Semi-Automatic Small-Scale Organic Waste Pot Press Machine
Keywords:
greenhouse gas mitigation, organic waste, sustainability, semi-automatic pressing machine, coconut fiberAbstract
This research aimed to design and construct a semi-automatic, small-scale organic waste pressing machine to provide an alternative for campus-level organic waste management and greenhouse gas reduction. The machine features a high-strength structural design using ANSI MC/C steel, capable of withstanding a maximum compressive load of 12.27 tons. Its key characteristics include a compact size, portability, and a modular design for ease of disassembly. The structure demonstrated mechanical integrity sufficient for its intended purpose, with a production cost of 45,000 THB per unit. The performance testing revealed that coconut fiber was the most suitable material for compression molding. The optimal processing parameters were identified as a temperature of 120°C, a pressure of 110.32 bar (1600 psi), and a pressing duration of 90 seconds. These conditions yielded high-quality with strong fiber adhesion, perfect structural integrity, and no signs of thermal degradation. Expert evaluation regarding the machine’s design and functionality resulted in a good level of satisfaction level with a mean score of 4.44 (SD = 0.56). Furthermore, user-end evaluations yielded a mean scores of 4.51 and 4.45 (SD = 0.60, 0.66), highlighting the user-friendly operational manual and the overall cost-effectiveness of the system. This innovation not only facilitates the valorization of agricultural residues, such as banana leaves and coconut coir, but also serves as an efficient model for systematic waste management and environmental sustainability within educational institutions.
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