Thursday, February 13, 2020

Design Summary with Analysis (Final Draft)


According to the article “Seabin Using Plastic to Fight Plastics” (2019), The Seabin Project highlights the consequences of micro plastics (2-5mm) in the ecosystem and discusses the benefits of the Seabin as a holistic solution to the pollutants in the sea. The article mentions that many sea-creatures ingest micro plastics as they resemble their food sources in terms of size and appearance. Micro plastics also gather organic waste at an accelerated rate compared to other inorganic particles, which have acute detrimental effects on the marine environment. The article explains that Seabin functions by ingesting water within its vicinity and traps any detritus through its filtration system to counter pollution. The article also claims that by integrating sensors onto the Seabin, it can double up as a monitoring device, allowing more comprehensive studies on its effectiveness and potential improvements. While the Seabin is a cost-efficient solution for small-scale marine pollution in lakes and rivers, it is not suitable for countering larger-scale pollution because of its limited storage capacity and is reliant on a wired power source.

One important aspect of any marine-filtering device is its storage capacity. “The Interceptor” is a similar product to the Seabin in terms of usage and functionality. Both products are automated and are capable of monitoring its surrounding waters. The Seabin functions by using a suction at the bottom of the bin, allowing pollutants to flow into the opening and get trapped in its filter. The Interceptor, in contrast, works by “funnelling debris into the vessel’s mouth, where a conveyor belt ferries the trash into onboard containers” (Simon, 2019). According to the Ocean Cleanup’s website (n.d.), the conveyor system of the Interceptor allows it to collect 50,000kg or more garbage daily with a maximum capacity of 50 cubic meters. Comparatively, the Seabin collects an estimated 3.9kg of debris daily and has a maximum capacity of 20kg which would require emptying thereafter. Thus, The Interceptor is far superior in terms of capacity.

Another important aspect of marine-filtering devices is its power supply to operate. According to the Seabin’s webpage on technical specifications (n.d), a constant power supply of 110/220V is required to operate the product, also, the electrical cable that comes along with the Seabin is only 6 meters long. Thus, the Seabin would require a power source within its vicinity to operate. When dealing with pollution in vast areas, it would be nearly impossible to provide power to the required amount of Seabins. The Interceptor, in contrast, runs on solar energy, allowing the device to be deployed far into the ocean. Arguably, even if the Seabin is improved and can run on its own without a power source, one would need approximately 10000 Seabins to match the collection rate of the Interceptor which would become impractical.

However, the Interceptor costs 700,000 Euros (Marchese, 2019) which makes it difficult for most consumers to afford. According to the Seabin Project’s website, its product can be acquired for 6300 Euros which is relatively cheaper than most of the counter pollution products on the market. This allows the general public to be able to afford the Seabin and start small, subsequently scaling up if required. The Seabin is also open to purchase by any consumer as compared to other products like the Interceptor which is only available to certain organisations. Thus, allowing the Seabin to be used extensively in private owned marinas and small water bodies.

In conclusion, because of the low cost, limited capacity and power supply of the Seabin, it would be a suitable product for countering marine pollution in small areas. However, to deal with pollution in larger areas, putting numerous Seabins would not be the optimal solution as there are more suitable products in the market.


References

Marchese K. (2019, Oct 30). The ocean cleanup unveils floating garbage truck that catches plastic in rivers. Retrieved from https://www.designboom.com/technology/the-ocean-cleanup-interceptor-river-plastic-pollution-10-30-2019/

Seabin Project. (2019). Seabin using plastic to fight plastics. Retrieved from https://seabinproject.com/seabin-using-plastic-to-fight-plastics/

Seabin Project. (n.d.) Retrieved February 08, 2019 from https://seabinproject.com/the-seabin-v5/technical-specs/

Simon M. (2019, Oct 26). Ocean Cleanup’s New Plastic-Catcher… Kinda Already Exists. Retrieved from https://www.wired.com/story/ocean-cleanup-interceptor/

The Ocean Cleanup. (n.d.) Retrieved February 08, 2019 from https://theoceancleanup.com/rivers/


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