Enviro-Save: Divide and Conquer

Team Members:

Imraan Yusuf – UCT – Studying Actuarial Science
Nishalin Govender – UCT – Studying Civil Engineering
Keshveer Dhyanand – UCT – Studying Actuarial Science
Ismail Mahomed – UCT – Studying Chemical Engineering
Divesh Govender – UCT – Studying Actuarial Science
Ravi Chetty – UCT – Studying B.Com Economics & Law

Our Idea

Basically our idea is to break down the different components of any e-waste so that we can retract the raw materials that were used to build these electronic items.

How?

Separation of compounds can be done via many methods. The method we have chosen ensures that all the materials are safely recycled.

We all know that every compound has its own specific melting point. By heating any number of different e-waste items we can in fact separate them into their respective compounds and use them again. This procedure works in the following way:

A structure is created, one that can withstand enormous amounts of heat and pressure. The concept used in this idea is that of a Liebig Condenser.

The chamber is heated by furnaces (or the best economically and environmentally friendly methods possible) until it reaches the lowest melting point of the compound. The chamber is made to specifications such that it heats up at the same temperature everywhere. A device used to move the e-waste around in the chamber can be installed to improve the time it takes for the components to melt. An outlet is situated at the bottom of the chamber so that the compounds that are now in liquid form may be extracted and purified if necessary then used again.

This solution is implementable, realistic and original.

In addition to this design solar energy can be used too generate the necessary energy required to sustain the high temperatures and since the compounds will not be heated to a temperature greater than their melting points no harmful gasses will be emitted.

The compounds, after more purification, will be able to be used again which will save companies a lot of money if the procedure is done on a large enough scale.

Impact on South Africa

This specific idea will impact South Africa greatly. The economic benefits are immense. Companies will save money and promote environmentally safe methods of recycling their old equipment. This will in turn create more awareness towards recycling and create a better future.

A good marketing scheme will be needed to create awareness to the citizens of South Africa so they can hand over all their e-waste to firms who will implement this new procedure. As more awareness is created the idea can be used overseas and the whole world can dispose of their e-waste in a more suitable manner.

There are in fact many more great advantages to this idea, including a decrease in the amount of waste put into dump sites and landfill sites.

Implementation Needs

• Money – economic and environmental profits will be seen in the future as this method becomes more developed
• Great marketing
• More in depth research into the different materials that will be extracted
• Companies that are willing to implement this procedure