Covenant Journal of Engineering Technology (Jun 2019)
Community-Based LDPE Wastes Recycling Machine
Abstract
Several efforts have been made to proffer solution to the burden placed by plastic wastes on man’s environment. However, the conspicuous presence of these solid waste pollutants in the communities suggests that the efforts made so far only yielded little result. In this study, a small scale hot extrusion process machine which recycles low density polyethylene was designed and constructed. The machine is powered by a 2 Horse power, 3-phase electric motor which transmits a torque of 200N.m at a speed of 37 rpm through a gearbox with the velocity ratio of 20:1 to a 34 diameter single screw. Low density polyethylene materials were fed in through the hopper. The heat from the heater bands and friction and pressure generated along the transition zone of the screw provided the energy needed for the transformation of the materials conveyed to a well-blended molten state. The extradites were channelled to the cooling tank for heat extraction and then collected as raw materials for the plastic industries. It is recommended that providing this machine in our communities will contribute greatly to achieving a greener environment and creating entrepreneurial opportunities in the society, thus contributing to the achievement of the sustainable development goals.