Nagpur: For safe and hygienic disposal of sanitary napkins, International Advanced Research Centre for Powder Metallurgy and New Materials (ARCI) Hyderabad, CSIR-NEERI and Sowbal Aerothermics have launched, a mutually developed an eco-friendly sanitary pad incinerator, ‘GreeDispo’ at CSIR-NEERI on June 11, 2018.
The device is a unique combination of ceramic processing and shaping expertise of ARCI, Hyderabad and innovative energy efficient design and manufacturing capability of Sowbal Aerothermics and environmental engineering and flue gas emission control expertise of CSIR-NEERI which incinerates used napkins efficiently at a temperature more than 800 degree C.
The device was formally launched by Dr. G Padmanabham, director, ARCI and Dr Rakesh Kumar, director, CSIR-NEERI in presence of representatives from NGOs, VNIT, NMC and several other organizations.
Dr Roy Johnson, associate director, ARCI, Dr. Nitin Labhsetwar, scientist and head of energy and resource management div. NEERI made presentations on various scientific and innovative approaches on the development of ‘GreenDispo’ on this occasion.
During the launch Dr Rakesh Kumar said that as per available estimates, more than 400 millions sanitary napkins are disposed of every month in the country and it will be increased substantially in the years to come. Inappropriate handling of this waste generated has already become a challenge as the used napkin grows harmful pathogens causing serious health and environmental hazards. He also told that blockage of the drainage paths due to the disposed napkins is also an important issue. The specially designed heaters of the currently developed GreenDispo generates more than 800 degree C, which helps in complete combustion of sanitary pad wastes with minimum flue gas emission.
In his address Dr G Padmanabham mentioned the construction details of GreenDispo, and told that core competence of ARCI in shaping of ceramic materials was effectively used to channelize the heat using specially designed ceramic holders. Concentration of heat to the pads not only provides reduced ignition time, higher peak temperature, increased life expectancy of the heater element but also reduces power consumptions.
Dr Y S Rao, ARCI and Er Ankit Gupta, scientist, NEERI along with Sowbal Aerothermics demonstrated the functioning of the GreenDispo on this occasion.
