Title
Characterisation of Calcined Clay produced in a novel sustainable process
AbstractA UK technology SME has patented and demonstrated in the lab a new way of integrating syngas production from biomass and using the gas in calcined clay. Cement and biochar are produced for much lower or negative carbon footprint. Partners are sought to help characterise and improve the materials and prepare for building a demo plant. Type of cooperation will be commercial with technical assistance or R and D cooperation.
DescriptionA UK-based technology SME focus on utilising Calcined Clay (CC) as a low-carbon alternative to Ordinary Portland Cement (OPC). While the current CC production process is energy-intensive, limiting its carbon-negative potential, the patented innovative method saves both money and emissions. It combines two established technologies: the pyrolysis of bio-based feedstock to produce syngas and biochar, and the calcination of clay. By integrating these processes, the syngas produced from pyrolysis acts as a heat source for the calcination of clay. This approach is carbon-neutral plus the biochar can further be used as a concrete aggregate and a thermal insulation filler (turning the process carbon-negative).
The process has been proven in the lab and the company is raising funds to prove it in a (simulated) industrial environment. They wish to collaborate with technology providers and organisations to enhance and optimise the integrated pyrolysis and calcination process. Dependent on the specific tasks agreed the project could be funded as a service or from a collaborative R and D funding scheme. Additionally, enquiries are welcome from future partners in the cement and construction companies to plan for follow-on experiments in relevant environment.
Advantages and innovation
Technical Specification or Expertise Sought
The company seeks technology developers and organisations to advance the new Calcined Clay (CC) production process. Characterisation tests need to be performed on the developed materials, including Thermogravimetric Analysis (TGA), Particle Size Distribution (PSD), X-ray Diffraction (XRD), Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR), and X-ray Fluorescence (XRF). This will in turn condition further refinement and evaluation of long-term performance.
The process can probably be made more efficient, so experts are needed for maximum integration of renewable energy sources such as syngas. Specialists in biochar utilisation are also needed to apply biochar, using it as a concrete filler and for generating carbon credits.
Moreover, ideal partners will have experience in scaling laboratory-proven processes to industrial scale production, including designing, constructing, and operating large-scale production facilities.