“We have developed a technology based on electromagnetic currents to recover sand used in moulding for subsequent use in the foundries themselves”
We are helping the foundry sector take a step towards the circular economy by using a technology for the recovery of sandy waste
Currently, only 35% of the sand used in foundries is recovered; so 150,000 tonnes of sand end up in landfills. Through the "ant" initiative, we are trying to reduce this rate by recovering the sand used in the moulding process through the use of electromagnetic currents. With this process we ensure that the sand grain is not broken and remains stable, facilitating its collection and subsequent reuse.
The stability of these sand grains will have an important impact on the foundries' production processes; it will facilitate the collection of the sand and its subsequent use in the plant itself, reduce the consumption of raw materials and make it possible to control the quality of the sand from the facilities.
At the same time, it will minimise CO2 emissions, making it easier for each company to align with environmental objectives more efficiently and move firmly towards a circular economy.
A flexible solution
The technology will be tested in the seven companies that make up the project consortium : Furesa, the project leader, Castinox, Amurrio ferrocarril, Gamarra, Grupo Wec, Alju and Foseco. Each foundry uses different materials and technologies for moulding, so these characteristics will be taken into account when designing a flexible system that offers solutions adapted to your needs.
The project, which is scheduled to be completed next year, comprises laboratory tests; the design of a system and the necessary furnace; and support for the manufacture of the prototype installation in the participating companies. Furthermore, tests will be carried out on the different prototypes and collaboration with the validations at the member foundries.
