Beach Sand Cleansing Technology
Professors and students at BNM Institute of Technology, Bangalore, Karnataka (India) had designed a beach sand cleansing technology which is based on electro-hydraulic mechanism which is much efficient in collecting garbage from beach. The equipment designed by the team aims on removing micro plastics from beach and to protect sea animals and their hatchlings like turtle and hence increasing their rate of survival. Plastic waste around the beach constitutes about the 80% of annual plastics that results from terrestrial activities and 20% originates from dreadful events or maritime sources. When these waste exposed to solar radiation, winds and currents get shattered into small pieces called micro plastics (the size of shattered plastics is generally less than 5 mm (average size).
How it works?
The detailed working of the system can be understood. The whole designed circuit will be embedded on the tractor or any other pulling device. When the system starts running the mechanical power will be transmitted to the gear pump which in turn creates a pressure in hydraulic oil which further pumps it to hydraulic circuit. The passive infrared sensor which is basically an infrared sensor will be programmed to detect any marine organism. The sensor will detect and send a signal in form of LED/buzzer to transducer. The transducer will convert the electrical signals to the mechanical impulse which is given to 6/3 directional control valve. The DCV play a role for detachment and attachment for whole set up from sand. The equipment designed by the professors and students constitutes of following parts:
a. Hydraulic Reservoir: The hydraulic reservoir is the repository required for holding the fluid which is needed to be supplied to the system.
b. Filter: Filter and strainer are devices whose main function is the retention of insoluble contamination. Generally, it is a coarse filter where various porous media or wire mesh screens are used as a filtration medium. Here, the medium is mostly a screen or other forms of filtration devices that stop contamination but allows the oil to move forward.
c. Gear Pump: The external gear pump consists of externally meshed two gears embedded in a pump case. One of the gears is integrated with a prime mover and is called as driving gear and another is called as driven gear. The rotating gear transports the fluid from the tank to the outlet pipe. The suction side is towards the portion whereas the gear teeth emerge out of the mesh. When the gears rotate, the volume of the chamber expands resulting in drop in pressure below atmospheric value. Therefore, the vacuum is created, and the fluid is propelled into the void due to atmospheric pressure. The fluid gets trapped between the housing and rotating teeth of the gears. The discharge side of the pump is towards the portion where the gear teeth run into the mesh and the volume reduces between meshing teeth. The pump features a positive internal seal against leakage; therefore, the fluid is forced into the outlet port. The gear pumps are often decked up with the side wear plate to avoid the leakage. The clearance between gear teeth and housing and between the side plate and gear face is very important and plays an important role in preventing leakage.
d. Pressure Relief Valve: The pressure relief valves are used for protecting the hydraulic components from excessive pressure. This is one of the main important components of a hydraulic system which is basically required for the safe operation of the system. Its primary function is to restrict the system pressure within a specified range.
e. Throttle Check Valve: A fine step on the adjustable throttle reveals an annular gap or triangular notch. The adjusted throttle cross section produces a pressure drop which determines the flow of volume. This volume flow is zero when the throttle is screwed in, the check valve allows free flow within the reverse direction.
f. 6/3 Direction Control Valve: Six-ports three direction valve. It is generally used to operate the cylinders and fluid motors in both directions. The six ports are: two pump port P, two tank port T, and two working ports A and B connected to the actuator. The main function of a six-port valve is to pressurize and exhaust two working ports A and B alternatively.
g. Double Actuating Cylinder: This is a typical standard cylinder that produces reciprocating motion. This cylinder is given a cushion mechanism, which uses a cushion sleeve to shut the fluid return port because the piston rod retracts. Thus, the fluid is discharged through a restrictor located in parallel with the return port, leading to a higher piston back pressure and a slower piston speed.
h. Passive Infra-Red (PIR) Sensor: A passive infrared sensor (PIR Sensor) is an electronic circuit which measures the infrared light radiating from objects. It is used to detect the presence of living organisms like human beings or animals in its proximity. They are used in security burglar alarms and automatic lighting applications.
j. Multi-tool System: The unique component of this design is the multi-tool system which consists of three different rollers used to pick the garbage collection from the sand which is driven by the hydraulic motor. It can be modified by the number, diameter and length of the spokes which can lift the various materials from the sand without picking up the sand. Figure 1 represents the block diagram of Beach Sand Cleansing Equipment.
Conclusion
Beach sand cleaning is one of the most important aspects that must be implemented by the Govt. of any country for clean future. Many organizations govt. and non govt. are involved in the process but effort made is not sufficient because of increasing amount of debris on the beaches. Beaches are one of the most attractive places when it comes to tourism. It affects the tourism at international level as well as local level. General awareness must be created among the citizens against pollution.
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