Page 22 - Plastics News September 2017

FEATURES
FEATURES

Incinerating waste using solar power

The latest model of the solar powered thermal device disintegrates 5 kg of waste and works both
on solar batteries as well as electricity

ncineration is not only a way to get rid of waste, it’s disintegrates into powder form. The fi re is contained and
Ialso a way of generating energy. Many different types of also the smoke generated is very less.”
waste, whether from households, industry or agriculture, According to the lawyer, the device works both on solar
can be converted into heat or power. batteries as well as electricity. He adds, “When there is
no sun, the device can be run on electricity.
While an average induction cooker uses up
2,000 watts or 2 units of electricity per hour
to generate heat, the solar device, when
used for cooking purpose, is more energy
effi cient and profi table.”
Shanavas says a mechanism has been set
in place to deal with any kind of foul smell
and even the stubborn waste-like plastic
can be disintegrated. He says, “Rather
than vapourising plastic which is toxic for
the environment, it can be liquified by
exposing it to a temperature of 150 to 200
degree celsius inside the incinerator. The
molten plastic can be then used to make
containers.” For Shanavas, the experiments
were a result of a light bulb moment he had
during one of his travels.
He says, “During a Goa-Bangalore trip, I
came across a hilly area where the sky almost
“Thomas Alva Edison was no engineer, yet has so many
seemed to touch the ground. Suddenly, a lighting spark
inventions to his name,” says Thiruvanathpuram-based
struck and this started a thought process.”
lawyer Shanavas Sainulabdeen, who has always been
It was not an easy journey. He had to face many obstacles
passionate about inventing things. And his passion got him
during the initial days. He adds, “At fi rst, I was not able to
a patent for a device which has the ability to generate the
control the temperature, due to problems with the heat
heat upto 700 degree celsius using solar energy.
regulating device. There were times when the components
Shanavas, who began carrying out experiments a few
would disintegrate or melt.”
years back, has made three prototypes so far. The fi rst
Tasting success, he intends to use the model as a solution
prototype was built in the shape of a gas stove and was
for waste disposal. Shanavas wants to approach the
initially used for cooking purposes. The latest model of
government for the same, if possible. He adds, “Garbage
the solar powered thermal device disintegrates 5 kg of
disposal has always been a major problem here. Normally,
poultry waste.
once the temperature crosses a particular point, it
Shanavas says, “I have used GI sheets as the base.
becomes very diffi cult to control it. However, there is
Staineless steel can also be used. A chimney has been
no risk of such a problem occurring here, This makes it
attached to fi lter out any resultant smoke. Once you power
a perfect solution for waste disposal. I am thinking of
the device, it just requires 5 to 10 minutes to generate
approaching the corporation for a similar project, at
700 degree celsius of heat. Once the base turns red hot,
some point of time. One of the main obstacles is the huge
you can feed the waste which catches fi re and slowly
investment for the same.”
Plastics News | September 2017 22