Due to the challenges of recovering the plastics and other trash floating on and in the ocean, we have developed a micro and macro recovery programs. Both programs operate without human presence on board, thus reducing the build and operating costs dramatically.

The micro program uses a remote operated and monitored floating platform design that is able to recover plastics at the surface and down to 10 meters. It is the only design that we know of that is capable of reaching the bulk of the microplastics (10mm-30mm diameter), which are actually below surface. This solar and wind powered electric articulating and floating platform is designed to withstand very rough seas, that can occur in all oceans.

Why are the bulk of the microplastics below the surface? And why are they so important to remove from the plastic chain of destruction?

It is the cycle of how the plastics break down. As the plastics begin to decay, they become more and more brittle, and eventually break up into smaller pieces. The smaller pieces eventually become weighed down with biomass and start to sink.

These are the most dangerous of the plastics in the ecosystem, as they are mistaken for food by many different creatures. This most likely kills the animal. The dead animal decays, but the plastics are reintroduced to the ecosystem to kill again and again. This multiple kill factor is important, as it changes the argument for the accidental death of bycatch. Once you factor in the multiple killing power of plastics, the incidental bycatch that occurs on removal of the plastics becomes minor in comparison.

Bycatch while recovering plastics are the animals that are accidentally trapped and taken along with the plastics. Our design allows for the biomass less than 10mm to pass through, and multiple screen designs are used to achieve the best balance of microplastics recovery amounts versus bycatch mass.

Our design methodology is called generative design. Generative design is employing the use of AI to resolve iterations of a design and explore different designs simultaneously through the design process to produce an advanced working model. With generative design, and virtual modeling assistance from technology providers such as Siemens, we shorten the design-to-build cycle, making the best use of donated funds.

Links for more information:

http://www.industryweek.com/technology-and-iiot/what-generative-design-and-why-its-future-manufacturing?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+IWNews+%28IndustryWeek+Most+Recent+News%29&sfvc4enews=42&cl=article_2&NL=IW-07