Low Temperature Activated Carbon Plant: Detail Engineering Design (DED)


πŸ“˜ DED – Part 1: General Plant Layout and Plot Plan
1.1 Plant Location and Site Consideration
  • Site Area: Approx. 6,000 – 10,000 mΒ² (for 5,000 TPA); expandable to 18,000 mΒ² for 30,000 TPA.
  • Preferred Location: Near coconut/palm plantation; proximity <10 km from raw material source.
  • Topography: Flat to slightly sloped; elevation control required.
  • Utilities Required: Water supply (bore well or industrial), Electricity (300–500 kW min), Drainage, Access road.

1.2 Plant Layout (Zone Division)

  • Zone A – Raw Material Receiving and Crushing
  • Zone B – Drying and Carbonization Area
  • Zone C – Steam Activation and Cooling Area
  • Zone D – Screening, Pulverizing, and Packing
  • Zone E – Utilities: Boiler House, Genset Room, Compressor Area
  • Zone F – Control Room, Laboratory, Admin Office, Workshop
  • Zone G – Storage & Warehouse (Raw and Finished)
1.3 Plot Plan (Standard Distance Guidance)

Facility

Min Distance from Property Line

Kiln/Activation Unit

15 m

Crusher and Dryer

10 m

Control Room

8 m

Warehouse

5 m

Fuel Storage (if any)

20 m

1.4 Material Flow Arrangement

  • Linear Flow: From biomass reception β†’ drying β†’ carbonization β†’ activation β†’ product handling β†’ packing.
  • Avoids cross-contamination and minimizes backtracking.
  • Includes dust control zoning and natural ventilation optimization.

1.5 Safety Setbacks and Access

  • Fire Access Lane: 4.5 m minimum width all around.
  • Fire Hydrant Points: Every 50 m.
  • Access for loading/unloading: 12 m wide road near warehouse.

πŸ“˜ DED – Part 2: Mechanical Equipment Sizing & Layout

2.1 Main Equipment List and Description (Capacity: 5,000 TPA)

No

Equipment

Capacity/Spec

Qty

Material of Construction

1

Biomass Crusher

5–8 TPH

1

Mild Steel / SS-304 (wear area)

2

Storage Hopper

5 mΒ³

1

Carbon Steel

3

Rotary Dryer

1.5 ton/hr drying capacity

1

SS-304 Inner Shell

4

Biomass Burner (Hot Gas Source)

0.5 MMKcal/hr

1

Firebrick Lined Steel

5

Carbonization Kiln (Rotary)

0.5 TPH

1

SS 310/316 (Inner) + CS Jacket

6

Steam Activation Chamber

Batch or Continuous (1–2 T/day)

1

SS-316

7

Cooling Screw Conveyor

0.5 TPH

1

SS-304

8

Vibratory Screener

2 deck – 10, 30 mesh

1

SS-304

9

Pulverizer/Mill

250–500 kg/hr

1

Hardened Steel/SS

10

Packing Machine (Semi-auto)

5–10 bags/min (25 kg)

1

Mild Steel/SS Hopper

11

Conveyor Systems

Belt/Screw

-

Galvanized Steel/SS-304

12

Boiler for Steam Activation

500 kg/hr @ 6 bar

1

Water Tube / Fire Tube

13

Dust Collector / Bag Filter

10,000 mΒ³/hr air handling

1

CS with filter bags

14

Cyclone Separator

For dryer flue gas

1

Carbon Steel


2.2 Equipment Layout Considerations

  • Linear Flow from crusher β†’ dryer β†’ kiln β†’ activation β†’ screener β†’ packing.
  • Dryer & Burner close-coupled with dust collection system.
  • Steam line from boiler routed to activation chamber with safety relief valve and condensate trap.
  • Pulverizer and screener area enclosed to control dust.
  • Overhead clearance: 4–6 m for rotary and cyclone systems.
  • Material Handling: gravity-assisted chutes where possible.

2.3 Mechanical Design Assumptions
  • 300 days/year operation.
  • 2 shifts/day (8 hours/shift).
  • Design factor: 1.2 on continuous load.
  • Future expansion to 30,000 TPA by replication in modules (x6 line).

πŸ“˜ DED – Part 3: Electrical System Design & SLD Overview

3.1 Electrical Load Summary (Initial Capacity: 5,000 TPA)

System / Equipment

Estimated Load (kW)

Crusher

15 kW

Rotary Dryer Motor

10 kW

Induced Draft Fan (Dryer)

7.5 kW

Kiln Drive + ID Fan

10 kW

Steam Boiler (Auxiliary)

15 kW

Activation Chamber Fans

7.5 kW

Pulverizer / Grinder

22 kW

Screw Conveyor Motors

5 kW

Screener / Vibrator

3 kW

Packing Line

5 kW

Lighting + Office Loads

10 kW

Instrumentation & Control

2.5 kW

Total Connected Load

β‰ˆ 112.5 kW

Demand Factor (0.75)

β‰ˆ 85 kW


3.2 Power Source and Distribution

  • Primary Supply: PLN 3-phase, 400V, 50Hz.
  • Backup Generator: 125 kVA Silent Type Diesel Genset.
  • Main Panel (MDB): In Control Room with MCCs.
  • Distribution:
    • MCC-1: Crusher, Dryer, Kiln
    • MCC-2: Boiler, Activation, Pulverizer
    • Lighting DB: Office, Workshop, Perimeter
    • Control Panel: Local + Remote I/O, PLC, HMI

3.3 Cable & Trunking Layout

  • Underground armored cable for main power.
  • Cable trays for above-ground motor supply.
  • Separate conduit for signal cables (instrumentation).
  • Earthing system: 1 ohm or less resistance, with chemical earthing pit.

3.4 Lightning and Surge Protection

  • Lightning Arrestor Mast: β‰₯2 points based on coverage.
  • SPD: Surge Protection Device on MDB and PLC power supply.

3.5 Single Line Diagram (SLD) – Simplified Overview

 [PLN 400V] -----+

                |

             [ATS Panel] ----- [125 kVA Genset]

                |

             [MDB Panel]

                |

    +-----------+------------+

    |           |            |

 [MCC-1]     [MCC-2]     [Lighting DB]

    |           |            |

Motors 1-5  Motors 6-10    Office, Yard, Lab


πŸ“˜ DED – Part 4: Instrumentation & Control System Design

4.1 Control Philosophy Overview

The plant will operate in semi-automatic mode with central control through PLC-HMI system. Operators can monitor, start/stop equipment, and receive alarms via HMI touchscreen located in the Main Control Room.

Key Control Modes:

  • Manual Local (maintenance mode)
  • Remote Start/Stop (normal ops)
  • Auto Batch Timing (activation, drying, screening)

4.2 Major Instrumentation and Sensors

Location

Instrument Type

Signal Type

Remarks

Biomass Hopper

Level Sensor (Ultrasonic)

4-20 mA

Material presence monitoring

Dryer Outlet

Temperature Sensor (RTD / TC)

4-20 mA

Heat control

Burner Flue Gas

Temp. + Oxygen Analyzer (optional)

4-20 mA

Combustion efficiency

Rotary Kiln

Speed Encoder + Thermocouple

Pulse / 4-20 mA

Rotational monitoring

Activation Steam Inlet

Pressure Transmitter + Flow Meter

4-20 mA

Steam pressure control

Cooling Conveyor Outlet

Temp Sensor

4-20 mA

Material readiness

Bag Filter Dust Chamber

Differential Pressure Transmitter

4-20 mA

Bag health monitoring

Packing Line Hopper

Weight Cell / Load Cell

4-20 mA

Bag filling automation


4.3 PLC & HMI Specification

  • PLC: Siemens S7-1200 / Allen Bradley MicroLogix (as per vendor availability)
  • HMI: 7” or 10” Touchscreen with multi-page navigation
  • I/O Capacity:
    • Digital Input: 24
    • Digital Output: 16
    • Analog Input: 16
    • Analog Output: 4

4.4 Communication and Protocol

  • Internal Communication: Modbus RTU or Ethernet/IP
  • Expandable I/O Modules for future 30,000 TPA upgrade.
  • Optional SCADA Interface via PC with data logging features (CSV export).

4.5 Alarm & Safety Interlocks

Alarm / Interlock

Action

Over temperature in Dryer/Kiln

Auto shutdown burner, activate cooling fan

Steam pressure low in Activation

Delay in cycle start, send alarm

Power Failure

Auto restart delay and safe shutdown

Bag Filter Pressure High

Warn operator to clean filter

Emergency Stop

Total plant trip, manual reset required


πŸ“˜ DED – Part 5: Safety & Environmental Engineering

5.1 Process Safety Overview

The Low Temperature Activated Carbon Plant operates with thermal units, rotating machinery, combustible materials, and pressurized steam, requiring a detailed safety and environmental engineering approach.

Key Safety Objectives:

  • Prevent fire/explosion due to fine carbon dust and high temperatures.
  • Ensure safe handling of biomass and hot equipment.
  • Protect personnel and environment from emissions and physical hazards.

5.2 HAZOP & Risk Assessment Summary

Process Node

Potential Hazard

Cause

Mitigation

Dryer + Kiln

Overheating, Fire

Burner malfunction

Temp sensor + shutdown interlock

Activation Chamber

Overpressure

Valve stuck, steam surge

Relief valve + pressure switch

Pulverizer

Dust explosion

Static build-up, spark

Grounding, dust extraction

Bagging Unit

Repetitive strain

Manual handling

Ergonomic design, semi-auto packer

Boiler Room

Steam burst, fire

Poor maintenance

Certified operator + safety valve


5.3 Fire Protection System

  • Fire Extinguishers: Dry chemical + COβ‚‚ units near thermal zones.
  • Hydrant System: Around fuel storage and biomass dryer.
  • Smoke Detectors: In control room and packaging area.
  • Spark Arrestor: Installed on flue gas exhaust line.

5.4 Dust & Emission Control

  • Cyclone Separator: Captures >70% of particulates from dryer.
  • Bag Filter / Dust Collector: Captures fine carbon & biomass dust.
  • Chimney Stack Height: Minimum 12 m for proper dispersion.
  • Air Emission Limit Compliance: PM < 150 mg/NmΒ³ (based on WHO/local standard).

5.5 Noise Control Measures

  • Enclosures for crusher, dryer fan, and grinder.
  • Silencers on boiler exhaust and pneumatic line.
  • PPE: Mandatory ear protection in high noise zones.

5.6 Waste & Effluent Management

  • Solid Waste: Collected char fines β†’ reused as fuel.
  • Ash: From burner β†’ collected in sealed container.
  • Wastewater: Minimal; condensate reused; floor wash directed to soak pit.
  • Oil & Grease: Stored in spill-proof containers, sent to recycling vendor.

5.7 Occupational Health & Safety (OHS)

  • Daily Toolbox Meeting
  • Permit to Work (PTW) for maintenance jobs
  • PPE Requirements:
    • Safety shoes
    • Heat-resistant gloves
    • Dust mask / Respirator
    • Face shield (pulverizer area)

πŸ“˜ DED – Part 6: Utility & Facility Engineering

6.1 Utility Requirement Summary (for 5,000 TPA Capacity)

Utility Type

Estimated Consumption

Source

Water

~10 mΒ³/day

Deep well / local supply

Electric Power

~85 kW average

PLN + 125 kVA genset

Steam

~400–500 kg/hr

Biomass-fired steam boiler

Fuel (Biomass)

~4,500 tons/year

Supplied from plantation

Compressed Air

4–6 bar, 10 NmΒ³/hr

For actuator & cleaning


6.2 Water System

  • Sources: Borewell with submersible pump.
  • Storage Tank: 20 mΒ³ elevated tank.
  • Distribution: For steam generation, floor cleaning, and cooling.

Note: No wastewater treatment required due to dry process.


6.3 Steam Generation System

  • Boiler Type: Biomass-fired package boiler, 600 kg/hr @ 7 bar
  • Fuel: Biomass waste (coconut shell, wood chips)
  • Water Treatment: Softener + blowdown tank
  • Safety: Pressure gauge, relief valve, level indicator

6.4 Air Compressor System

  • Compressor Type: Screw type, 10 HP
  • Air Receiver Tank: 500 liters
  • Dryer & Filters: Installed for clean air
  • Applications: Instrumentation valves, bag filter pulse jet

6.5 Storage and Logistics

Facility

Capacity / Area

Notes

Raw Biomass Yard

~500 tons (10 days stock)

Open yard with roof

Finished Goods WH

~50 tons (10 days stock)

Ventilated building

Packing Area

2–3 MT/day capacity

Manual + semi-auto filler

Boiler Room

20 mΒ²

With heat-resistant coating

Control Room

12–15 mΒ²

Air-conditioned, HMI + PC

Office/Rest Room

30 mΒ²

Toilets, pantry, small meeting room


6.6 Site Layout Suggestions

  • Wind Direction: Boiler stack downwind of office.
  • Traffic Flow: One-way truck path (delivery–loading).
  • Fire Access: 3m-wide clearance all around.
  • Green Buffer: 10% area for landscaping & dust control.

πŸ“˜ DED – Part 7: Expansion Engineering for 30,000 TPA Capacity

7.1 Design Considerations for Scalability

The plant is originally designed for 5,000 TPA, but several engineering allowances are embedded to enable smooth expansion to 30,000 TPA (6Γ— increase). Key considerations include:

❖ Modular Layout:

  • Each processing line (crusher β†’ dryer β†’ kiln β†’ activation β†’ cooling) sized for ~5,000 TPA.
  • Plant layout accommodates up to 6 parallel modules.

❖ Utility Scalability:

  • Boiler Room: Reserved area for up to 3 additional boilers.
  • Compressor System: Expandable manifold with additional air dryers.
  • Main Electrical Panel: Built with 40% spare I/O and 50% spare MCC slots.

7.2 Expansion Equipment Sizing (Per 5,000 TPA Unit)

Equipment

Base (1 Line)

Expanded (6 Lines)

Crusher

1 Unit

6 Units

Dryer

1 Unit

6 Units

Kiln

1 Unit

6 Units

Activation Chamber

1 Unit

6 Units

Cooling Conveyor

1 Unit

6 Units

Screening + Packing

1 Line

6 Lines

Boiler (500 kg/hr)

1 Unit

6 Units or 1Γ—3 TPH

Automation can be centralized with 1 main PLC system and 6 distributed Remote I/O stations.


7.3 Site Expansion Layout (Conceptual)

  • Centralized Utility Core: Boiler, air compressor, electrical control remain shared.
  • Parallel Process Lines: Each with its own biomass input and product output.
  • Integrated Conveyor System: Optional for common raw material feeding.
  • Separate Product Silos or Bagging: Depending on market packaging format.

7.4 Manpower & Logistics Adjustment

Parameter

5,000 TPA

30,000 TPA

Total Workers (Shifts)

~15

~45

Truck Movements/Day

2–3

12–15

Water Consumption

10 mΒ³

~60 mΒ³

Power Consumption

~85 kW

~500 kW

Automation Level increase will reduce proportional manpower requirement.


7.5 Financial Feasibility Checkpoint (Indicative)

Description

5,000 TPA

30,000 TPA

Capex Estimate (USD)

$450,000 – $600,000

~$2.5 – $3.0 Million

Product Sale Price (per ton)

$700 – $1,200

Same (volume discount)

Break-even Period (Estimate)

2–3 Years

3–4 Years


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