Conceptual Design of a Process Plant for the Production of Natural Dye from Merbau (Intsia bijuga) Bark

Abstract

The damage to the aquatic life, cancer health effect on humans, and low water quality are the effects caused by the use of synthetic dyes in the textile industry. For this reason, it is necessary to reduce the use of synthetic dyes. By producing the natural dye, people can overcome this problem, and provide a business strategy to improve the country’s economic growth. One of the natural dye substances is tannin, which can be produced from various types of wood bark. Indonesia provides an abundant source of wood and bark waste. One source is Merbau wood from Sinar Wijaya Plywood Industry which is located in Dawai-Serui, Yapen Waropen Regency, Papua Province, and PT Wijaya Sentosa, Teluk Wondama Regency, West Papua Province. Other kind of source is mangrove bark from Bintuni Utama Murni Wood Industry. The other type is mahogany bark from Wonosobo Regency, Central Java. For example, in this paper the technology review is focused on Merbau bark and sawdust, as waste obtained from PT Wijaya Sentosa (PT WS). Based on the research conducted previously, aqueous extraction is known as the most effective method to extract tannin from its biomass source. Because it is waste from the wood industry, the sustainability of the raw material is assured, and we can produce a continuous tannin plant. This paper presents the conceptual design of a process plant for the production of natural dye from Merbau (Intsia bijuga) bark. The process plant consists of a bark size reduction, extraction, evaporation, and drying machines. The design analysis of constituent machines and their performance evaluations were carried out using appropriate design equations. The designed process plant was simulated to ensure its functionality. The results of its performance were analysed and the cost of products was estimated.