Case Study Archives

Model and simulation-based investigation on use of agriculture waste/byproduct in brick manufacturing

Model and simulation-based investigation on use of agriculture waste/byproduct in brick manufacturing

This case study utilises ThermoRecycliSt (Thermodynamic simulation-guided (waste/byproduct) materials Recycling Strategy) and other available models to conduct an exploratory investigation to manufacture eco-friendly light-weight bricks through the mixing of agriculture waste/byproduct with raw materials used for clay brick manufacturing at the Wienerberger brick factory. The primary focus is on examining the feasibility of incorporating agricultural waste and byproducts into the brick manufacturing process. By leveraging ThermoRecycliSt, alongside proven models, this study seeks to relatively predict the essential properties of pre-manufactured bricks, significantly reducing the need for laborious and resource-intensive lab-scale trials. By incorporating modelling tools, it becomes possible to conduct a more streamlined and economical evaluation of the feasibility of utilising waste/byproduct materials in the production of bricks. Ultimately, this case study endeavours to provide valuable insights into the feasibility of implementing ThermoRecycliSt and similar models for enhancing sustainability in the construction industry by reducing reliance on traditional raw materials, [...]

Joanna Johnson2023-12-15T12:53:25+00:00December 15th, 2023|

EDI Case Study: Launching Member Networks at IOM3

EDI Case Study: Launching Member Networks at IOM3

Launched by its Chief Executive in response to member demand, in 2021 the Institute of Materials, Minerals and Mining (IOM3) introduced three new member networks, to bring together and support people who may be in an under-represented group in their profession. Company Institute of Materials, Minerals and Mining Industry Membership organisation for Materials, Minerals and Mining Location London and Grantham, with members UK-wide and internationally Company Size 45 employees, 15,000 members Intervention Introduction of new community groups for members Specific challenges Making materials, minerals and mining topics accessible to everyone, against a background of declining uptake of qualifications in these areas and specific challenges for those in under-represented groups in their profession Outcomes Created a safe space for discussion, leading to new ideas and events being held. Next steps are to build up the groups, and adopt additional data collection to quantify the impacts. Photo Credit: IOM3. WIM3 [...]

Joanna Johnson2023-09-26T10:19:50+00:00September 26th, 2023|

The Royal Mint’s Journey in Electronic Waste Management

The Royal Mint’s Journey in Electronic Waste Management

TransFIRe researcher, Dr Masoud Ahmadinia, has recently finished a project working with The Royal Mint on their innovative initiative to extract precious metals from the circuit boards of electronic waste, such as laptops and mobile phones, in order to create an eco-friendly jewellery line. The Royal Mint is working in collaboration with Excir, a Canadian clean tech start-up, to use their patented technology, based on revolutionary chemistry and aims to leverage advanced technologies and innovative methodologies to enhance the extraction process. As part of a secondment, Dr Ahmadinia spent a number of days embedded within The Royal Mint, after which, a range of documentation and analysis was produced. These included a Sankey diagram, visually representing the material and energy flow of the processes involved in order to understand their efficiency and identify potential opportunities, as well as a comprehensive cost analysis report for the energy use of processes. As [...]

Joanna Johnson2023-12-15T14:22:05+00:00September 11th, 2023|

Investigating alternative uses for Spent Foundry Sand

Investigating alternative uses for Spent Foundry Sand

After an extensive literature review by TransFIRe researchers, a number of potential applications for re-using huge quantities of Spent Foundry Sand (SFS) have been identified. As part of Work Stream 2 of the TransFIRe project, which focusses on creating new materials and process opportunities for the foundation industries, TransFIRe researchers have been undertaking a case study focussing on potential uses of Spent Foundry Sand (SFS), a waste product of UK metals foundries leftover after the production of sand moulds or cores for casting of metals. A literature review, carried out with input from the Cast Metals Federation, John Winter Ltd and Wm Lee Ltd, was undertaken to identify potential opportunities for re-using SFS and several applications were identified within ceramics, glass, cement, fillers in concrete and asphalt; and several others. Although SFS can be successfully recycled and used numerous times, the sand grains eventually degrade and their ability to [...]

Joanna Johnson2023-05-15T08:44:48+00:00May 15th, 2023|

EDI Case Study: Elevating Wellbeing and Mental Health Awareness at Hanson

EDI Case Study: Elevating Wellbeing and Mental Health Awareness at Hanson

In Brief Company Hanson Industry Cement and quarry products Location Nationwide Company Size 3,500 employees Intervention Introduction of a comprehensive Wellbeing and Mental Health programme Specific challenges Mental health became an increasing issue during the COVID-19 pandemic, but had previously been little discussed. Reaching all employees posed a challenge, as Hanson has many sites nationwide and many employees who do not have email access at work. Outcomes Over 220 Mental Health First Aiders, and a culture of support in place for all colleagues Photo credit: Hanson About Hanson Hanson UK is a British-based building materials company, headquartered in Maidenhead. The company has been a subsidiary of the German company Heidelberg Materials since August 2007. Hanson UK is a leading supplier of low carbon heavy building materials to the construction industry. Hanson’s principal markets are the major conurbations in England and Wales and the central belt of Scotland. [...]

Joanna Johnson2023-05-16T08:44:59+00:00May 2nd, 2023|

TransFIRe partner collaboration on the tiles

TransFIRe partner collaboration on the tiles

In the summer of last year, a range of teams from across TransFIRe began working with Zentia, a ceiling tile manufacturer in Gateshead, to develop a case study focused on reducing energy usage, capturing and reusing waste heat and exploring the use of additives and alternative product mixtures to improve the material properties of their products. Zentia’s factory produces ceiling tiles formed from a wet mixture of newsprint, starch, fibreglass and other minerals, which are then pressed and dried by passing through a long series of gas-fired ovens. The manufacturing process generates large amounts of steam and hot air and offers significant potential for heat and water recovery projects. Initially brought into the TransFIRe programme by Professor Justin Perry and Dr Matt Unthank, Chemical Technical Working Group members from Northumbria University, to explore the use of alternative tile coatings, the engineering and management team at Zentia also expressed interest [...]

Joanna Johnson2023-02-27T15:04:46+00:00January 30th, 2023|