Development and Performance Evaluation of a Plastic and Biomass Torrefaction Machine

  • Okwuchukwu Innocent Ani Enugu State University of Science and Technology, Agbani, Enugu, Enugu State, Nigeria
  • Collins Chidera Agu University of Science and Technology, Agbani, Enugu, Nigeria
  • Chukwuebuka Great Enemuo University of Science and Technology, Agbani, Enugu, Nigeria
  • Henry Chisom Ndu University of Science and Technology, Agbani, Enugu, Nigeria
  • Prince Chijioke Ejiofor University of Science and Technology, Agbani, Enugu, Nigeria
  • Chibuzor Edyson Eziaka University of Science and Technology, Agbani, Enugu, Nigeria
  • David Chidiebere Edeh University of Science and Technology, Agbani, Enugu, Nigeria
  • Mark-Collins Chidera Nzeduba University of Science and Technology, Agbani, Enugu, Nigeria
  • Stephen Chidiebere Raymond University of Science and Technology, Agbani, Enugu, Nigeria
  • Nnam Solomon Onyekachi University of Science and Technology, Agbani, Enugu, Nigeria
  • Chima Allen Ukpai
Keywords: Low-density Polyethylene (LDPE), Biomass, Rice Husk, Torrefaction Machine, Temperature, Sustainable Energy, Efficiency

Abstract

The increasing demand for sustainable energy solutions and effective waste management strategies has driven the development of innovative technologies to address plastic pollution and biomass utilization. This study presents the design, fabrication, and performance evaluation of a plastic and biomass torrefaction machine. The machine, developed using locally sourced materials, integrates key components such as a barrel, screw conveyor, die, hopper, electric motor, and heating element to convert low-density polyethylene (LDPE) and rice husks into high-energy, torrefied products. The torrefaction process was optimized at varying temperatures (270°C to 300°C), with performance metrics including moisture content, calorific value, ash content, volatile matter content, and fixed carbon content evaluated using standardized methods. Results revealed a significant improvement in energy density and material stability as the temperature increased, with the highest calorific value (8,337.35 kJ/kg) and lowest moisture content (0.39%) achieved at 300°C. The machine demonstrated efficiency in reducing moisture and enhancing the fixed carbon content, producing environmentally friendly, high-energy fuels suitable for energy generation applications. This study highlights the potential of the torrefaction machine as an eco-friendly solution for managing plastic and biomass waste while promoting renewable energy generation. Recommendations include scaling the machine for industrial applications and further optimizing its design to accommodate diverse feedstock types. The innovation addresses critical environmental challenges, contributing to sustainable waste management and energy production efforts.

Author Biographies

Okwuchukwu Innocent Ani, Enugu State University of Science and Technology, Agbani, Enugu, Enugu State, Nigeria

Department of Mechanical and Production Engineering Enugu State 

Collins Chidera Agu, University of Science and Technology, Agbani, Enugu, Nigeria

Department of Mechanical and Production Engineering Enugu State 

Chukwuebuka Great Enemuo, University of Science and Technology, Agbani, Enugu, Nigeria

Department of Mechanical and Production Engineering Enugu State 

Henry Chisom Ndu, University of Science and Technology, Agbani, Enugu, Nigeria

Department of Mechanical and Production Engineering Enugu State 

Prince Chijioke Ejiofor, University of Science and Technology, Agbani, Enugu, Nigeria

Department of Mechanical and Production Engineering Enugu State 

Chibuzor Edyson Eziaka, University of Science and Technology, Agbani, Enugu, Nigeria

Department of Mechanical and Production Engineering Enugu State 

David Chidiebere Edeh, University of Science and Technology, Agbani, Enugu, Nigeria

Department of Mechanical and Production Engineering Enugu State 

Mark-Collins Chidera Nzeduba, University of Science and Technology, Agbani, Enugu, Nigeria

Department of Mechanical and Production Engineering Enugu State 

Stephen Chidiebere Raymond, University of Science and Technology, Agbani, Enugu, Nigeria

Department of Mechanical and Production Engineering Enugu State 

Nnam Solomon Onyekachi, University of Science and Technology, Agbani, Enugu, Nigeria

Department of Mechanical and Production Engineering Enugu State 

Chima Allen Ukpai

Scientific Equipment Development Institute (SEDI), Enugu, Nigeria

References

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Published
2024-11-30
How to Cite
Ani, O. I., Agu, C. C., Enemuo, C. G., Ndu, H. C., Ejiofor, P. C., Eziaka, C. E., Edeh, D. C., Nzeduba, M.-C. C., Raymond, S. C., Onyekachi, N. S., & Ukpai, C. A. (2024). Development and Performance Evaluation of a Plastic and Biomass Torrefaction Machine. IJO -International Journal Of Mechanical And Civil Engineering (ISSN: 2992-2461 ), 7(02), 20-33. Retrieved from https://ijojournals.com/index.php/mce/article/view/969
Issue
Vol 7 No 02 (2024): IJO -INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MECHANICAL AND CIVIL ENGINEERING (ISSN: 2992-2461 )
Section
Articles
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