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[May 2005]
CERAM Helps Recycled Glass Pave the Way
The news just keeps getting better for the brick industry and the environment as CERAM Building Technology (CBT) presents its findings of the latest production trials, relating to the use of powdered recycled glass into clay bricks and pavers.
Following the success of the WRAP (Waste and Resources Action Programme) funded research project into potential energy and emissions reductions by using recycled powdered container glass as a fluxing body additive, CBT has continued to work with both WRAP and brick and paver manufacturers to fine tune the process.
The large scale production trials have yielded direct energy savings in the order of 10-15% for mass production processes, only slightly lower than that shown in the more energy intensive batch manufacturing processes, but still worth £ millions in energy savings for the industry.
The findings continue to show that it is possible to reduce the firing temperature, and thus save both energy and reduce emissions, by the addition of as little as 5% glass into the body, during the manufacturing process.
Dr Andrew Smith, CBT’s Materials Group Manager stated “One of the major clay paver manufacturers, Blockleys, based in Telford, has undertaken extensive works production trials, in collaboration with CBT, manufacturing solid clay pavers with 5% powdered recycled glass added. The results have been very encouraging, resulting in both energy savings, reductions in emissions and increased production capacity as a result of faster firing.”
Dr Andrew Smith added: “In addition to the container glass, and as a direct result of the impending WEEE Directive (Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment), CBT has also been commissioned by WRAP to investigate the potential for using recycled CRTP (Cathode Ray Tube Panel) glass. Laboratory trials have already shown that CRTP glass has similar if not slightly better fluxing properties than container glass, and with around 70,000 tonnes landfilled every year, a potential additional source of glass for the clay brick, paver, tile and pipe industries in the UK. Large scale trials with manufacturers of bricks, tiles and pipes are planned for this summer.”
Continuing with the glass theme, CERAM Process and Materials (CPM), continue to develop the process by which powdered recycled container glass could be added as a body flux in the production of sanitaryware. Dr Phil Jackson of CPM explained: “Initial trials have been very successful, and we are now just ironing out the last few issues regarding the stability of the glass powder in the suspension. Once this is overcome it is likely that the sanitaryware manufacturers will be in a position to use this technology to reduce their material costs, whilst maintaining product quality”.
For further information on the brick, paver, tile and pipe projects please contact CERAM Building Technology’s Materials Group Manager, Dr Andrew S Smith: andrew.smith@ceram.com or Tel: 01782 764361.
For further information on the sanitaryware project please contact Dr Phil Jackson CERAM Process and Material’s Strategic R&D Manager: phil.jackson@ceram.com or Tel: 01782 764253.
ENDS