UII Students Create Optimization Tool for Waste Incinerators

UII Students Create Optimization Tool for Waste Incinerators
KOTAGEDE – Students from Universitas Islam Indonesia (UII) have developed an innovative optimization device for waste incinerators. This breakthrough was created by Abrar Radhitya Widyatmoko, Alvin Dhavi Juliano, Amin Sulaiman, and Muhammad Syahdan Sigit Maulana, who come from the Environmental Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Industrial Engineering, and Chemical Engineering programs at UII. The team was part of the UII Community Service (KKN) Program Period 70, under the Thematic Program for Integrated Elderly Care Services, held in Purbayan Subdistrict, Kotagede.

Abrar explained that the idea emerged after observing that most incinerators still experience problems managing residual combustion smoke. Uncontrolled emissions not only disturb public comfort but also pose significant health risks. To address this issue, the team designed an additional chimney equipped with a filtration system to reduce hazardous emissions produced during waste incineration.

The device operates on a simple yet effective concept. The auxiliary chimney is constructed with a downward bend, where two activated carbon filters are installed at the end to filter out the smoke. The process begins when smoke from the incineration enters the chimney and passes through the air filtration system. The activated carbon filters are capable of capturing harmful substances such as dioxins, hydrogen sulfide, hydrogen chloride, ammonia, and mercaptans, achieving up to 99% filtration efficiency. Once filtered, the cleaner air is released back into the environment.

In addition to providing environmental benefits, the innovation also responds to social challenges in waste management. In line with government regulations, waste must now be managed communally and may no longer be discarded individually. This has led to financial burdens for residents who must pay for waste collection services. With this more environmentally friendly incinerator, communities can manage their waste independently while minimizing pollution.

The optimization device is made using iron plate materials with an estimated production cost of approximately IDR 700,000 (around USD 45) per unit. The student team hopes the tool will provide a practical solution for communities dealing with air pollution from waste burning.

“We hope this device will offer real benefits and help the community manage their waste more safely and efficiently,” said Abrar.

The filtration unit was officially handed over at the conclusion of KKN UII Period 70 Thematic LLT, on Thursday, February 27, 2025. The handover was made to Mr. Siswanto, Head of Kampung Purbaya, and Mr. Arif, Head of RW 14, at the local waste collection point (TPS) in Kampung Purbayan. Local residents warmly welcomed the innovation and expressed hope that UII KKN students would continue to make meaningful contributions in waste management and environmental conservation.

(Widodo HP)

Photo Caption:
UII Rector visits the student innovation stand showcasing the Waste Incinerator Optimization Tool at the UII KKN Period 70 Thematic LLT Expo in Purbayan (Photo: Widodo)