S02E10 | i-SPACE
Manage episode 347714477 series 3391754
In this episode, Pete and Mike spoke with Cathy Bell from i-SPACE - the latest innovative research project by Swansea University.
i-SPACE is an acronym, which stands for "Innovative Steel Processing Accelerating the Circular Economy". In layman's terms, they aim to develop an industrial-scale end-of-life material shredding and sorting facility for the UK steel industry, supporting the work towards zero-waste and the elimination of down-cycling.
Cathy is the project manager for this WEFO- and ERDF-funded project, with a background of over 30 years in the metal industry, and she shared her insight into the project and the future of metal recycling.
Amongst other things, they talk about:
* Who are i-SPACE
* The reason we need an advanced recycling pilot plant
* Why recycling should is the forth best option for steel products behind Re Use, Repair or Remanufacture
* The current issues surrounding the recycling of end of life components
* Contamination, and how this can cause additional costs for steel makers
* The circular economy across the complete steel supply chain
* Net Zero in the Steel Industry
* What TRL (Technology Readiness Levels) is, and who is involved in the project
* When do we think we MAY see a project plant, and what is it likely to cost
* Landfill of precious metals and how we can change the throwaway culture
* The change from Linear to a Circular Economy
* The current UK recycling infrastructure
* Who will be able to access the research, development and design at the pilot plant
* The future of the UK Steel industry, and how it is positioned globally.
* STEM: Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths
* How Cathy got into the steel industry, and her early career
* Not making any career mistakes 😉
* Taking on a contract position after being in full time employment
This podcast was recorded in October 2022
To find out more about the i-SPACE project, take a look at the following links:
Swansea University: https://www.swansea.ac.uk/science-and-engineering/i-space/
The Engineer: https://www.theengineer.co.uk/content/news/i-space-makes-case-for-advanced-recycling-pilot-plant
ATF Professional: https://atfpro.co.uk/i-space-maximising-scrap-from-end-of-life-components/
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SEASON TWO of The Metal Guys Talk Business is sponsored by:
The UK Metals Expo - 13th-14th September 2023, NEC Birmingham - ukmetalsexpo.com
Anglo Stainless - Supplier of stainless steel pipes, fittings and flanges - anglostainless.co.uk
Amron Architectural - Specialists in metal meshes and architectural finishes - www.amronarchitectural.co.uk
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