Pyrolysis – BMW is collaborating with the German startup DeepDrive to develop dual-rotor electric motors for new electric cars 06-08-2024
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BMW is collaborating with the German startup DeepDrive to develop dual-rotor electric motors for new electric cars
Unlike traditional electric motors that have a single rotor and stator, DeepDrive’s innovative design features both an internal and an external rotor. This dual-rotor configuration is being tested by BMW in various electric car prototypes.
DeepDrive’s motors are being evaluated in two configurations: one that powers an entire axle and another that powers individual wheels via hub motors. BMW began working with DeepDrive in 2021 and has been impressed with the performance of the sample motors provided. Pyrolysis
According to Karol Virsik, head of BMW’s research and development center, the motors have exceeded expectations, which is rare for new technologies at this stage.
Initial bench tests have shown promising results, and road tests are set to begin soon. BMW believes these dual-rotor motors are scalable and could significantly advance electric vehicle technology. DeepDrive is also working with other major manufacturers, including Continental, which has developed a brake system for DeepDrive’s wheel hub motors. This technology won the German Innovation Award in 2024. Pyrolysis
The collaboration with BMW is part of the “BMW Startup Garage” initiative, which supports young companies in developing cutting-edge technologies. Felix Pörnbacher, co-founder and co-CEO of DeepDrive, views this partnership as a crucial step towards bringing their innovative motors to market.
Mitsubishi and Goldwin Partner for Sustainable Polyester Supply Chain
Mitsubishi Corporation and Goldwin, the operator of the North Face brand in Japan, are leading a consortium to create a sustainable PET polyester fiber supply chain. This initiative uses a mass balancing approach to ensure credible traceability of material streams. The polyester will be produced from renewable and bio-based materials, including paraxylene derived from carbon capture and utilization (CCU). Pyrolysis
The consortium includes Mitsubishi, Goldwin, Chiyoda Corporation, Toyobo, Indorama Ventures, SK geo centric, India Glycols, and Neste. Goldwin will initially use these fibers in sports uniforms, with plans for further product launches.
Neste will supply renewable naphtha from bio-based waste, Chiyoda will provide CCU paraxylene from CO2, and SK geo centric will also supply renewable paraxylene. Indorama Ventures will produce PTA using these monomers, India Glycols will provide bioethylene glycol, and Toyobo will manufacture the renewable bio-CCU PET polyester. Pyrolysis
How is Plastic Recycled? Exploring the Different Plastic Recycling Processes
1/ Mechanical Recycling
2/ Chemical Recycling
3/ The Anellotech Process
Plastic recycling involves several methods tailored to the specific type of plastic being processed. With approximately ten different types of plastics, each composed of varying elements and additives, not all plastics can be recycled similarly. Thierry Gauthier, Circular Economy Advisor at the French Institute of Petroleum (IFPEN) Chemistry for Industry Center in Lyon, shed light on the current recycling processes. He also highlighted IFPEN’s innovative methods to indefinitely recycle plastics like PET and integrate biomass into recycling processes. Pyrolysis
1/ Mechanical Recycling
Mechanical recycling of plastic is a process where plastic waste is transformed into new materials or products without altering their fundamental chemical structure. This process involves several key steps:
Plastic waste is collected, often through yellow bins, then sorted by type and color. Once sorted, plastics are cleaned to remove impurities such as labels, food residues, or other contaminants.
The cleaned plastics are then shredded into small pieces or flakes. These flakes are melted and extruded to form plastic pellets or new finished products. Pyrolysis
Continental Tire commits to recycled content in Europe
Tire maker reaches what it calls long-term supply agreement with recycled carbon black producer in Germany.
Continental says its tires already contain recycled materials, including rubber from mechanically processed end-of-life tires, recycled-content steel and recycled polyester from polyethylene terephthalate (PET) bottles.
Hanover, Germany-based Continental AG says its Continental Tires business unit has reached a long-term purchase agreement with Pyrum Innovations for the latter firm to provide Continental with recycled-content carbon black (rCB) to be used in tire production.
Continental describes Germany-based Pyrum as “a specialist in the thermolysis technology of end-of-life tires” whose process can create “particularly high-quality rCB recovered from end-of-life tires.” Pyrolysis
The tire maker says it intends to use rCB in the production of passenger car tires. Continental says previously it had signed a development agreement with Pyrum in 2022. That same year, Pyrum announced a joint venture agreement to build a pyrolysis-based tire recycling plant in southern Germany.
Plastics Recycling Show Middle East & Africa 2024
The Plastics Recycling Show Middle East & Africa (PRS ME&A) is scheduled for September 10-12, 2024, at the Dubai World Trade Centre, Dubai, UAE. This exclusive three-day event is dedicated to the burgeoning field of plastics recycling in the region.
PRS ME&A aims to bridge the gap between delegates and the latest advancements in plastics recycling technology. It is a hub for thought leaders, innovators, and technology providers to exchange insights and propel the industry forward. Pyrolysis
The event will feature an extensive exhibition displaying cutting-edge market solutions and technologies. Concurrently, a comprehensive conference will delve into critical themes such as the circular economy, regulatory landscapes, industry challenges, opportunities, innovations, technologies, and trends.
Renowned international experts will lead conference sessions, sharing valuable insights and experiences from various segments of the plastics sector. The discussions will encompass the latest industry trends and developments, recent legislative changes, and emerging challenges and opportunities. Pyrolysis
PRS ME&A aims to unite the entire value chain, promoting collaboration and accelerating the shift towards a sustainable and circular plastics recycling industry. This gathering is poised to be a pivotal moment for stakeholders committed to driving progress in plastics recycling across the Middle East and Africa.
Registration for PRS ME&A 2024 is free of charge.4
TotalEnergies Corbion CEO: Scaling bioplastics in the face of geopolitical uncertainties
TotalEnergies Corbion is one of the world’s biggest producers of polylactic acid (PLA), a bio-based polymer with contested environmental benefits. The company claims its Luminy PLA material brand, which is developed from sugarcane, has a 75% lower footprint than conventional plastics. But the sector is facing myriad challenges.
PLA is used for various applications, including flexible packaging and nonwovens to durable goods and 3D printing. TotalEnergies Corbion is working with stakeholders, including Novolex, PepsiCo, Sansu and Danone. Pyrolysis
We speak to Thomas Philipon, CEO of TotalEnergies Corbion, about the company’s R&D, business expansion, PLA’s human and environmental health impacts, geopolitical affairs and other issues.
What are the challenges in scaling PLA and making it competitive with conventional plastics?
Philipon: We already have a 75,000-ton annual production capacity for Luminy PLA, which is significant. However, the bioplastics sector still faces some challenges. Awareness is a critical factor for both consumers and brand owners. We have an important job to do in educating the public about the benefits of bioplastics. Pyrolysis
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