PHILIPPINE MERCHANT MARINE SCHOOL- Senior High

School

DEVELOPMENT OF A PORTABLE WASTE INCINERATION

DEVICE AS A TOOL FOR SMOKE
FILTRATION

A Capstone Project Presented to the Faculty

of Senior High School Department of
Philippine Merchant Marine School
Las Piñas City

In Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements of the

course Capstone Project for the Second
Semester, School Year 2023-2024

Alob, Charnelle V.
Delgado, Keon Renz M.
Lansangan Ariel A. Jr.
Mahilum, Adrian F.
Milagrosa, Maxwell Trinity F.
Olmillo, Marchella Mae C.
Renomeron, Nicko G.
Tubillara, Hans Erron F.

May, 2024

CHAPTER 1

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The Project and Its Background

1.1 Introduction

Air pollution is one of the world’s leading environmental problems that we

are facing today. It is an issue resulting from the air's abundance of harmful particles

that can have a negative impact on climate, the environment, and human health.

According to the World Health Organization (2023), Air pollution is a major

environmental threat and one of the main causes of death among all risk factors,

ranking just below hypertension, tobacco smoking, and high glucose. While some

Natural occurrences pollute the air, human activities are significant contributors to

air pollution. These activities include the combustion of Fossil Fuels, toxic gas

emissions from vehicles, Industrial Activities, Deforestation, Agricultural Practices,

Improper disposal of solid waste, and open burning of waste materials.

Burning of waste material is an unethical way of eliminating trash as it

significantly affects the air quality in our environment. According to Jakhar, Samek,

and Styszko (2023), waste fires contribute to air pollution by releasing dangerous

chemicals like dioxins, particulate matter, toxic materials, and furans. Uncontrolled

garbage burnings cause acid rain, which harms ecosystems, soil, and buildings.

Burning forbidden substances like trash, plastic, and painted wood contaminates the

atmosphere with carcinogens. Smoke and dust cover large areas, and odors can be

irritating. Open garbage burning releases significant amounts of greenhouse gases

(GHGs) like methane, carbon dioxide, and particulate matter, which can cause

respiratory illness and cancer. Pollutants from open landfills can also corrode metal

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fencing and damage house paint. The findings of Jakhar, Samek, and Styszko

clearly show that air pollution caused by the burning of trash, particularly in waste

fires, is indeed detrimental to both the environment and human health. The release

of harmful chemicals, carcinogens, and greenhouse gases during uncontrolled

garbage burning poses significant risks, including respiratory illness, cancer, and

damage to ecosystems and infrastructure. It is crucial to address and mitigate this

form of pollution to safeguard public health and environmental well-being.

Waste are one of the main common problems that each individuals are

facing in this world, and some resolve this by incinerating their waste resulting to a

detrimental effects of air pollution as it negatively impacts the ecosystems around

the world. In accordance to Krecl et al. (2021), the open burning of municipal solid

waste (MSW) proves to be an inefficient combustion process due to its low

temperature and limited oxygen supply. Additionally, the absence of air pollution

control equipment leads to the emission of various chemical species with varying

levels of toxicity into the atmosphere. This emphasizes how urgently comprehensive

waste management plans are essential to address the complex issues raised by

garbage disposal practices and lessen the negative effects on the environment.

In this light, the researchers thought of Developing a portable waste

incineration device as a tool for smoke filtration which burns waste that emits a

healthier air instead of toxic and harmful smoke. This project is a device that will be

built in a structure of a box having a compartment where waste will be incinerated.

The smoke emitted from the incineration process is then filtered through air filters

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separating the toxic particles and harmful compounds from the air. After the

filtration process, a healthier, safer, and acceptable is released into the environment.

This project will not only prevent pollution in the air but also reduce the amount of

improperly disposed waste.

1.2 Conceptual Framework

Input Process Output

*Assemble the metal

plate to form the
rectangular prism
shape for the device.

*Place the circulation

fans for smoke
exhaust on the side
top of the box.

*Attach the HEPA

Metal plates, A portable waste
filter along with the
circulation fans, HEPA incineration device
carbon filter and the
filter, Carbon Filter, equipped with
anti-dust Filter Paper
and paper filters will be various filters for
for finer particle
used. comprehensive
filtration.
smoke filtration
*Test the quality of
the air produced
through emission
testing

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Figure 1: Conceptual Framework of the Project

Figure 1 shows the conceptual framework of this project. The researchers

used the input-process-output framework to show the materials used in the making

of the project, the procedures or process, and the completed creation.

As indicated above, the study was comprised of three stages; planning,

developing, and testing. In the planning process, necessary materials and principles

were determined and taken into consideration. For the development, required

actions and procedures were implemented. After completing all steps, the project’s

functionality is then validated in the testing process.

1.3 The Scientific Problem

This study would like to investigate the Development of a portable waste

incineration device as a tool for smoke filtration. An alternative way of eliminating

trash without the emission of harmful smoke into the environment. Thus reducing

the amount of improperly disposed garbage while preventing air pollution.

Specifically, it sought to answer the following questions:

1. How can the portable waste incineration box ensure the release of filtered air

instead of harmful smoke?

2. How will the portable waste incineration box filter and remove the toxic particles

emitted from the burning of waste?

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3. Once the trash has been incinerated, what will be done with the resulting burned

residue?

4. In what ways can this device contribute to the well-being of the community?

1.4 Scope and Limitations of the Project

This study aims to benefit its users and the environment by filtering the

smoke from burning waste materials, which improves the quality of the air. This

project will be able to help the flow of burning waste while not affecting the health

of the environment. This potential limitation will hinder this study in terms of

combustion; portable devices may not achieve complete combustion. The portable

device's capacity is also limited in terms of capacity, since this is a small project, it

will not be able to handle large volumes of waste efficiently. This proposed device

may not be suitable for all types of waste, limiting its versatility and requiring

careful consideration of the waste stream it can effectively handle. The testing of the

product will be conducted at the Philippine Merchant Marine School, San Antonio

Valley Road, Talon 1, Las Pinas City, during the school year 2023-2024. This study

is limited to being tested by senior high school students.

1.5 Significance of the Project

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This study will be of great benefit as it will provide an alternative way of

waste disposal without the emission of toxic smoke. Specifically, this study will

benefit Households, Schools, Communities, and future Researchers.

For households. This project will benefit households by presenting an

alternative way of dealing with waste. Open burning of waste happens mostly in

households therefore this project will be a great help to them. This will not only help

them contribute to a healthier environment by stopping their harmful way of

eliminating waste, they can also ensure the health of the members of their family by

making sure that no toxic smokes are emitted through the help of this filtering

device.

For the school. This project will be of great help to schools as it can be their

way of eliminating waste without polluting the air. Since Students, Teachers, and

Staff spend most of their time inside school premises, ensuring its cleanliness and

air quality will be paramount to the health of the people inside it. By utilizing this

project in schools, proper waste disposal will be integrated while ensuring that no

toxic particles are emitted into the air. This project not only prevents potential

diseases but also ensures the well-being and safeguards the health of the Students,

Teachers, and Staff of the school.

For the community. Many people in a community tend to burn their waste

without acknowledging the potential health impact on the people and its harmful

effects on the environment. Implementing this project inside the community will be

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beneficial to its environment and the health of the people inside it by ensuring good

air quality through smoke filtering, with a significantly low number of waste in the

surroundings. This will be a big contributor to the development of a healthy and

sustainable environment.

For future researchers. This study will greatly help future researchers to

create a better version of this project. They can further improve on the things that

this study was not able to do or was limited to. With this study, they will have a

background knowledge on this certain topic which will make it much easier for

them to accomplish future studies that are relevant to this.

CHAPTER 2
Scientific Literature

Waste incineration presents a feasible option for disposing of garbage,

especially considering its effectiveness, impacts on the environment, and

significance in waste management. According to Anthony B., et al.(2007) waste

incineration can be cause of various environmental effects. But with available

control technologies and strategies for managing its environmental impacts, it can

be potentially an effective method in waste management. Particularly for municipal

waste, when paired with energy recovery, incineration proves to be an efficient and

space-saving method for waste reduction of large quantities, often preferred over

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landfill. Additionally, for certain chemical wastes, it represents the most viable

disposal option currently available. In conclusion, waste incineration, despite its

potential environmental effects, offers an efficient method for municipal waste

management, especially when coupled with energy recovery. And although it may

present challenges, advancements in control technologies and environmental

strategies can minimize its impact. For certain chemical wastes, incineration

remains the most viable disposal option available. This is why the researchers

conceptualized a project that uses waste incineration as a way of waste disposal

without it having negative environmental impacts.

Technologies for advanced air filtration have been developed because air

pollution has become a major concern. The aim of these technologies is to achieve a

balance between pressure drop and filtration efficiency. The current developments

have focused on improving electrostatic interaction and filter structure. According

to Han, Kim, and Ko (2021), to increase filtration effectiveness in air filtration,

methods like multilayer stacking devices, component mixing, and fiber form

adjustment are used. In a comparable way, waste incinerators seek to reduce air

pollution and maximize the effectiveness of smoke filtration. To increase the

efficacy of smoke filtration, interaction-based techniques, including corona

charging, triboelectric charging, and induction charging in air filtration technology,

can also be used. However, there are still issues with air permeability in modern

filters, which makes face masks and disposable media for filters problematic. In

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order to guarantee breathability and handle disposal concerns, creative solutions are

required. Prospects for the future include concentrating on reusable filters,

broadening their uses beyond air purification, and improving the mechanical

characteristics of personal protection equipment to make it more pleasant and

efficient. The findings by Han, Kim, and Ko (2021) clearly show that the advances

in air filtration technology are reflected in the development of waste incineration

devices as a smoke filtering tool. Improving filtering efficiency while tackling

environmental and public health issues related to smoke emissions and air pollution

is the common objective of both research fields. Nevertheless, there are still

difficulties, especially with relation to disposal and air permeability. In order to

properly address these issues, future research should focus on innovative solutions

and investigate advanced processes.

While burning of waste is an easy way to lessen the abundance of

improperly disposed waste, it is highly a contributor to air pollution. In a study

conducted by Mihai, Banica, and Grozavu(2019), wherein they performed a

quantitative analysis about waste indicators and estimations on the consequent

environmental impacts of open burning focusing on air pollution. The study

indicated that Open burning of household waste constitutes an additional pollution

source for NOx, SO, CO or greenhouse gases (COz, CH4). This statistical evidence

made the researchers come up with 2 conclusions: 1) open burning of various

household waste could pose a notable air pollution issue locally, and 2) Enhanced

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waste management strategies in rural areas are essential in the study region to

address environmental and public health risks effectively.

Air pollution is increasing due to the burning of rubbish, which emits

significant levels of aerosols and gaseous pollutants. Using fresh observational data,

a new inventory, and a regional chemical transport model, they attempted to assess

the total emissions caused by rubbish burning as well as their impact on regional air

quality. According to the study of Saikawa et al. (2020), one of the frequently

disregarded factors causing the extreme air pollution that impacts South Asia,

especially India and Nepal, is burning waste. High concentrations of different

contaminants, including aerosols and gaseous pollutants, are indicative of severe air

pollution. The study uses emission inventories, observational data, and regional

chemical transport models to quantify the emissions from burning trash across

South Asia, which includes India and Nepal. According to the study, burning waste

might raise PM2.5 concentrations in affected areas by almost 30%, which could lead

to 300,000 premature deaths from chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).

This highlights the extent to which South Asia is being negatively impacted by air

pollution and the pressing need to address the burning of garbage. The study

emphasizes the need for quick action to solve this problem. In conclusion, the

burning of rubbish is a significant contributor to air pollution, particularly in South

Asia, as highlighted by Saikawa et al. (2020). Their study underscores the urgent

need for action to mitigate the adverse effects of waste burning on regional air

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quality and public health, emphasizing the importance of addressing this issue

promptly.

HEPA filters, developed during the Manhattan Project in the 1940s are

excellent at trapping airborne allergens. They are an essential aspect of safeguarding

indoor air quality and allergy-proofing homes and maintaining sterile, clean

surroundings in a variety of situations. It ia also specialized in the removal of

hazardous particles including dust mites, pollen, and tobacco smoke. According to

Wyndly (2024), HEPA filters are crucial for allergy-proofing homes because they

capture tiny particles like smoke, pollen, and dust through interception, impaction,

and diffusion processes. To control dust mite allergies and maintain sterile and clean

surroundings, HEPA filters are crucial. With a 99.97% efficiency rate in eliminating

allergens from the air, HEPA filters may capture particles as small as 0.3 microns.

They are necessary for households that are allergy-proof, but they are ineffective

against all indoor air pollutants because they do not eliminate gases or smells. Some

users might be concerned about the necessity of replacing them regularly to preserve

their effectiveness. HEPA filters are good at capturing tiny particles, but they can't

get rid of smells or gases. HEPA filters are essential for enhancing indoor air quality

by efficiently removing allergens and tiny particles from the air. As effective as they

are, it's vital to be aware that they can only take care of certain gases and smells.

They must be changed regularly to keep working at their best. HEPA filters are

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nevertheless an important part of living and working environments that promote

comfort and good health, despite these factors.

Air pollution is an everyday problem brought on by urbanization and

industrialization. The range of air filtering methods are used to reduce pollutants

and enhance air quality. The most widely utilized and efficient type of filtration in

both small and large companies is carbon air filtration. According to

pdfladmin(2020)

Air pollution is maintained and pollutants are removed by carbon filters,

which are formed from blocks of activated carbon. These filters collect organic

chemicals from carbonaceous materials, such as coconut, coal, and wood, as well as

solvent fumes. By adsorption, activated charcoal filters effectively capture dust,

debris, and odors. They are used in many different industries, such as the

manufacturing of food and beverages, drinking water, air, and precious metal

recovery. Because of their large surface area, carbon filters are excellent adsorbent .

Bad smells are removed by the efficient removal of allergens and harmful pollutants

by carbon filters. They help patients with allergies or illnesses by capturing 99.97%

of pollutants when paired with HEPA filters. Activated charcoal recycling is also

used with carbon filters.

Carbon air filtration is a highly effective means in reducing urban and

industrial air pollution. These activated carbon filters effectively remove a wide

range of contaminants, including organic compounds, solvent vapors, dust, debris,

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and smells, by adsorption. they find extensive applications in a variety of industries,

contributing to enhanced air quality and health advantage for humans, particularly

those suffering from allergies or respiratory ailments. The capacity to recycle

activated charcoal further improves the sustainability and cost-effectiveness of

carbon filtering systems.

Air quality is one of the most necessary things to have good health. Good air

quality can sustain a healthy life by reducing the likelihood of having unwanted

diseases. One of the key factors to achieve this is the use of HEPA filters.

According to AirPurifiers.com (2023) with the help of HEPA filter it can remove

any airborne pollutants such as dust, pollen, mold spores, bacteria, and viruses. This

filter plays a vital role in maintaining clean and safe air. It captures a wide range of

particle sizes, including both the larger and smaller particles, eliminating it with

high efficiency. HEPA filter is excellent in capturing microscopic particles, and has

the ability to remove at least 99.97% of particles that are 0.3 microns in size. Any

microscopic particles become embedded and trapped within its fibers ensuring a

high quality process of filtration. HEPA filters improve air quality and reduce

dangerous pollution. These filters were developed for the benefit of the public and

serve an important role in establishing a safe and clean environment, hence

encouraging a healthy lifestyle.

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CHAPTER 3

METHODOLOGY

This chapter presents the materials used and procedures that the researchers

followed to develop a portable waste incineration device as a tool for smoke

filtration.

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3.1 MATERIALS

The following are the materials that the researchers used to create the device

prior to this study:

Materials Purpose/Function

Angle Bar Used to reinforce the metal plates. Also used as the

main frame for the rectangular prism shape of the

device.

It is used as the main housing of the device. It is also

used to divide the rectangular prism for the spaces

Metal plate
provided for the airway and incineration and filtering

process.

Circulation Fan This is used ensure the flow of the smoke from the

incineration space to the filters and out.

HEPA Filter It is used to remove airborne particles from a polluted

space.

Carbon Filter used to improve air quality by removing harmful

gaseous pollutants, VOCs, and odors.

Anti-dust Filter Paper For effective filtering of dust and allergic particles,

Clear indoors smelly smell, like cigarette smoke etc.

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Exhaust Fan Used to let the filtered smoke out from the device

Air Vent Used as airway for the filtered air to pass through

Rivets Used to attach the metal plates into the angle bar.

Aluminum Duct Tape Used for sealing sides of the device to prevent air from

leaking.

Elastomeric Sealant Also used for sealing sides of the device to prevent air

from leaking.

Wire Used to connect and power the circulation fans

Riveter Used to fasten rivets

Spray paint Used to color the device for a more appealing look

Electrical Drill Used to drill holes for the rivets to be inserted to

Grinder Used to cut the metal plates

Welding Machine Used to bind metal plates and angle bars.

3.2 PROCEDURE

a) Prepare all the materials and equipment needed for the making of the project.

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b) Cut angle bars and form the rectangular prism shape for the device with a height of

60cm, length of 80cm, and a width with 25.5cm.

c) Cut metal plates to match the dimensions of the walls of the prism.

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d) Use the electrical drill and rivets to reinforce the metal plates onto the angle bar.

e) Add metal plates that will divide the prism for the spaces provided for the

incineration, circulation, and filtering process.

f) Install 6 subsequent circulation fans that will ensure the flow of the smoke from the

incineration process to the filtering process.

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g) Install 3 carbon filters.

h) Install 2 Anti-dust air filter paper.

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i) Install 2 HEPA filters

j) Connect the circulation fans in a series circuit using the electrical wires

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k) Install the exhaust fan at the top part of the filtering process space. Then close the

upper part of the project and seal all the possible holes that the smoke might

possibly leak through with the use of elastomeric sealant and aluminum duct tape.

l) Color the device with silver spray paint.

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3.3 POSSIBLE RISKS

Making this project poses these possible risks:

1. Cuts or wounds may be acquired from improper use of Grinder, Electrical Drill, and

other cutting equipments.

2. Fire hazards from waste incineration process.

3. Electric shocks from wires and other electrically powered equipments.

4. Possibility of dropping the device during transportation which may hurt the

researchers.

CHAPTER 4

RESULTS & DATA ANALYSIS

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This part of the research paper contains the data and results that was

collected from the investigation.

Wyndly(2024). HEPA Filters: Comprehensive Guide on Efficiency and use.

https://www.wyndly.com/blogs/learn/hepa-filter

Pdfladmin. (2021). How effective are carbon filters? Process Design and Fabrication

Limited. https://www.pdfl.uk/2020/10/19/how-effective-are-carbon-filters/

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