Top Engineer magazine
We encourage our experts to share their invaluable insights. In Top Engineer magazine, they delve into contemporary phenomena and pioneering innovations spanning various industries. Our purpose is to inspire you with novel solutions and ensure you stay up to date with the prospects of the green transition.
Top Engineer 1/2024
The many benefits of resource efficiency
In today’s industrial landscape, there is a growing impetus for actors to enhance resource efficiency, with some pioneers already formulating responses. Heightened awareness of the environmental impacts of resource depletion, pollution, and waste generation is driving this shift, while many also see opportunities for improved competitiveness.
As engineers, we hold a pivotal role in advancing resource efficiency. But how do we achieve this? One crucial avenue is learning from the past. When I entered the engineering scene over 20 years ago, the thumb rule was to over-dimension everything as “that is how we normally do it, and it is good to overdimension for future needs”. This often led to unnecessary oversizing of systems and excessive consumption of materials without clear justification.
Another effective approach is optimizing operations. Finely tuned processes not only yield higher outputs but also produce fewer emissions with reduced toxicity. This optimization is intricately linked to ongoing learning and skill development and efficient utilization of modern control systems.
In this issue, we highlight an intriguing “urban mining” initiative. Finnish pioneers have developed an innovative method to promote resource efficiency through the recovery of metals classified as critical raw materials from electronic waste. Overall, technologies aimed at reclaiming valuable resources from waste streams and repurposing them for various applications are crucial in addressing global resource consumption. Extracting energy from organic waste through anaerobic digestion, as well as repurposing waste materials in construction projects, represents highly responsible examples of engineering fundamentals.
Recently, when a lock on my trusty old luggage broke, I chose to repair it for €40 instead of investing €500 in a new one. While the replacement lock may look different, it serves its purpose perfectly. This small decision reflects a broader mindset of resourcefulness and cost savings.
By adopting such resource-wise practices, we not only contribute to sustainability but also save significant resources and money in the process!
Tom Lind
CEO
tom.lind@elomatic.com
Urban mining pioneers refine rare earth metals from electronic waste
Reading time: 6 min
A Finnish consortium has developed an innovative method for extracting rare earth metals (REEs) from electronic waste, an approach known as urban mining. This not only conserves natural resources but also reduces dependence on China. Despite current legislation not fully supporting the needs of such circular economy projects, the consortium members have diligently pushed the project forward, painting a promising picture for the future.
The increasing significance of critical raw materials
Text: Teemu turunen
Reading time: 5 min
As we pivot away from fossil fuels towards cleaner energy systems, adept utilization and management of materials become increasingly important. For instance, the expansion prospects of many key technologies face constraints due to the escalating demand for critical raw materials. Concurrently, waste and by-products are emerging as noteworthy reservoirs of raw materials, underscoring their newfound significance.
Visionary
Visionary: Marko Jaakonmäki
Reading time: 6 min
Elomatic’s visualization team leader Marko Jaakonmäki sees digitalization as a key factor in moving towards a carbon-neutral circular economy. He predicts a new divide in the industry: companies that can quickly adopt new technologies will thrive, while those with low levels of digital maturity will lose market share.
Case
From idea to production in less than two years – Hailia devised a way to upcycle surplus fish raw materials into delicious everyday food
Reading time: 5 min
The technology developed by Finnish startup Hailia offers an ecological alternative, for example, to tuna or minced meat. It enables the transformation of small pelagic fish or sidestreams from fish filleting, typically used as feed for livestock, into versatile food products. The company’s future plans include entry into international markets.
A transformative shift in the pharmaceutical industry:Resource efficiency with single-use equipment
Text: Mona Åkerholm
Reading time: 4 min
In recent years, the global pharmaceutical industry has faced increasing pressure to minimize its environmental footprint while maintaining the highest standards of product quality and safety. One innovative approach gaining traction is the adoption of single-use equipment in pharmaceutical production processes. This shift not only enhances efficiency and flexibility but also significantly reduces resource consumption and waste generation.
Resource wisdom– The path to the core of responsible innovation
Text: Mika Patrakka
Reading time: 7 min
Resource efficiency not only underpins eco-friendly business models but also fosters economic viability. A resource-wise approach considers even more broadly the use of renewable resources, the circular economy, well-being, and reduces dependence on limited natural resources. However, sustainable development demands various skills, rethinking, and actions from organizations.
Insight: What innovative practices can companies in your field adopt to enhance resource efficiency?
Reading time: 5 min
Delve into the insights of our experts on strategies for boosting resource efficiency. Energy & Process Consulting Manager Petteri Immonen stresses the importance of fundamental factors, such as skilled and motivated personnel. Lead Consulting Engineer Juha Tanttari explores alternatives for ship owners and their representatives. Chief Design Engineer Marko Mäkinen highlights the utilization of digital twin technology coupled with real-time monitoring data.
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