System
Overview
An independent, wireless, embedded
hardware based interface for classifying five varieties of plastic with the
help of RFID and an automatic sorting system has been developed. Computational
modules ported on the embedded system successfully interpret and processes the
information obtained plastic. Based on the command signal, electro-pneumatic
actuators are activated to eject classified plastics into their respective
bins. With the help of an efficient wireless transmission medium, the details
of the classification are relayed wirelessly to a remote monitoring location.
Introduction
Plastics are organic polymers made
from synthetic or semi-synthetic materials that can be molded and reshaped
under pressure or heat. They have found applicability in a wide and an ever
expanding range of products, from common consumables like textiles, bottles,
carry-bags to special items like aerospace moldings, because of their
durability, low cost and ease of production. According to a United Nations
study , the global plastic consumption has increased manifold from 5.5 million
tons in the 1950s to 110 million tons in 2009. The study also shows that even
in developed nations like the United States of America, only 6.5 percent of the
plastics used are recycled and 7.7 percent combusted to generate energy in the
form of electricity or heat. The plastic wastes which are not recycled end up
as landfills and marine debris in oceans. It is believed that globally about 1
billion tonnes of plastic has been discarded in the last 50 years. Since
plastics are durable and degrade slowly, they may persist in nature for
hundreds if not thousands of years. Plastic pollutants often seep into soil
& water, contaminate them and threaten the health and safety of humans,
livestock & marine life. Recycling of plastics is therefore vital.
Abstract
Plastics are widely used
non-biodegradable materials which have to be recycled economically and
efficiently. For efficient recycling of plastics different types of polymer
materials have to be identified and segregated. Economic aspects mandate that
the plastic be identified and sorted instantaneously. In this work the (RFID)
has been used for the instantaneous and on-line identification of consumer
plastics. RFID enables quick monitoring & identification of plastic under
investigation. To realize the above, a low cost embedded system, capable of
automating the process of plastic sorting, has been developed. Further, a
wireless interface, capable of controlling the RFID instrumentation remotely,
has been implemented to safeguard personnel from the unhygienic environments
prevalent in plastic recycling plants.
Key Features
And Benefits Of The System
Some of the key features and
advantages the current system are listed below.
1. Automated, low
cost device which can sort all groups of plastic material by pattern
recognition.
2. Robust and
indigenously integrated system capable of handling the vagaries of Indian
environmental conditions.
3. Sorting of
singulated plastics through non-destructive methods for efficient recycling
(Wealth from waste).
4. Provision of
wireless interface for remote, safe handling and monitoring of the system.
Wireless
Module
In order to control and monitor the system remotely, XBee RF
modules which follow the IEEE 802.15.4 protocol, have been used. XBee RF
modules are embedded solutions providing wireless end-point connectivity to
devices. These modules use the IEEE 802.15.4 networking protocol for fast
point-to-multipoint or peer -to-peer networking. They are designed for
high-throughput applications requiring low latency and predictable
communication timing. XBee modules are ideal for low-power, low-cost
applications. These modules are easy-to-use, share a common footprint, and are
fully interoperable with other XBee products utilizing the same technology.
Conclusion
In this paper we presented our work
on developing an affordable and efficient method that can sort different
categories of plastics quickly and accurately. The innovation which applies
RFID for sorting plastic material can satisfy a very important requirement of
an efficient waste management system. Further, a wireless/GDM interface has
been provided to control the system remotely and keep the operating personnel
away from unhygienic and hazardous environments.
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