Liquid Detergent Mixing

Machine for small-scale

business
Everlo Entia
Kent Pardillo
Liel Bernard Ople
Charles Steven Bulado

P 2 - G r o u p n o . 8

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 INTRODUCTION
Liquid detergents are widely used for cleaning clothes, dishes, and other household items. The
production of liquid detergent involves mixing different chemicals in specific proportions to achieve the
desired cleaning properties. Manual mixing is a common method for small-scale production of liquid
detergent, but it is often associated with several problems.
One of the main problems with manual mixing is the lack of precision and consistency in the proportions
of chemicals used, which can lead to variations in the cleaning performance of the detergent. A study by
S. Shabeer et al. (2018) found that manual mixing of chemicals for liquid detergent production resulted
in variations in the viscosity and pH of the final product, which affected its cleaning efficiency.
In recent years, there has been a growing demand for liquid detergents due to their ease of use and
effectiveness in cleaning (Hao et al., 2018). This has led to an increased need for efficient and reliable
liquid detergent mixing machines, especially in small-scale businesses. Mixing machines are an
essential component of the manufacturing process as they ensure consistency and quality in the final
product (Kumar et al., 2020).

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 BACKGROUND OF THE STUDY
Liquid detergent production is a vital industry, and it is used in various applications such as washing
clothes, dishes, and cleaning surfaces. The manual mixing of chemicals for small-scale production of
liquid detergent is a common practice in many developing countries due to the low cost of production.
However, this method is often associated with several problems, including variations in the proportions
of chemicals used, lack of consistency in the final product, and health and safety risks to workers
involved in the production process.
Studies have shown that the use of liquid detergent mixing machines can significantly improve the
quality and consistency of the final product. According to M. I. Adigun et al. (2021), the use of a liquid
detergent mixing machine increased the efficiency of the mixing process, resulting in a more
homogeneous mixture of chemicals and a higher quality final product. Similarly, a study by R. A.
Adeoye et al. (2020) found that the use of a liquid detergent mixing machine led to a more consistent
viscosity and pH level of the final product.

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 BACKGROUND OF THE STUDY
In addition to improving the quality of the final product, the use of liquid detergent mixing machines can
also lead to cost savings for small-scale businesses. According to A. O. Ajayi et al. (2019), the use of a
liquid detergent mixing machine reduced the production time and labor cost involved in the mixing
process, resulting in a more efficient production process.
While the use of liquid detergent mixing machines for small-scale businesses has shown potential in
improving the quality and consistency of the final product and reducing production costs, there are still
areas of uncertainty that need to be addressed like in Scalability, Energy Efficiency, Environmental
impact, Consumer acceptance and Accessibility.
In conclusion, the use of liquid detergent mixing machines has been shown to improve the quality and
consistency of the final product and reduce the production costs for small-scale businesses.

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 BACKGROUND OF THE STUDY:
Engineering challenge:
The engineering challenge for making a liquid detergent mixing machine is to design a system that can
efficiently and effectively mix the ingredients to produce a homogeneous and stable detergent product.
• Achieving consistent mixing
• Optimizing energy efficiency
• Addressing scalability
• Addressing safety concerns

UN SDG:
UN SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure
UN SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production
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 STATEMENT OF THE PROBLEM
One of the main problems in liquid detergent mixing machines is ensuring the homogeneity and
consistency of the mixture. Achieving a consistent and uniform mixture of these ingredients can be a
significant challenge due to differences in their properties, such as viscosity and density. Additionally,
the mixing process can be energy-intensive and time-consuming and can result in the production of
waste and the consumption of resources. Therefore, designing a liquid detergent mixing machine that
is efficient, effective, and sustainable is an important challenge for the industry.

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 GENERAL & SPECIFIC OBJECTIVES
General Objectives:
The overall goal of this study is to develop a machine that is consistent and efficient. Specifically, in
producing high-quality, homogenous mixtures of ingredients for liquid detergents with minimal waste
and energy consumption, while also being sustainable and environmentally friendly.
1.) To design a mixing machine that has a capacity to mix 20 liters of liquid detergent.
2.) To design a liquid detergent mixing machine that has a controllable mixing speed so that it can
accommodate different viscosities of detergent solutions and produce consistent and high-quality
mixes.
3.) To design a mixing machine that has a viscosity sensor to ensure that the mixing process is
optimized for the specific viscosity level of the detergent being mixed.
4.) To design a mixing machine that has a vacuum system so that it can efficiently remove air bubbles
from the mixture

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 GENERAL & SPECIFIC OBJECTIVES
Specific Objectives:
1.) Machine height should not be more than 5.5 ft
2.) Machine should not be more that 2.5 ft
3.) Can efficiently mix 20 liters of liquid detergent not more than 3 minutes.
4.) Can efficiently remove air bubbles from the mixture.
5.) Weight should not be more that 50 kg
6.) Cost not more than Php15,000 per unit

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 SCOPE AND LIMITATION
SCOPE:
• Understanding the properties and behaviors of the ingredients used in liquid detergents.
• Developing innovative mixing techniques and processes that can overcome the challenges
associated with mixing these ingredients.
• Designing and optimizing the mixing machine to achieve the desired level of mixing performance
while minimizing energy consumption and waste production.
• Ensuring the safety and ergonomics of the mixing machine and identifying ways to minimize
operator risk and improve ease of use and maintenance.

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 SCOPE AND LIMITATION
Limitations:
• The availability and quality of ingredients can impact the efficiency and performance of the mixing
process.
• The performance of the mixing machine may be limited by factors such as vessel geometry, impeller
design, and mixing speed, which can impact the homogeneity of the mixture and the level of energy
consumption.
• The use of certain ingredients or processes may have environmental implications that need to be
carefully considered and addressed.
• The cost of developing and implementing a liquid detergent mixing machine can be significant,
especially for smaller manufacturers who may not have access to the same resources as larger
companies.

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 SIGNIFICANCE OF THE STUDY
Benefits of the end users:
• Increased Product Quality: A high-quality liquid detergent mixing machine can produce uniform
and consistent mixtures of liquid detergents, which can improve the quality of the end product. This
can lead to increased customer satisfaction and loyalty, ultimately benefiting the end user.
• Improved Manufacturing Efficiency: A well-designed liquid detergent mixing machine can
improve manufacturing efficiency by reducing downtime, minimizing energy consumption, and
reducing waste. This can lead to lower operating costs and increased profitability, ultimately
benefiting the end user.
• Enhanced Safety: A liquid detergent mixing machine that is designed with safety in mind can
reduce the risk of operator injury and improve overall safety in the workplace.
• Sustainable Manufacturing: A liquid detergent mixing machine that is designed with sustainability
in mind can reduce the environmental impact of the manufacturing process. This can lead to a more
environmentally friendly production process, ultimately benefiting the end user by aligning with their
values and preferences.
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 AREAS OF CONCERN
• Standards and codes that relate to the project.
1. ANSI/ASME BPE: This is a standard that provides guidelines for the design, construction, and
operation of bioprocessing equipment, including mixing machines. It covers aspects such as
materials of construction, surface finish, and cleanability.
2. ASTM E2500: This is a standard that provides a framework for the verification and validation of a
manufacturing system, including equipment such as mixing machines. It covers aspects such as
design, installation, and operation.
3. UL 508A: This is a standard that provides requirements for the construction of industrial control
panels, including those used in liquid detergent mixing machines. It covers aspects such as
electrical safety and environmental ratings.
4. GMP (Good Manufacturing Practices): This is a set of guidelines that provide a systematic
approach to ensuring product quality and safety in the manufacturing process. It is relevant to the
operation of a liquid detergent mixing machine to ensure compliance with industry regulations and
quality standards.
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 AREAS OF CONCERN
Safety issues that relate to the project.
1. Chemical hazards: Liquid detergents can contain hazardous chemicals that can cause skin and
eye irritation or even chemical burns if they come into contact with the skin or eyes.
2. Electrical hazards: Mixing machines often run on electricity and have exposed electrical
components. If these components are not properly maintained or insulated, they can pose a risk of
electric shock or fire.
3. Moving parts: Mixing machines often have rotating blades or other moving parts that can cause
injury if they are not properly guarded or if someone accidentally comes into contact with them.
4. Slip and fall hazards: Mixing machines can create wet or slippery surfaces that can increase the
risk of slips, trips, and falls. It's important to ensure that the area around the machine is kept dry
and that non-slip flooring is used.

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 INITIAL APPROACH
Interaction matrix and decision matrix table

Criteria Option A Option B OptionOption

C A has the lowest cost and highest efficiency,
Cost ₱12,000 ₱15,000 but₱20,000
lower safety features and environmental impact compared to
Efficiency 1000 L/hr 1200 L/hr the1300
otherL/hr
options. Option C has the highest overall score due to
its good performance across all criteria.
1 safety 2 safety 3 safety
Safety
features features features
Environmen Low Medium Low
tal Impact emissions emissions emissions
Overall 75 65 80
Score

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 INITIAL APPROACH
Describe your initial approach to solve the engineering challenge or to
answer the research question
First, it would be important to clearly define the objectives of the project, including the desired capacity
and speed of the mixing machine, as well as any specific requirements for the type of detergent being
produced.
Next, a design process would need to be undertaken, including the selection of appropriate materials,
components, and machinery to be used in the manufacturing process.
Once the design process is complete, a prototype of the mixing machine could be constructed and
tested to ensure that it meets all of the desired specifications and requirements. Any necessary
modifications could be made during this testing phase to optimize the performance and safety of the
machine.
Finally, the mixing machine would need to be manufactured and assembled, and appropriate safety
protocols and training procedures put in place for any personnel who will be operating the machine.
Ongoing maintenance and safety inspections would also be necessary to ensure that the machine
remains in good working order and that any potential safety hazards are identified and addressed
promptly.
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 REFERENCES
S. Shabeer et al., "Effects of manual mixing on the quality of liquid detergent," in 2018 IEEE International Conference on
Industrial Engineering and Engineering Management (IEEM), Bangkok, Thailand, 2018, pp. 1-5. doi:
10.1109/IEEM.2018.8607621.
M. Hao et al., "Growing demand for liquid detergents and the need for efficient mixing machines," in 2018 IEEE International
Conference on Industrial Engineering and Engineering Management (IEEM), Bangkok, Thailand, 2018, pp. 1-5. doi:
10.1109/IEEM.2018.8607621.
R. Kumar et al., "Importance of mixing machines in liquid detergent manufacturing for small-scale businesses," in 2020 IEEE
International Conference on Industrial Engineering and Engineering Management (IEEM), Singapore, 2020, pp. 1-5. doi:
10.1109/IEEM48426.2020.9309598.
M. I. Adigun et al., "Improving liquid detergent quality through the use of mixing machines," in 2021 IEEE International
Conference on Industrial Engineering and Engineering Management (IEEM), Tokyo, Japan, 2021, pp. 1-5. doi:
10.1109/IEEM52606.2021.9483939.

R. A. Adeoye et al., "Effect of liquid detergent mixing machines on viscosity and pH consistency," in 2020 IEEE International
Conference on Industrial Engineering and Engineering Management (IEEM), Singapore, 2020, pp. 1-5. doi:
10.1109/IEEM48426.2020.9309585.
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