Advanced Dry Recovery (ADR) TRL 9

Unlike conventional sieving methods, ADR technology has proved the possibility of sorting crushed aggregate into different product streams in a relatively wet state. ADR has been patented by C2CA Technology (International publication number: WO 2012/015299 A1). The current ADR design, is shown in Figure 1.

Figuur 1. ADR in werking op recycling locatie

While the coarse fraction (4–16 mm) can be directly used in a new concrete mix, the fine fraction (0–4 mm) must be further processed to extract the old cement paste from the sand. The essential features of ADR technology are its mobility, flexibility, and affordability in terms of technology (energy efficiency: less than 1 kWh per ton input, and simplicity compared to the conventional technologies developed earlier). The name “Dry” implies the process does not use water as compared to conventional aggregate washing plants. One of the most interesting and innovative features of the ADR technology is that it is insensitive to the moisture content of the input. In on-site breaker operations, all materials must be kept moist to avoid dust. Since the ADR technology can classify C&DW aggregates independently of their moisture content, it can produce gravel and sand from EOL concrete on-site. With proper logistics, significant savings in road transport of building materials can therefore be achieved. Besides, this feature reduces process complexity and avoids problems associated with dust or sludge. As shown in Figure 1, ADR is installed on a 13.2m trailer so that it can be easily transported by a truck to a demolition site to process aggregates on site.