MATERIALS

The development of affordable and efficient vacuum cleaners has become a significant concern for households and small-scale cleaning businesses, especially in developing regions where high-end vacuum cleaners are often too expensive. Vacuum cleaners are essential tools in maintaining clean indoor environments by removing dirt, dust, and other debris from floors and surfaces. However, the design and functionality of many low-cost vacuum cleaners are often compromised, especially in terms of air velocity, particle retention, and the efficiency of dust separation. These issues can lead to ineffective cleaning and the release of fine dust particles into the environment, undermining the overall effectiveness of the vacuum cleaner. Previous designs of vacuum cleaners fabricated from locally available materials often suffer from limitations such as inadequate air velocity through the wand, improper filtration of fine particles, and ineffective dust deposition mechanisms. These flaws not only reduce the cleaning efficiency but also compromise air quality in the environment. This study aims to review and improve upon the design and fabrication of such vacuum cleaners, addressing these critical issues to enhance performance and dust control.

This project focuses on the design, fabrication, and performance evaluation of a kitchen heat extractor constructed using locally sourced materials. The increasing discomfort and health risks associated with heat and smoke accumulation in domestic kitchens prompted the development of a simple, affordable, and efficient heat extraction system suitable for local households. The design involved a detailed study of ventilation and heat transfer principles to determine the appropriate fan capacity, duct dimensions, and materials that could efficiently extract hot air and cooking fumes from the kitchen environment. Mild steel sheet metal was selected for the main body due to its durability, ease of fabrication, and resistance to heat, while a locally available electric fan served as the suction unit. Other components such as the filter mesh, exhaust vent, and protective casing were carefully assembled to enhance performance and safety. During fabrication, basic workshop processes such as cutting, welding, drilling, and fitting were employed. After The system was assembled and tested for functionality, suction efficiency, noise level, and overall performance under varying kitchen conditions. The performance evaluation showed that the extractor effectively reduced kitchen temperature and smoke concentration within a short period of operation, demonstrating reliable efficiency comparable to imported models but at a significantly lower cost. The project therefore proves that locally sourced materials can be efficiently utilized to design and fabricate a functional kitchen heat extractor, promoting self-reliance, cost-effectiveness, and sustainable domestic technology.