Local Manufacturers Bring Solution to Mobile Restroom Industry

Sept. 28, 2011 - PRLog -- In 2010, the R&D team at Black Tie Manufacturing, a manufacturer of Elite portable toilets in Goshen, Indiana discovered their evacuation valves, (aka banjo valves), could potentially break when exposed to certain cold weather conditions.

“We are the best at what we do, because, we look for potential issues before they arise, and then we find solutions to address those issues before they arise”, says Scott Sherman, Black Tie Manufacturing, Product Development Manager.

In order to address this finding and avoid warranty issues, Black Tie teamed up with UHI Worldwide, a manufacturer of versatile heating elements, which ironically, UHI Worldwide also happens to be locally based in Elkhart, Indiana less than 15 minutes away from Black Tie’s Production Complex.

“We thought our heat panels could help them with this issue and allow us to add a new product to a newer, exciting market.” says Todd Staley, UHI Worldwide Sales Engineer of being approached by Black Tie with the situation.

The team at UHI Worldwide worked closely with the team at Black Tie to create a multiple panel heating system that could be installed on the banjo valve, either during original construction or installed in the field and be controlled with the UHI large volume holding tank heaters. This application seemed to make the most sense since Black Tie had been installing them on the primary holding tanks for numerous years. Based on the mounting location and the environment of which the banjo valve is subjected to, the joint-team felt it would be best to utilize 13.5 volts for this heater.

However, “the team ran into one major challenge. In order for the application to work we [UHI Worldwide and Black Tie] had to find a way to dually control both electrical current types (13.5 volt and 120 volt) used by the heaters”, says Michael Lewis, VP of UHI Worldwide.

Again, the team looked locally to find a local manufacturer that could create a part that  allows the device to control both systems with the same ambient sensor.

After, just a few months of testing various applications, UHI Worldwide presented Black Tie Manufacturing with an optimal solution that is now being installed by Black Tie Manufacturing on most of the units they build. “We are proud of our team and we enjoyed working alongside the professionals at UHI Worldwide on this project”, said Sherman.

“One of the other things we [ UHI Worldwide ] have been working with the mobile restroom industry is using our heat panels to actually heat the stalls of the restroom more efficiently”. Todd Stahly goes on to say, “this was started last year and we have not been able to finish this project yet however it is still being developed”.

Mobile bathrooms are usually associated with outdoor, warm-weather activities like summer concerts, festivals, fairs and weddings. Yet, portable toilet trailers are equally as practical and ideal for wintertime events. With individuals frequently gathering for outdoor sporting, holiday or other entertainment activities in the winter season, the need still exists for these comfortable, hygienic facilities - many of which can be tailored to support the colder weather.

A mobile toilet trailer provides comfort for outdoor events year-round, as well as an economical solution for proper sanitation support wherever crowds gather. The winter season in particular brings large groups together for tree-lighting spectaculars, events such as charity fun runs and marathons, community ice skating, Christmas decoration displays, and downtown holiday bazaars and craft markets. When clean, accessible restrooms are provided, families can relax, shop and play longer and more comfortably.
In addition to these entertainment festivities, portable toilets can also offer relief to people who are skiing, hiking, snow tubing or even winter camping. Having mobile restrooms available near ski lifts, trailheads and at various points throughout the campgrounds means these snow-loving guests do not have to interrupt their fun to trek back to the main lodge when nature calls.

Holiday revelers and snow-sport lovers are not the only groups who will benefit from these rental toilets. Year-round construction and maintenance crews will also appreciate easy-access restrooms while working long hours in the cold weather, especially those fitted with heaters and hot water for warming their hands after use.
Organizers and maintenance managers choosing to rent these facilities do need to consider additional safeguards when placing them in areas with extremely cold temperatures. The restrooms should not be placed in an area prone to heavy snow or wind since a sudden snowfall could easily block access into the unit. Likewise, Port-a-Potties should not stand where working snowplows could obstruct the unit's entrance, cleaning or removal. Regular maintenance is also key for making sure that unit heaters remain on to prevent waste water tanks from freezing, and that the pipes stay free from obstructions such as paper towels, feminine products or other foreign objects that can potentially clog and freeze inside the pipes.

Portable restroom rentals should not be limited to spring and summer activities. Many people come together for winter recreation and festivities in large, outdoor areas where traditional bathrooms are not available. Guests and workers can enjoy sanitary facilities year-round with heated and comfortable rental toilets. Business owners who handle portable facility rentals can help anyone decide on the best placement, as well as what types of winter safeguards are advisable in any location.

Learn More about UHI Worldwide>>> http://uhiworldwide.auto.officelive.com/mobilerestroom.aspx

Learn More about Black Tie Manufacturing >>>
http://blacktiemanufacturing.com/mobile-restroom-trailers...

Source:
http://articlestorehouse.com/Art/150281/24/Mobile-Bathroo...

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