Design, Construction and Testing of a Charcoal-Powered Cellophane Sealer

Abstract

The availability of electricity to power necessary machinery to package and seal goods and products is not available to most of the Nigerian populace, since most of the people live in the rural areas. They cannot effectively carry out the technology of packaging their products with the electric heat sealer; hence they continue to use the traditional candle flame method of sealing. This design considers the socio-economic realities of the rural sector by providing sealing equipment that utilizes charcoal as an energy source. The design has been made simple, economical and easy to operate and maintain. The materials for its construction were sourced locally. It was tested and found to seal adequately and has an efficiency of 45% energy utilization.