Please activate JavaScript!
Please install Adobe Flash Player, click here for download
ePaper created 2013-09-24, 11:56:35 | version 1.25.20
10 4 Electromagnetic fields in process engineering High frequency electromagnetic fields are applied in numer- ous industrial processes including material processing. This technology, known as “Electromagnetic Processing of Mate- rials” (EPM) [1], enables a rapid and controlled application of energy to materials. The volumetric and homogeneous appli- cation of energy to materials, in particular, results in very good efficiency [2] compared to processes relying on heat transfer by convection or conduction. The interaction of electromagnetic fields with various media occurs by means of forces, including Lorentz, Kelvin, and dia- magnetic forces. This enables the processing or alteration of materials in a controlled manner. To ensure that the micro- structure of the material subjected to energy will be not com- promised [1], the basic relationships of these interactions must be examined and considered for each application. Electromagnetic fields in recycling technology The application of electromagnetic energy in recycling pro- cesses not only offers economic benefits, but also helps to reduce the environmental footprint on the planet. The EU- funded project FurnitReUse is an excellent example of such an application. The project goal is to develop a sustainable recy- cling technology for domestic wooden and plastic waste using electromagnetic fields. This project offers both, a solution for the utilization of waste materials, as well as providing a novel eco-friendly material processed by electromagnetic fields. Wooden and plastic waste from homes and offices Every year thousands of tons of wood-based furniture, includ- ing particle boards and panels, are discarded and scrapped by European households. Currently, this waste is generally in- cinerated but, depending on national legislation, it may also be dumped in landfills. Apart from landfilling or incineration, after sorting out the metal and electronic components, there are only few approaches available for recycling or utilizing the plastics contained in desktop computers, monitors and pe- ripherals. Due to the growing volume of such waste, those “state of the art” processes require more landfill space, while incineration contributes to global warming by generating carbon dioxide. Highly specialized system technology is particularly necessary for incineration of boards coated with different lacquers and surface varnishes, in order to avoid the release of harmful sub- stances. Electromagnetic recycling process The FurnitReUse project has developed an innovative electro- magnetic process to recycle these waste materials and obtain a novel composite material in the strictly controlled environ- ment of a closed reactor equipped with automated sensors. The crushed and shredded wooden and plastic waste is mixed and heated by electromagnetic fields in a controlled and au- tomated process chamber. Subsequently, processed material is pressed into sheets or other shapes. The process is environ- mentally friendly and economical as no chemical compounds need to be added to activate and control it. RECYCLING OF WOODEN AND PLASTIC WASTE BY ELECTROMAGNETIC FIELDS Ali Imran Javaid M.Sc. ENVIRONMENT 1 2