| THIRD GENERATION PSMELTING UNIT - DEVELOPED |
PPCP continues its advocacy in
recycling. In order to address the perceived concerns of some
quarters regarding the alleged environmental effects of PS
melting oven, PPCP in cooperation with the Department of Science
and Technology - Material Science Division has developed a
newly improved third Generation of melting oven for foam polystyrene.
After a thorough research finally, the PPCP - DOST has launched
its newly improved PS melting unit. Enhancement of its features
made it easier for the recycling of foam polystyrene. During
the development, comprehensive assessment on its environmental
impact
was done which includes a careful examination on its smoke
emission and odor reaction mechanism. With a satisfactory
result gained from the gas emission test conducted together
with the DOST - MSD - ITDI experts and the Ateneo National
Chemistry Instrumentation Division, this third generation
melting unit had passed the alleged non-environmental issues.
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A CLOSER LOOK ON ITS IMPROVEMENTS
The earlier generations of PS melting oven are
made up of steel vessel, metal lined, with cover, LPG fired
50 kgs capacity with downspout for pouring molten products
with hood and chimney for smoke.
Now, melting process has been made easier
and simplified. An improved paddle for mixing the foam PS
has been attached to the unit. Gas emission has been more
manageable through the enhanced exhaust chimney, suction blower,
a condenser for liquid gas collection, hooper, activated charcoal
chamber, motorized plunger, vacuum pump for gas collection
and melting chamber cover.These enhanced features of third
generation PS melting oven produces a cleaner gas emission.
The improved unit is also composed of an
improved temperature recorder from the previous contemporary
temperature gauge of second generation melting unit which
gives accuracy in the heating process and the over-all outcome
of the end product. Improved spout is attached for better
pouring and casting on pre-shaped metal moulds. |
| OLD PS MELTING OVEN |
IMPROVED PS MELTING OVEN |
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MORE USEFUL PRODUCTS
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Some useful products are table tops, cat walk,
boards, bricks, synthetic timber plank and now even plastic
planters are being discovered from the recycled foam PS. |
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GROWING PUBLIC INTEREST
..
With the continuous effort of the organization,
PPCP believes that this technology will not only help regularize
recycling industry but safeguard the environment while at
the same time providing an option for diversion of solid wastes.
Demand from the LGU's and communities are
relatively good. PPCP's main objective is to promote recycling
using this technology with the benefit of generating income
at the side. Trainings and actual demonstrations were conducted
to municipalities of different regions and cities like in
Cebu, Lapu-Lapu and Boracay. PPCP was even able to conduct
such actual demonstrations in schools that embrace Solid Waste
Management in their premises like the Environmental Science
Institute of Miriam College.
More and more innovations for recycling will
hopefully come out as PPCP continues in performing its mission
on providing more campaigns and information on recycling to
help and protect the environment
Acknowledgement and Sources:
DOST MSD ITDI presentation on PS Melting oven
Engr. Manuel Navarro
Dr. Araceli Monsada
Mr. Nelson Develos
DOST MSD - ITDI
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FOAM POLYSTYRENE FAST-FOOD CONTAINERS:
OFTEN THE SCAPEGOAT, NOT THE PROBLEM
Persistent questions as to the environmental impact
cause by alleged huge amount of plastic containers in the solid
waste stream continue to be an issue of discussion. With some sectors
zeroing in on popular, highly visibly target: plastic foam packaging.
As manufacturers of plastics- including the foam
containers used by the fast food industry – we’re deeply
concerned about the solid waste disposal problem. But the problem
has to be attacked logically and scientifically, without the helter-skelter
rush to anoint villains. For the fact is, there are no villains,
and we’re all “guilty.” Every household, every
business, every office-indeed, every Filipinos contributes to the
refuse stream everyday. To zero in on the fast-food business, or
the plastics industry, is to engage in scapegoating, not problem
solving.
Here, then are some facts along with some myths-about
plastic foam containers:
Myth: It’s frivolous for the fast-food industry
to use plastic foam containers.
Fact: Consumers want their food fresh, clean, and
served at certain temperatures, without sogginess. Foam containers
best meet these demands. Fast food restaurants that don’t
use foam to meet these demands do use foam of paper but the paper
is coated with plastic or wax to do its intended job. Either way,
solid waste is generated.
Myth: But paper is biodegradable and foam isn’t.
Fact: Paper isn’t necessarily biodegradable,
and coated paper certainly isn’t. in a sanitary landfill,
where air and sunlight are absent and moisture is limited. It often
takes decades for even uncoated paper to degrade. In fact, archaeologists,
probing old landfills, have recovered intact newspapers in which
they could read dates of 40 years ago. And these old papers, obviously,
weren’t plastic-coated, the way fast food container.
Myth: Foam packaging is among the prime reasons
landfills are rapidly reaching capacity and closing down.
Fact: Paper substitutes for fast food foam packaging
add as much weight to a landfill as does foam. According to the
1997 JICA studies done for the Department of Environment and Natural
Resources of the Philippines, JICA says 17 percent is paper and
paperboard, with yard waste accounting for about 18 percent. 3 percent
is glass and 5 percent is metals. Some 16 percent is plastics but
out of this total less than one half of one percent of the municipal
waste stream is fast food foam packaging. So your neighborhood fast
food restaurant and its foam package hardly the cause of the landfill
shortage.
Myth: When they incinerated, plastic foam containers emit harmful
elements into the air. Paper packaging doesn’t.
Fact: Incineration is not allowed in the Philippines,
but for purposes of discussion, proper incineration of foam produces
virtually nothing but harmless carbon dioxide and water vapor. Furthermore,
combustion of plastics in an incinerator contributes no more to
pollution than paper, wood or even leaves. But the truth is that
these materials can be burned without harmful emissions in properly
equipped, modern incinerator as is being done all over the world.
Myth: Disposable paper products are recycled. Plastic
foam isn’t.
Fact: With regard to the food industry, the recycling
argument is a red herring. Paper food containers are not recycled
because they contain residual food. Recycling is a valid solution
to part of the overall waste problem, but is irrelevant in the foam
vs. paper comparison.
Foam polystyrene food service containers however
are recycled in the Philippines. Efforts are currently made to help
stakeholders in the province to the recycling activity.
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