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The bio-digester technology developed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) will be a game changer in the sanitation sector in the years to come, according to Sudhir Mande, Managing Director of the Dharwad-based MM Industrial Controls Pvt Ltd.
MM Industrial Controls is one of the companies that got this technology transferred from DRDO.
Speaking at the demonstration of the biodigester technology at Dakshina Kannada Nirmithi Kendra on the campus of the National Institute of Technology Karnataka (NITK) at Surathkal on Friday, Mande said the bio-digester consists of a bio-toilet attached with bio-digester tanks that converts human faeces into biogas and reusable water.
Indigenous technology
The technology developed by DRDO is now being used in the Indian Railways and by the armed forces.
Lokendra Singh, a DRDO scientist, was responsible for the development of this technology, he said. The technology uses anaerobic microbial inoculum (a material used for inoculation) to convert faeces into biogas and water that can be used for agriculture and gardening purposes.
Stating that a live septic tank in conventional toilets can be converted into bio-digester tanks, he said only 30 per cent of space is required for a bio-digester tank compared to a septic tank. Bio-digester tanks are low on maintenance and installation costs.
The tanks can be customised based on the requirements of the local conditions, and can operate in temperatures ranging from minus (-) 20 degrees to 50 degrees. He said this technology can be used in independent houses, apartment blocks, schools and other educational institutions and hostels.
Maintenance-free
In most urban areas, septic tanks and open wells are located in close vicinity leading to the contamination of well water. Bio-digester tanks eliminate such issues, he said.
The bio-digester tanks are maintenance-free for the lifetime, as the anaerobic microbial inoculum is fed only once. It feeds on the faecal matter and multiplies by itself, he said.
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