PROJECT DESCRIPTION
BACKGROUND
It is the objective of the project to recycle waste foundry sand which is currently discarded to landfill, with the further intention of excavating previously discarded foundry sand and restoring it for re-use by the foundry industry and other end users. It is anticipated that the project will recycle for re-use approx. 90% of all waste sand processed and will reduce by this same amount, the quantity being discarded to landfill. Additional benefits are derived from the reduction in excavating virgin sand for use by the foundry industry.Despite claims by the foundry industry that they currently recycle a high degree of process sands, there is still in excess of 9,000,000 tons being discarded to landfill each year throughout Europe. Some 15% of this total is generated in the UK alone. In addition to recycling all types of sand currently in use by the foundries, the project displays the ability to remove previously discarded sand from landfill and restore '. Therefore, the objectives are threefold : Recycle all types of sand arising from the foundry industry. Recycle sand from existing landfills to allow restoration for the benefit of the local community. Reverse the current trend of new sand excavation from virgin land. The project intention is pre-industrial to demonstrate the methodology attached to proving an effective laundering system for foundries and other sand users in a selected radius by utilising innovative applications of cryogenic and low thermal technology. The methodology has been developed through a working consortium between Econotek, a specialist recycling company (SME), Biwater (Clay Cross), a major area foundry, Air Products, Ashland Foundry Products and the information provision by Simpson Technologies. By maximising the knowledge of all participating companies, a process system involving multi-stage attrition, low temperature rotary thermal and cryogenic technique has been developed which is capable of absolute cleansing of contaminated sands at approx. 16 tons per hour with a sand recovery rate of some 90%. With restoration facility combined with high tonnage retrieved then the 'multiple foundry laundering system' will succeed where other facilities have failed. The surplus sand generated by restoring the existing landfill operations will become available to alternative users in the asphalt or cement industries which will assist in reversing the levels of new sand supply. The reproduction level is high and can be maximised by selective siting throughout Europe.