AcidLess Separation 2.0

Project Information

ALS2

Grant agreement ID: 822464

DOI

10.3030/822464

Project closed

EC signature date 4 July 2018

Start date 1 July 2018

End date 31 October 2020

Funded under

• INDUSTRIAL LEADERSHIP - Innovation In SMEs

Total cost

€ 1 875 250,00

EU contribution

€ 1 312 675,00

Coordinated by

IKOI SPA
Italy

Periodic Reporting for period 2 - ALS2 (AcidLess Separation 2.0)

Reporting period: 2019-07-01 to 2020-10-31

Summary of the context and overall objectives of the project

Most of the technical objectives stated in the project have been achieved, as both the up-scaled and down-scaled version of the ALS2.0 have been equipped with upgraded functionalities like molten metal pouring and condensing system and they have been finally put into operation with successful results.
Business Objective as indicated in the project: Regarding the first objective “Customer validation of the ALS2.0 plant”, we achieved the desired results, by installing and testing the scale-up model in a Major refinery in Australia. With reference to the second objective “Establish a EU based sustainable value chain for precious metals.”, the activities are still in progress and today this target is not completed. Regarding the third objective “Commercial implementation of the exploitation plan”, we considered this achieved, since we established a very solid collaboration with all the major stakeholders in the industry and we are continuing to expand this collaboration.

Work performed from the beginning of the project to the end of the period covered by the report and main results achieved so far

First activity carried out has been the investigation and the following selection of the most proper materials.
Then, we have analysed and identified an advanced pouring system through a preliminary patents research and an analysis of the state-of-art molten metal pouring systems and we have also later made an analysis of the state-of-art condensing devices used in molten metal processing.
Moreover we have developed a numerical model of the vacuum distillation helpful to predict the results of the distillation process.
Afterwards some experimental trials have been carried out internally using a small test rig specifically built for the trials which have been undertaken in small scale with 5 Kg feedstock each.
Once the condensing and the molten metal pouring system have been identified, the whole design of both the up-scaled (ALSUP) and the down-scaled (ALSDW) have been completed.
Afterwards the two units have been internally assembled and tested at IKOI, the ALSUP has been positioned in the production facility while the ALSDW in our R&D area. ALSUP was assembled few weeks earlier than the ALSDW as the first would have been delivered to an overseas end-user.
Then the whole systems have been functionally tested with a synthetically created binary alloy copper silver.
Finally, ALSUP have been dismantled and packed prior to the shipping to the end-user for the final testing phase in operational environment while the scaled-down version remained at IKOI for the following trials with various feedstock.
End-user identified to perform the following testing and validation of the ALS2.0 in operational environment was ABC REFINERY a well-established Australian precious-metal refinery. ABC REFINERY has accepted to be a partner in this project as it is at the forefront of sustainable and environmentally sensitive precious metal production which has led to the implementation of a systematic approach in controlling waste and environmental impact.
Finally, we have tested and validated the two versions of ALS2.0 in operational environment.
During the project period a communication strategy has been defined, planned and executed in order to increase awareness amongst the stakeholders in the industry about the benefits of the project and in order to maximize the potential exploitation of the findings and improvements.
A combination of traditional and social media communication activities has been used, a stakeholder’s map has been created for both traditional major primary refineries as well as jewellery industry and WEEE industry and a PIDR has been created.
At the beginning of the project, we have organized our company in order to carry on this project in the best way. Now, at the end of this project, we have found that this has been a suitable procedure that has allowed us to comply with the project requests and has helped us also during the period of lockdown to maintain the data storage, even during the Covid-19 pandemic period.
The Covid-19 pandemic also affected our initial PROJECT INTERNAL CASH FLOW SPREADSHEET.
At the end of the project, we have reached the total budgeted costs, but with some differences concerning its distribution.

Progress beyond the state of the art and expected potential impact (including the socio-economic impact and the wider societal implications of the project so far)

Regarding the technical side, for the ALSUP, undertaken trials showed positive results as most of the targets defined with the end-user have been successfully achieved, nevertheless it is necessary to furtherly optimize some aspects of the technology to make it more competitive in the industrial environment. For the ALSDW, it looks like a promising application for small scale distillation process.
On the business side, we have create a PIDR, as already mentioned, which will guide us also beyond ALS 2.0 project to maximise the industrial exploitation of the project.
The impacts described at the beginning of the project result confirmed. Unfortunately, due to the difficulties related to COVID-19, these have been slowed down, but we are really convinced of their future realization. In any case, the main goal of our project that is making this industry greener (reducing pollution coming from chemical substances usage and, on parallel, to increase the quantity of precious metals coming from e-waste recycling) seems reached, as you can see from the publications on linkedin of the end user ABC AUSTRALIA here attached.

concept of condenser

linkedin publication

concept of melting and pouring system

linkedin publication

ALSUP

ALSDW