Repurposing Waste with Plastic-to-Fuel T3 Processor for Sri Lanka
Sri Lanka, like many other countries, faces significant challenges in managing its plastic waste, leading to environmental pollution and health hazards. Plastic waste poses a severe threat to Sri Lanka's ecosystems, including its rivers, oceans, and landfills. The improper disposal and lack of effective recycling infrastructure contribute to the accumulation of plastic waste, exacerbating the environmental impact. The aim is to convert plastic wastes in rural Sri Lanka areas into useful hydrocarbon fuel through the T3 reactor. This is the 2nd year of the project — the previous SIGHT team has successfully carried out experiments in the CBE teaching lab with an electricity-powered heating plate (1170W / 540ºC).
Challenges to tackle
According to the previous trials and on-spot investigation, students are now planning to build a larger scale T3 processor, powered by wood fire to satisfy the needs of local villagers with accessible local materials. Continuous experiments are needed to create a user-friendly design for local people to operate.
Project description
The project's objective is to develop a sustainable solution to the plastic waste problem in Sri Lanka by implementing a reactor that efficiently converts plastic waste into fuel that could potentially help lots of working-class families living in the hilly terrain in the tea estates. The output of the team experiment data, collaboration with the local university students and faculty members, and education to the local villagers on the operation of the processor is essential to create impact to the local society.