IBEX 365 News

2021 IBEX Innovation Award Interview with Xylem

News Date: August 8, 2022

Jabsco Quiet Flush E2

Xylem’s Jabsco Quiet Flush E2 has been designed to solve some of the biggest marine waste challenges a boat owner and boat manufacturer face. Its simplified installation, easy serviceability, and sleek digital control bring a new level of convenience and comfort.

What problem does this product solve?
The Quiet Flush E2 is the first marine toilet in the market with a quick-release discharge pump and hose (patent pending) aimed at users looking for an easier installation and those who require more flexibility for servicing, such as charter boat technical teams.

How did you become aware of this problem?
“Whether it’s a toy, wet wipe, or sanitary product, marine toilets will inevitably deal with material that should not be disposed of through a waste system,” says Steve Tilders of Xylem. “This problem really escalated with the proliferation of boat and charter clubs as new boaters and non-boaters started using can clogging marine heads.”

Who is the target market for this product?
Power and sailboats 25-45 feet are the target although any boat (in charter or privately owned) will benefit from this technology. Both professional maintenance technicians and DIY users will find this design easier to clean and service.

What is noteworthy about the technology used?
The discharge parts are extra flexible for easy installation and the quick-release clip makes serviceability easy for anyone.

How is it different from any other solution on the market?
The Quiet Flush E2 offers a unique set of features. Its rotating base (90° increments) is coupled with a discharge pump that can also be rotated 180°allowing discharge pipes to be routed to the rear no matter which way the pump is positioned. The same quick-release system allows users and engineers to access the pump to service or remove debris without having to spend time removing the entire toilet bowl, bolts, screws, and clips. It makes the toilet serviceable even when it’s mounted in a confined working space.

What obstacles did you encounter in the R&D process?
The focus was on making the fitting tight to eliminate any possibility of leaking and on selecting the right pump that could flush the new bowl. (The unit was beta tested for two years without any leak and the pump is powerful enough to manage two bowl sizes.) Managing the R&D process during a pandemic and its supply chain issues added more challenges.

What customizations are available to personalize this product?
The Quite Flush E2 is equipped with a sleek touch sensor control panel offering an eco-flush mode to conserve water usage. The whole series is available with fresh or raw water rinse options, compact or large bowls, a slow-closing lid, easy-to-clean base, and motor covers, a powerful centrifugal discharge pump, and a patented quick-release system.

How has the product been received?
“It has been incredible,” adds Tilders. “All our distributors want to stock it and it’s been a feeding frenzy for all available units.”

Is there anything else you’d like to share?
This product is designed with the typical boater in mind. Anyone can maintain or troubleshoot it without needing to be a trained technician.

For more information about the 2021 IBEX Innovation Award winners, click here.