Efficient manufacturing process of the nano-porous material Quartzene®
| Reference number | |
| Coordinator | Svenska Aerogel AB - Svenska Aerogel AB, Gävle |
| Funding from Vinnova | SEK 2 786 000 |
| Project duration | November 2014 - January 2016 |
| Status | Completed |
Purpose and goal
SvAAB plans in the near future to build a manufacturing unit for production of its Quartzene materials and crucial for this is to have a thorough understanding of the process parameters, the process economy and the need of equipment. The goal with the current work was to investigate this and the possibility to develop a scalable process. A sustainable process method has been developed on laboratory scale, which was scaled-up with a factor 100 to give similar material properties on pilot scale. The goals are considered to be fulfilled.
Expected results and effects
A sustainable process has been developed on laboratory scale, which was further scaled-up on pilot scale. Key parameters influence on product properties and yield have been evaluated and identified. The study has also given essential information about stability of solutions and robustness of the process. Tests on pilot scale show on the sensibility of scaling-up, together with using partly other kinds of equipment. The scale-up was possible to carry out according to the laboratory method resulting in comparable results except when too concentrated systems were considered.
Planned approach and implementation
The work was divided into different work packages, dealing with fundamental studies and literature, parameter investigation on laboratory scale, evaluation on pilot scale, a granulation study of the product and also a techno-economic evaluation of the process. A developed laboratory method was scaled-up and run on pilot scale. Considerations were taken as regards environmental as well as techno-economic aspects; like water and chemical consumption and recirculation of process streams. The work in the work packages has in general followed the project plan.