Design of a material handling system that feeds bagged powder into polyvinyl acetate paint disperser as a Cleaner Production option

Abstract

This project is about designing a material handling system that feeds bagged powder into the disperser as a Cleaner Production, (CP) option. Initially, waste streams were identified; the levels of dust emissions were assessed as well as their impacts to humans and environment. The researchers set their objectives seeking to reduce these negative effects. Attempts were made to recognize potential sources of airborne dust using Cleaner Production Assessment and assess the dust load upon workers in several process stages by comparing observations with standard values assigned by American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygiene, (ACGIH). Loading pigment material generates dust which can cause serious health problems as reported in Material Safety Data Sheets. The new technology option of CP in form of a design led to a reduction in dust emissions thus reducing potential health hazards and also a reduction in material consumption. The researchers therefore recommend this design to enable Cleaner Production.