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The technology

Innovation comes from experience

Planus technology has its roots in 1988, when the first marine toilet with a Vortex pump specifically designed for recreational boats was developed. Since then, our team has continued to design and refine sanitary systems that combine reliability, ease of installation and high performance.

Every solution is developed to meet the needs of shipyards, designers and yacht owners, offering maximum freedom in system design and a quiet, intuitive user experience.

The heart of the system: the Vortex pump

Over the years, we have designed and refined the Vortex system, the heart of Planus technology.

The pump's high rotational speed generates a powerful vacuum which, thanks to the specific geometry of the hydraulic circuit, draws water and wastewater directly from the bowl. The pump reduces waste into fine particles, which are then efficiently conveyed to the black water tank or, where permitted by regulations and the onboard system, directly overboard.

The high capacity of the Vortex pump provides maximum freedom in the design of the sanitary system, allowing discharge over horizontal distances of up to 80 metres and with a vertical head of up to 9 metres (29 feet). This flexibility makes it possible to optimise onboard spaces and create even particularly complex discharge lines.

To ensure reliable operation over time, the Vortex pump is equipped with a non-return valve featuring an EPDM body and an AISI 316 stainless steel sealing seat, designed to effectively prevent backflow and unpleasant odours from rising from the holding tank.

The hydraulic system has been designed to simplify the work of designers, shipyards and installers. For flushing, only a connection to the cold water line already available on board is required, automatically controlled by the solenoid valve supplied as standard. Each toilet is completely independent, while multiple toilets can share part of the discharge line, reducing system complexity and optimising technical spaces.

The discharge line uses standard Ø40 mm pipes, with the option of using Ø50 mm pipes in sections shared by multiple toilets. In addition, with an average consumption of just 1.5 litres of water per cycle, the system ensures efficient use of resources without compromising performance.

 Patented anti-cavitation system

One of the distinctive features of Planus technology is the patented anti-cavitation system integrated into the Vortex pump.

Thanks to an exclusive connection for automatic air expulsion, the pump primes completely with every use, eliminating air pockets that could reduce its efficiency.

This provides:

  • greater hydraulic efficiency;
  • extremely low noise levels;
  • consistent performance over time;
  • discharge times of approximately 3 seconds.

Planus technology received the "Best Choice" award from the American magazine Practical Sailor. In a comparative test involving five of the world's leading marine toilet manufacturers, the Planus system recorded the lowest noise level in the test and the highest discharge capacity, standing out for its efficiency, build quality and reliability.

An independent system, designed for maximum comfort

Each Planus toilet is completely independent and equipped with its own Vortex pump. This configuration eliminates dependence on centralised systems or vacuum pumps, ensuring that any maintenance required on one toilet does not affect the operation of the other bathrooms on board.

The absence of vacuum systems prevents unwanted start-ups caused by vacuum losses and significantly reduces the need for periodic maintenance, ensuring high reliability even after long periods of inactivity. Thanks to the reduced number of components, servicing is straightforward and, in most cases, can be carried out directly by onboard personnel with the support of Planus technical service.

Completing the system, Planus toilets are the only ones equipped with AirEx, the exclusive patented technology for extracting air directly from the bowl. Connected to the vessel's ventilation system, AirEx eliminates unpleasant odours at source and helps reduce the spread of bioaerosols in the bathroom environment, improving air quality and wellbeing on board without altering the aesthetics of the toilet.