Bangor University Hyperspectral Camera

Tender description

Centre for Efficient Timber Recovery and Recycling (CETReR) Recycling and reuse of waste wood is a core requirement of UK and European waste directives, and although there may be divergence on certain aspects, a simple aim remains that, where possible, recycled wood should be used for products rather than energy production. The current recycling system recognises waste wood as an important feedstock, with its value dependent on quality, as defined by a four tier grading system (A for clean wood to D for contaminated wood). The valuable A and B grades are predominantly processed for panel manufacture or for energy production, with significant exports to European partners. This, however, results in larger timbers being processed for feedstocks rather than reused in new products. Reuse of solid timber (which can be recycled at a later stage) increases both the value of the waste and the effective lifespan of the timber, enhancing positive aspects of embodied carbon storage. A critical issue for efficient reuse of waste wood is the identification of contaminants, the presence of which causes down grading, reducing both value and options for recycling. These may be in the form of preservatives or paints (difficult to identify), or metal (easy to identify but costly to remove). Clearly identifying contaminated waste will allow more wood to be reused and reduce material sent to landfill. Hyper spectral imaging will assist to identify and model the type of contamination on wood waste improving the efficiency of wood waste separation.