Effective Medical Wastes Management through Smart Pyrolysis Plant
Due to Covid-19 pandemic, the generation of medical wastes such as personal protective equipment (PPE) are increasing rapidly compared to normal circumstances. In Malaysia, an increase of 27% medical wastes was recorded, while in one of the state, Penang, around 0.7kg/bed of Covid-19 medical wastes was generated daily. Through our Smart Pyrolysis Plant, we plan to recover useful materials from medical wastes to generate revenues while reducing wastes. This smart plant operates in a highly digitalized, automated and connected through IoT for self-optimization at all times. Usable medical wastes are identified and separated using sensor technology before being crushed into smaller sizes for higher contact surface area during pyrolysis. Pyrolysis technology replaced incineration mainly to reduce air pollution since pyrolysis was carried out in inert atmosphere. After pyrolysis, the solid char will be thermally activated to produce activated carbon. Meanwhile, the liquid and gas by-products are sent for production of syngas and biofuel respectively. All processes in this smart plant are monitored real time and the processing condition will be constantly adjusted to maintain optimum performance all time. Through this project, estimated profits of RM8.9 million can be generated at Penang alone while promoting environment sustainability simultaneously. Return on investment will be around 48.7% with payback period of 2 years.
About Us
School of Chemical Engineering is one of the leading institution in the country offering both undergraduate and graduate programmes in chemical engineering. Our student population are currently totalled to about 352 undergraduates and more than 50 postgraduates. The school enjoy the privileges of attracting many international postgraduate students from countries worldwide. Since its founding, the School of Chemical Engineering has been graduating 867 graduate engineers and 100 plus postgraduate holders. The school's growth reflects the excellence of the undergraduate and postgraduate programmes offered and the expertise of its staff.
It is the mission of the school of chemical engineering at Universiti Sains Malaysia to provide education and research that are of high quality so as to produce chemical engineering graduates who would be well-trained in chemical engineering knowledge in addition to developing their personal potential, abilities and skills in critical and innovative thinking, problem solving and life-long learning. The school aims to produce graduates who would become leaders and/or entrepreneurs in the current global society and be able to meet technological and societal expectations.
