Design and Development of a Microcontroller-Based UV Conveyor Control System and Plastic Shred Moisture Monitoring Prototype

Abstract

Plastic waste poses a serious environmental challenge, especially in Indonesia, which generates about 64 million tons annually. Of this, 10% ends up in the ocean, disrupting marine ecosystems. Recycling plastic into reusable products offers a potential solution, but Indonesia’s recycling industry processes only 5 million tons per year, far below the total generated waste. A key obstacle in recycling is the drying process for shredded plastic after washing. Many facilities rely on sunlight, which prolongs production and raises costs. To address this, a conveyor-based heating system has been proposed to expedite moisture removal. Heating rods in the system provide thermal radiation, similar to an electric oven. Drying rates vary with the moisture content of each batch, making moisture monitoring essential. This system incorporates sensors to measure moisture levels before and after drying, displayed on a 2.4” Nextion screen. Operators manually control the heater and conveyor motor using a potentiometer, ensuring easy adjustments. This study introduces a microcontroller-based UV conveyor system for drying shredded plastic. The design optimizes production time and reduces costs compared to traditional methods. By improving efficiency, this innovation could significantly enhance plastic recycling practices in Indonesia, addressing critical environmental and operational challenges.