Zyclonic™: An Innovation in Wastewater Treatment and Reinvented Toilets for Social Sustainability

Although advances in science and technology continue to occur in some societies in the world today, there are still many regions that are still lacking standard sanitation. More than 4.2 billion people (approximately 40%) across the world still do not have access to proper sanitation. The problem is further exacerbated by the contamination of pathogens in drinking-water supplies as a consequence of the lack of high quality wastewater treatment systems. This problem kills 500,000 children under five worldwide each year. The crisis has made sanitation one of the United Nations' SDGs (Sustainable Development Goals).

Good sanitation, sustainable community

SCG is another leading Thai organization that focuses on growing its business and giving back to society. Therefore, the company has invented and developed Zyclonic™, an innovation that enhances sanitation standards in Thailand and globally, in collaboration the Asian Institute of Technology (AIT). This joint endeavor reflects the importance that SCG places on open collaboration, focusing on R&D to Commercialization through working with leading research institutes and organizations both locally and overseas.

Zyclonic™ is composed of two key structures: a back-end treatment solution consisting of Aquonic 600, Zyclone Cube, and Aeronic XC1, and a front-end treatment solution, which is the DIY cubicle.

Treat Both Water and Waste

Aquonic 600 is an essential device in the wastewater treatment system. The innovation uses biological and electrochemical processes to treat wastewater from septic tanks, urinals, showers and sinks, turning it into clean water for reuse, such as in toilets or irrigation. The user can install it on the septic tank that is currently in use to improve the quality of the wastewater exported from the tank

The Zyclone Cube, which is made from SCG’s high-quality plastic resins, is an innovation that helps convert wastewater and solids into usable materials by heating them at a temperature of 100-120 degrees Celsius. The solids are then used as a soil conditioner, and the sterilized water can be used in households. The innovation also features the built-in Zyclone Separator, which can separate water and solid waste at the efficiency of 98%.

The last major innovation in the wastewater treatment and disposal system is the Aeronic XC1, the Zyclone Cube's performance enhancer, which uses selected natural microorganisms to help remove odor and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) like hydrogen sulfide by up to 99%. Water that has passed through this system will not emit any disturbing odors and is environmentally friendly.

Eco-friendly bathrooms, no electricity needed

Another highlight component of the innovative Zyclonic™hygienic toilet is the DIY Cubicle. This modular innovation is made from a pre-engineered aluminum frame and SCG’s high-quality, lightweight, and durable plastic panels. The installation can be completed by only two people and only within a few hours.

Users can modify this DIY Cubicle into a single ready-to-use toilet or connect multiple units to create an integrated bathroom. Furthermore, additional solar panels can be installed on the roof of the unit to generate electricity for various waste treatment systems, including lighting and ventilation fans. This system is suitable for remote areas or temporary events, such as festivals or construction sites.

Enhancing local and global sanitation standards

SCG launched Zyclonic^TM for the first time at the 2018 Reinvented Toilet Expo in Beijing, People's Republic of China, after which the company piloted the innovation in the public park in the Klong Phlapphla community, Rama 9, which lacked public utilities. As the area is adjacent to Klong Phlapphla, the system helped solve the problem of people excreting waste into the canal, thus solving the hygiene problem at its source.

Additionally, SCG has installed Zyclonic™ in Phutthamonthon, Nakhon Pathom Province, in collaboration with the SCG Foundation. The installation of the said innovation helps treat wastewater and produce up to 6,000 liters of clean water per day for use in the temple area.

Zyclonic™ also won a National Social Innovation Award in the Private Organization Category at the Innovation Thailand Expo 2019 from the National Innovation Agency (Public Organization) or NIA, the Ministry of Science and Technology, at Sam Yan Mitr Town, Bangkok, in November 2019. The accolade bears testament to the quality and performance of this innovation by SCG.

Zyclonic™ is yet another example of innovation that SCG strives to create and develop in order to improve the quality of life for everyone in society and contribute to the sustainability of the public health system, both locally and globally.