Development and Performance Evaluation of a Portable Perlite Expander Machine for Small-Scale Industries

Abstract

Perlite is abundant in the Municipality of Baao, Camarines Sur, Philippines. Production of perlite are costly for small-scale industries. Common perlite expander machines are costly and large enough to produce tons of perlite, which is impossible for small-scale industries to purchase. With these, the researchers had proposed a study on the development and evaluation on the performance of a portable perlite expander machine. Using the descriptive-developmental method of research, the researchers had developed the proposed machine by applying various phases which include designing, fabrication and evaluation. The developed machine was based on its design and expected functionality. The researchers had developed the machine through various processes. The major parts of the machines are the hopper, cyclone collector, furnace and the input to burner. The burner used is a torch burner operating at a temperature ranging from 7000 to 1,0000C. Based on the testing, the developed machine operates at a capacity of 250 grams in 1 hour and expands raw perlite to an average of 17 times its original volume. The idea of the development of this machine is to further improve the livelihood of the constituents of Baao, Camarines Sur, Philippines. By introducing them a technology that will enable them to produce perlite at low cost, this study was realized.