Design, fabrication, and evaluation of a single-shaft plastic fine shredder

Abstract

This study presents the design, fabrication, and performance evaluation of a single-shaft plastic fine shredder aimed at enhancing plastic waste management efficiency. The primary objective was to assess the shredder's operational performance, including input capacity, shredding efficiency, power consumption, and operating costs. The shredder, constructed from readily available steel materials and powered by a 2 Hp capacitor electric motor, demonstrated consistent performance across trials involving PET and HDPE plastic samples. The average input capacities were found to be 0.09 kg/min for PET and 0.14 kg/min for HDPE, with shredding efficiencies of 95% and 96%, respectively, thus, exceeding the 90% efficiency benchmark set by PNS/PAES 244:2010. The study also revealed a significant reduction in volume post-shredding, averaging 91% for both materials. Electric energy consumption rates averaged at 0.52 kW-hr for PET and 0.34 kW-hr for HDPE. A thorough cost analysis indicates an operating cost of PHP11.70 for PET and PHP7.20 for HDPE per kilogram of shredded plastics and a total daily operating costs of PHP505.55 for PET and PHP483.95 for HDPE. These findings highlight the shredder's potential as an effective solution for managing plastic waste, contributing to sustainable waste management practices. This research underscores the importance of innovative machinery in addressing the growing challenges of plastic pollution.