ASR treatment key to achieving ELV goals

Archiv – Recovery targets set by the EU for end-of-life vehicles (ELVs) will not be met until the volume of automotive shredder residue (ASR) is further reduced, according to a new study from the European Commission. European Union | Recovery targets set by the EU for end-of-life vehicles (ELVs) will not be met until the volume of automotive shredder residue (ASR) is further reduced, according to a new study from the European Commission.
With approximately 9 million vehicles scrapped every year in the EU, researchers investigated advanced technologies to increase the percentage of material recovered. Three methods of treating ASR were examined, namely incineration, pyrolysis and gasification.
According to the study, incineration was considered less environmentally friendly than pyrolysis because of public concern surrounding emissions produced as a result of burning ASR. No disadvantages were found using the pyrolysis approach whereby heat is used to break down organic material in the absence of oxygen. Treatment of ASR by pyrolysis yields ferrous and non-ferrous metal contaminants which can be recovered and recycled, as well as oil which can be used as a secondary fuel. It also produces recoverable gas and a small volume of solid residue which can be consigned to landfill.
Gasification was also considered a better option than incineration because the process produces fewer emissions. It also produces gas which can be used as a fuel source and residues that can be employed in the construction industries.
In the study, manufacturers are advised that incorporating end-of-life management principles into the early design and development stages of vehicle production can ensure maximum recycling when the vehicles reach their end-of-life stage.