A graduating student of Chemical Engineering from the Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Mr. Anthony Obikwelu, has taking his industry by storm with his recent innovation, design and manufacture of a machine that converts plastic and other waste materials into fuel.
Obikwelu hereunder describes the working and funtionality of his machine.
His words: “This machine produces petroleum based fuel from thermal pyrolysis of waste plastics.
Pyrolysis is the process of heating organic material at high temperatures in the absence of oxygen. Since no oxygen is present, the organic material does not combust. Instead, the chemical compounds that make up the material decompose into combustible gases and char. The produced gas is condensed to give a liquid fuel.
Pyrolysis presents an opportunity to manufacture low- carbon liquid fuels and decrease the emissions of the industry. These fuels are also compatible with our existing transportation infrastructure which eliminates the need to introduce costly new infrastructure. Complete pyrolysis of organic matter usually leaves a solid residue that consists mostly of elemental carbon; the process is then called carbonization”.
He adds: “As we all know, plastic goods and packaging and the inevitable plastic waste resulting from them are found all over the world. Plastic is a relatively cheap, durable and versatile material. However, as waste it constitutes a sizeable percentage of the litter we see every day in public places. It is also non-biodegradable; presents risks to human health and the environment; and some types are difficult to re-use or recycle. Almost 100 million tons are produced per annum. So the process of pyrolysis of plastics attempts also to effectively reduce the waste plastics and to find a source for alternative fuel.
“This discovery solves the problem of cost of mining oil. It would help reduce the emisson of harmful waste matters into the air which affects our ozone layer. It will prevent issues of oil spilliage and ocean pollution. It’ll also create direct and indirect employment as plastics and other waste materials would be sourced for, thereby creating an avenue through which people can earn a living.“
Observers are of the opinion that relevant government agencies should take up the responsibility of funding and broadening the scope of the innovation with a view to maximizing the potentials of this new technology in large scale production and utilization of the new technology.
.With additional report from 360nobs
