TITLE:
FLAME. FLy Ash to valuable MinErals
DESCRIPTION:
The FLAME project is perfectly aligned with the KIC Raw Materials vision of turning the raw materials dependence into a strategic strength for the European economy. The DPS technology can become key in increasing resource efficiency by enabling dry (ultra)fine mineral classification and extraction of valuable minerals from both primary and secondary resources. This will contribute to closing material loops by minimizing losses of unused materials along the value chain. At large, the project results may trigger alternative applications of the DPS technology to other resource streams and thus benefit the wider KIC community active in (machine manufacturing for) resource extraction. The provision of large amounts of high-quality (ultra)fine minerals to the market is expected to engender the development of more performant, durable and sustainable materials and products in related markets such as high-value construction materials and composite materials. As an example, the use of high-performance concrete enables to extend structure lifetime from 50 to 500 years and to “dematerialize” buildings, requiring less resources for more performance. Also new manufacturing technologies (e.g. vacuum mixing, 3D printing) will strongly benefit from a larger and diversified supply of high-quality fines. The contributed KCA clearly show the complementary expertise of the project partners in mineral processing and application technologies.Given the large replication potential in- and outside Europe for a customer-base that is largely situated outside the KIC (Power companies), a successful industrial implementation of the DPS technology holds potential to create (very) large impact worldwide. Given that R&D; and machine manufacturing facilities will be located in the EU (i.e. Belgium and Lithuania, resp.), the project will definitely strengthen the EU competitiveness and innovation capacity in the machinery and equipment manufacturing sector – regarded as a major strength of Europe and Focus market of the KIC.Within the project, intense knowledge exchange between mineral end-users, power central customers and machine builders will enable de-siloing of expertise, sharing of expertise and further build-up of competences of skilled R&D; and technical personnel. In addition, student internships and engagement of engineering master students (MSc theses) will be organized, eventually these training/education activities aim at providing a recruitment base for the commercialising partner.
DURATION:
2017/04/01 - 2020/03/31
FUNDING:
EIT Raw Materials
MORE:
