Final+Design+-+Team+4


 * Final Design Synopsis : ** Our ocean cleanup device is a large floating platform that is 400 feet long, 400 feet wide and fifty feet high. The platform has two collection rods that reach over 500 feet. The rods are 150 feet high and reach from twenty five feet above the surface of the water to 125 feet below, collecting any garbage within that range. There are also collectors that reach 100 feet below the platform to collect any garbage drifting under the surface. The trash is picked up by these arms, which also use a sonar pulse to ward off any plankton or other marine life, use their angles to redirect the garbage to holes in the platform. The shape of the platform is similar to that of an arrow (to minimize hydrodynamic resistance), and these holes are near the points on each side. The arms are angled so as to direct the garbage towards these holes. Once the garbage is collected, it goes on a conveyor belt to bring it towards the main storage unit. The first conveyor separates the garbage from the water using screens (the water is then released back into the sea) and the garbage is then taken to a unit within the platform where the plastics are separated from other materials. These materials will be taken on a conveyor to the large removable storage unit in the back of the platform while the plastics are taken for processing. The processing of the plastics will consist of the process of pyrolysis, or using high temperatures to extract petroleum from plastic. Because most plastics are made up primarily from petroleum, the component can be removed and used as a fuel. While the remaining waste of the plastics are transported to the garbage storage unit, the petroleum is fed towards the engine to power the platform. Although the course of the platform is mostly pre-programmed into a computer to maximize the efficiency of the garbage collection, there will need to be a crew aboard to ensure full capability and functionality of the unit. Towards the front of the platform, there will be a control box to redirect the platform from its original course in the case of any obstructions in the water.

