Project description
A new future for automotive waste recycling
Mounting automotive waste poses an environmental challenge worldwide, with end-of-life vehicles contributing to the accumulation of spent components like autocatalysts, batteries, and fuel cells. However, traditional disposal methods often lead to resource depletion and pollution. In this context, the EU-funded CRUSADE project focuses on recycling spent components from end-of-life vehicles. It aims to upscale its novel methods to recycle up to 500 tonnes per year. By leveraging blockchain for material tracing and establishing a pan-European collection network, CRUSADE intends to ensure sustainable operation. Cutting-edge processes, such as microwave-assisted leaching, promise a significant reduction in CO2 emissions. Moreover, automation and AI streamline processing, aiming for a 15 % reduction in both processing time and price.
Objective
CRUSADE upscales novel technologies to TRL7 integrated in a universal hydrometallurgical method to recycle up to 500 tn/year of spent automotive components (autocatalysts, fuel cells, batteries and printed circuit boards) from end-of-life vehicles and recover ca 40 tn/year of critical raw materials (Cu, C, Co, Mn, Ni, Pt, Pd, Rh, Li, Ru) at commercial specifications. The project leverages predeveloped technologies to establish a market ready pilot unit utilising novel concepts for material tracing using blockchain (AKO, SAISLAB, ENTE) and pan European collection network establishment from the pioneers of the automotive components manufacturers (SUN, ADV, CRF, MONO, ACU) which guarantee the long term sustainable operation of the unit. The material processing covers the whole chain from pre-treatment using validated technologies from the experts on the CRMs recovery (MONO, TUBAF, KUL) and upstream processing using a microwave assisted leaching methodology enabling a 15-80% lower CO2 emission process (depending on the feed), compared to commercial processing. High specification market ready materials are prepared as outputs of the project undergoing a downstream purification and recovery process using solvent extraction and electrowinning, guided by industrial standards for end-use applications, while validated and benchmarked during the course of the project in new automotive products. The processing is automated aiming to a 15% time reduction compared to current processes with the use of an industrial robot and artificial technology guiding the sorting and the hydrometallurgical treatment (Industry 4.0 concept). The materials are commercialised at 15% lower price compared to market standards due to the automated innovative cost efficient processing, CAPEX/OPEX reaching max 70% of product cost (average 30% gross profit margin depending on feed).
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HORIZON-IA - HORIZON Innovation ActionsCoordinator
11476 Athina
Greece
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The organization defined itself as SME (small and medium-sized enterprise) at the time the Grant Agreement was signed.
Participants (18)
30030 FOSSO'
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09599 Freiberg
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3000 Leuven
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30-059 KRAKOW
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13122 ATHINA
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The organization defined itself as SME (small and medium-sized enterprise) at the time the Grant Agreement was signed.
36410 Porrino
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10146 TORINO
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6059 LARNACA
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26504 PLATANI
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The organization defined itself as SME (small and medium-sized enterprise) at the time the Grant Agreement was signed.
10043 Orbassano
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00185 Roma
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20040 BUSNAGO
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45130 ESSEN
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145 64 Athens
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47809 Krefeld
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The organization defined itself as SME (small and medium-sized enterprise) at the time the Grant Agreement was signed.
34885 Istanbul
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19200 ELEFSINA
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115 27 ATHINA
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The organization defined itself as SME (small and medium-sized enterprise) at the time the Grant Agreement was signed.