Aircraft Lavatory Wastewater Sampling Utilising the Qantas Sample Trap (QST) MKIV

Note: this is an updated version of the Qantas Sample Trap (QST), current as at April 2023 as version MKIV. This builds on the previous version of the Qantas Sample Trap, MKIII with DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.6565202. In February 2024 the plans for the MKIV were revised (DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.10622317).

This publication outlines construction plans and intercept sampling instructions for a new sampling device to sub-sample from aircraft wastewater during wastewater removal. The sampler is the Qantas Sample Trap (QST) MKIV.

In early 2020 when the Covid 19 outbreak was gaining recognition world-wide, the Qantas Medical Department, in direct liaison with the University of Queensland (UQ), theorised that Aircraft Lavatory Wastewater could provide important information related to the spread of emerging pathogens via the Commercial Air Travel Passengers. After some early samples were collected using a bucket under the waste tanker at the discharge point, it was determined that the process could be improved substantially by designing a Sample Trap purpose-built to improve both operator safety and minimise potential cross contamination from the tanker truck and associated peripheral equipment, including, but not necessarily limited to hoses and buckets etc.

The history of the development from the MK I to the Mk IV is depicted as images on page 1 of the attached word document.

May 2020                   Aug 2020                    April 2021                  April 2023

The MK I                      The Mk II                   The Mk III                  The Mk IV

Samples were collected successfully until early 2023 when we restarted operations to a destination and found that on the return flights blockages were occurring due to a preponderance of paper towel being introduced into the aircraft wastewater system. To minimise the chance of blockages a redesign was required. The changes from the Mk III to the MK IV include:

• The sample interception / diversion inlet has been redesigned to minimise the chance of any blockages from foreign materials deposited into the wastewater system.
• The thickness of the main stainless-steel tube has been minimised to reduce weight (improved operator safety)
• The incorporation of a second ring to facilitate direct hose connection to the QST should that be desired.
• Increased clearance of the sample collection tubes from the main stainless-steel tube.
• Improved positioning of the sample collection tubes to now be opposite of the dedicated handle collection

Qantas Utilises the services of the following company to produce our sample traps.

Declaration:- Conflict of Interest

Qantas utilises the services of Ultracut Pty Ltd as an independent supplier to produce our sample traps. We make no representations on their behalf.

Ultracut Tools Pty Ltd

136 Young Street Hamilton, VIC 3300

Australia

Contact Darcy Miller                       +61 (3) 5571 1674

www.ultracut.com.au   dmiller@ultracut.com.au   

This documentation refers to the Mk IV device. This is an updated device from the MK III, previously published with DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.6565202