The DESTINY project, started in October 2018 and ended in March 2023, is fully completed its actions.
During the first 18 months of activities, very relevant advances on DESTINY project were made. The main developments that have been addressed focuses on three aspects: the new microwave-based technology, the selected products and raw materials, as well as the new processing of DESTINY. The requirements of production were collected and summarized to the new DESTINY processing based on microwave technology. The wide campaign of analysis of dielectric properties, as well as the compositional characterization of the raw materials and products, allowed identify the main indicators of processing demand for the microwave treatment.
Progress has covered the detailed analysis of the reactions in all the feedstock, products and constructive materials under microwave conditions (dielectric properties, thermal analysis and compositional) that has been used in simulation tools for design of the process and microwave heating conditions. It has continuous with the design, development, construction and configuration of a microwave applicator, as well as the adaption in the conveying system to the feedstock, has been reached the target temperature for all the materials selected. The main parameters to be monitored and the control tools were also defined.
During the second 18-month period of the project, the preliminary work was translated into advances in the design and pre-commissioning of the microwave demonstrator. Extensive simulations and real product tests were carried out, with the results continuously integrated into adjustments and refinements of the applicators and feeding systems. Materials, processes, and the raw materials to be transformed in the microwave kiln were tested, selected, and adapted when necessary.
During the 3rd period,the project finally deployed the pilot plant installation at the industrial site. The Demo Plant was fully installed and trials of the three sectors were performed. Feeding system was completed and concentrated in a container (top container) and the microwave reactor was installed in another container (bottom container). All data was collected and shared with the partner according to their activities. Identified KPI were analysed based on the data collected to evaluate the general performance of the system.
In terms of the project expoitation, extensive studies to analyse market and leading stakeholders in each sector were performed, ensuring at all times to be align with main industry association data and targets. Moreover, it was fully delivered a project Business Plan which includes the assessment of the sustainability and desirability aspects, as well as the analysis of the next steps required, resources and team provided.
Dissemination and communication activities have been arranged during the life of the project, focused on raising awareness on the project and its results and progresses.
