Cranfield research to improve energy-from-waste plants 10 July 2013

Research at Cranfield University into the removal of siloxanes from biogas has been recognised by the Worshipful Company of Engineers for excellence in engineering that benefits the environment.

The PhD project, which is looking at the most effective methods for removing these synthetic chemicals from waste materials, should help improve the cost effectiveness of energy-from-waste plants.

Siloxanes in wastewater do not decompose so find their way into the remaining sludge, leaving them to turn into silicon dioxide, or sand, during the biogas burning process, damaging engines and associated plant.

PhD student Caroline Hepburn, who is undertaking the research funded by Severn Trent Water, says: "It is an honour to have been recognised by the Worshipful Company of Engineers for my research.

"The initial stages of this project have identified the advantages of using online instrumentation to measure siloxanes. I will now be considering the effects of humidity on siloxane removal."

Hepburn was presented with the Hawley Award and a cheque for £5,000 at the Worshipful Company of Engineers' Annual Awards Dinner, yesterday (9 July 2013) at Merchant Taylors' Hall, London, by Sir George Cox, board member of NYSE-Euronext and director of Shorts, the aerospace company.

Brian

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