Description
PRIM-ROCK addresses process efficiency through a multifaceted strategy addressing industrial processes from input to output, supported by an ambitious digital framework and transversal supporting activities. In particular, advanced techniques for the preprocessing of the raw material will be deployed to enhance its efficiency according to the requirements of the process, supplemented by simulations and decision support systems to increase the operational limits of flexibility in the feedstock domain. Additionally, the process intensification component of the project will design, develop, and validate innovative and efficient processes, as well as
optimizing the existing ones. The aim is to develop a portfolio of technologies to a higher resource efficiency and lower level of GHG emissions of extractive industries.
The project will focus on improving the resource efficiency of the calcination and roasting processes, that are commonly used in the mineral and cement industries. To this end, process simulations in collaboration with AI data-driven models will be utilized and a digital twin for each process will be developed. Finally, waste reduction and re-utilization strategies will be investigated targeting to the real-time processes’ adjustment capabilities to feedstock changes and tighter processing control solutions. All these components will be supplemented by transversal supporting activities, such as technoeconomic assessment, LCA, standardization etc.
The PRIM-ROCK solutions will be demonstrated in 3 different ASPIRE sectors, namely minerals (magnesite, laterite), cement (limestone) and non-ferrous metals (sphalerite, chalcopyrite).