Design of an LDPE Pulverizing Machine
Authors: Igbinomwanhia DI, Ehi-Eromosele F
DOI Info: N/A
ABSTRACT
The increasing use of plastics in everyday life and in the national economy of developing countries such as Nigeria makes it necessary to find a local solution to the problem of plastics waste disposal through economically sound and ecologically suitable method, rather than just burning. Thus, this work focuses on developing an economically viable waste plastic (Low Density Polyethylene (LDPE)) pulverizing machine, for cottage industry, using locally available materials. The machine was designed and developed following simple standard engineering principles. The machine uses eight fixed and four rotary blades for slicing the loaded waste plastic. The rotary blades rotate at a speed of 840 rpm and are driven by a three-phase, high torque, low speed electric motor of 15 hp and the friction generated provides the heat required to soften the waste charges. Test shows that the machine is capable of obtaining a product type, which can be mixed directly with a virgin material for polythene production, without the need to process it further through pelletization. The efficiency of the machine was found to be 84% and its capacity was 16 kg/hr.
Affiliations: Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Benin, Benin City, Nigeria
Keywords: Waste Plastics, Pulverizing Machine, Plastic Recycling, Benin Metropolis, Developing Countries
Published date: 2019/06/30
