeller pumps can be found on some electrically operated toilets.
Manual diaphragm pumps are either double or single action with single or double diaphragms. A lever is used to pump the diaphragm, which in turn primes the pump box by drawing water, exhausting air until the chamber is full of fluids, then, by continuing to pump, pulls the fluid in and push it out with each stroke. A "flapper" valve prevents effluent from flowing back into the intake hose.
- The pumping chamber and the fluid being pumped are not in contact with any close fittings or moving parts. This makes diaphragm pumps ideal for use in sanitation systems.
- There are no electric motors or controls with manual pumps to cause fire or explosion hazards.
- Diaphragm pumps can be portable and are easy to install permanently.
- These pumps can also be used to pump out a holding tank.
Electric diaphragm pumps operate by a shaft pushing a single diaphragm up and down, pulling fluids in through an intake valve and then pushing fluids out through an output valve.
- Diaphragm pumps are ideal for use with a variety of fluids, especially effluent, because the parts are not close tolerance and therefore not subject to excessive wear.
- Electric diaphragm pumps can be run dry.
Flexible impeller pumps combine the priming features of rotary pumps with the general transfer ability of a centrifugal pump. The impeller draws fluid in, priming the pump, and as the impeller rotates, it continues to draw water in while moving it toward the outlet.
- These pumps can handle either thin or viscous liquids and can handle more solids in suspension than other types of rotary pumps.
- Flexible impeller pumps operate efficiently at high or low speeds and can be mounted at any angle.
- They provide a continuous and consistent discharge of fluids.
Macerator pumps are self-priming impeller pumps with a grinding wheel or rotary cutter inside the pump housing that shreds waste.
- Macerator pumps break up solids, which minimizes clogging. They can be used to pump into a holding tank or to empty it overboard depending on the macerator’s placement.
- Less water is required for flushing if a macerator pump is installed on the input side of the holding tank.
- These pumps can require up to 10 or 15 amps of power.
- They cannot be run dry.
MATERIALS
Pumps used for sanitation must have parts rated for this use. This includes the housing and interior parts as well as the rubber diaphragm or impeller.
- Nitrile is the best material to use in sanitation diaphragms and impellers.
- Plastics corrode the least and are lighter, but may warp over time.
- Bronze is a good material with minimal acidic corrosion and is used on many high-capacity pumps.
- Aluminum, less expensive than bronze, is more prone to pitting and corrosion in the acidic environment found in sanitation systems.
INSTALLATION
The average-skilled sailor with basic tools and some electrical skills can install sanitation pumps.
Toolbox
Manual pumps require:
- Drills and bits
- Screwdriver and wrenches
- Hose rated for the use and stainless steel hose clamps
Electric pumps require:
- Tin-plated wire
- Connectors
- Wire cutter/stripper/crimper
- Wire ties or clips
- Multi-meter
- Soldering iron if required
- Additional circuit breaker for electrical system if required
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