Analysis and sourcing of the mechanical equipment required for a ceramic pot filter production facility

Abstract

Research was done into identifying and sourcing the mechanical equipment required for manufacturing ceramic pot filters, specifically for use in the Pure Home Water factory in Northern Ghana. The pieces of equipment identified were a hammer mill, a mixer, a pug mill, and a mechanical press with molds for pressing the filters. Evaluative criteria for each machine were developed, and machines available from manufacturers and machines produced locally were evaluated based on these criteria. Several machines fit the evaluative criteria and were recommended for the Pure Home Water facility. The Meadows Model 5 hammer mill was recommended for purchase from the manufacturer. Of the mixers researched, the mixer made by RDI-C, the Bluebird 24S mixer, and the mixer designed by Prof. Manny Hernandez all satisfy the requirements of Pure Home Water. The pug mill recommended for Pure Home Water was the Venco 75mm pug mill. The Mani Press and the paraboloid molds were also recommended for the Pure Home Water facility.