Spin-out formed
A novel, safe, cost-effective method of treating and disposing of waste metalworking fluids has been developed by researchers from the Centre for Ecology and Hydrology, part of the UK Natural Environment Research Council (NERC), has been spun out into a start-up, Microbial Solutions Ltd.
The new treatment method is based on microbiological technology developed by Professor Ian Thompson and Dr Christopher van der Gast, who formed the company with the backing of the NERC Commercialisation Team and Oxford-based investors H2O Venture Partners.
The technology, Microcycle, is capable of breaking down whole waste metalworking fluids (MWFs) without the need for pre-treatment, to chemical oxygen demand (COD) levels well below the environmental consent limit. The waste can therefore be safely disposed of in local sewers, unlike untreated waste MWFs, which carry high levels of COD and generally require transportation to a disposal and treatment facility.
Thompson said, “New regulations over the past few years have inflated the costs involved in disposing of MWFs. Our technology provides an on-site solution that allows for their safe disposal without the need for costly transportation, which saves both money and time.”
The NERC Commercialisation Team works with scientists within the NERC’s four wholly owned research centres (British Antarctic Survey, British Geological Survey, Centre for Ecology & Hydrology and the Proudman Oceanographic Laboratory) to identify commercial development opportunities for technologies developed through research projects, identify collaborators and negotiate licences.
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