ReHeat project technology exploitation

The BPF is currently involved in 10 Research and Development projects, which are funded (at least in part) by Central and European Government. The aim of these projects - which focus on differing polymers and polymer processing techniques - aims to extends the plastics industries knowledge base and create competitive advantage, whilst becoming more sustainable.

The ReHeat Project aims to develop a thermal energy recovery system suitable for home and industrial applications which will use adsorption and exothermic technology to store and deliver waste heat captured through advanced heat pipe technology, as well as take energy from intermittent renewable sources. As the project reaches its conclusion (ending in September 2009), the project is entering a new phase - that of exploitation.

The project consortium has developed a prototype demonstrator which can store waste heat by using a silicate mineral called zeolite, which can be dried using the waste heat radiating from an injection moulding machine by means of heat pipe and air technology. The stored heat can then be used in a variety of applications, including heating the polymer in preparation for processing.

If you would like further information on this project, or to become involved, please contact Tim Marsden. [email protected]