LONDON — The e2v 'Centre for Industrial Microwave Processing' (e2v CIMP) will be formed through a partnership between researchers in the National Centre for Industrial Processing at the University's Faculty of Engineering and e2v Technologies plc (Chelmsford, England).
The center is set to focus on the commercialisation of technologies for microwave processing in a wide range of bulk material processing industries developed at the university. It will be based on a financial contribution of more than £1 million (about $1.7 million) from e2v, with additional funding from the university.
One example of how microwaves could be put to work relates to mining and materials processing. Up to five per cent of the world's electrical energy output is said to be used to grind rocks to liberate metal ore. Microwaves could be used to stress and fracture the rock prior to grinding, achieving the same results for a fraction of the energy consumption.
"Global industry is currently faced with the need to become more energy efficient, develop processes which are more sustainable, reduce waste and increase overall efficiency. Microwave processing technologies are one way of meeting these challenges but up until now the road from laboratory to industry has been a difficult one for many reasons. This collaboration will bring together step-change multidisciplinary research, with world-leading microwave technology, to make meeting global process challenges a reality," said Professor Sam Kingman, e2v CIMP director, in a statement issued by e2v.
