Diagnóstico y Propuesta de Mejora para el Componente Atmosférico Interno y Recurso Agua en la Fabricación de Pellets de la Empresa CARBOCOM CL S.A.S

Abstract

This thesis was developed at CARBOCOM CL S.A.S., a company dedicated to the production of smart plastic compounds. The purpose of this thesis was to diagnose and propose improvement alternatives for two critical environmental components: indoor air quality and the efficient use of water resources in the pellet manufacturing process. The methodology implemented was structured in four phases: characterization, diagnosis, document review, and proposal design, integrating field observation, regulatory analysis, and technical calculation tools. In the indoor atmospheric component, five main sources of pollution were identified (calcium carbonate dosing bag, gates and lids, vehicles in operation, dust accumulation, and poor filters), which generate emissions of particulate matter (PM2.5 and PM10), volatile organic compounds (VOCs), and CO₂. Although direct measurements were not possible due to technical limitations, proposals were designed based on the EPA-recommended source control strategy, accompanied by an indoor air quality (IAQ) index model adapted to national and international regulations, to establish reference limits and guidelines for future monitoring. Regarding the water component, the existing infrastructure was characterized, and the demand flow and rainwater harvesting capacity were calculated based on IDEAM rainfall data and hydrological equations. The analysis demonstrated the technical feasibility of implementing a rainwater harvesting and storage system by restructuring downpipes, channels, and connections, with sufficient capacity to supply production and cleaning processes, thus reducing dependence on tanker trucks. The results obtained support the relevance of the proposed proposals, which will contribute to optimizing the company's environmental performance and strengthening its operational sustainability. This work also allowed for the application of environmental diagnostic and technical design tools, consolidating professional competencies in environmental sanitation.