2011-NMMU-Research-Report - Research Management - Nelson ...

30
Algae-to-Energy
Algae in hanging bags.
The Algae-to-Bio-energy project being run by InnoVenton, the
NMMU’s Institute for Chemical Technology, is focused on developing
algae-based technologies for environmentally sustainable energy
use and energy recycling. There are three main focus areas:
production of algae using photobioreactors, using algae to bind
waste and fine coal to produce higher value coal agglomerates,
and producing biocrude oil from algae liquefaction. The project has
received funding from the Department of Science and Technology’s
biofuels initiative, which is managed by the Technology Innovation
Agency.
The project has attracted significant attention, given the current
international focus on climate change and production of renewable
energy, and was invited to exhibit at the COP17 Conference in
Durban. Stakeholders and funders include the Department of
Science and Technology, Eskom, and the Technology Innovation
Agency. The University of Cape Town is collaborating on the project.
Algae greenhouse.
NMMU Research and Innovation Report 2011 - Research Overview
Friction processing applications
Prof Danie Hattingh and the welding machine.
Prof Danie Hattingh and his team at eNtsa have, in collaboration
with Eskom, developed and patented a process that can assist
with decision-making around life prediction of current engineering
structures, including power stations. The process reduces the risk
of unexpected catastrophic failure and reduces plant downtime,
which contributes to substantial cost savings as well as increased
safety.
The novelty of the process, trade marked as WeldCore TM , is that a
metallurgical sample can be taken without having to puncture the
inner wall of the steam pipe and a structurally sound weld can be
made to fill the blind hole created. In 2011, a team of engineers from
eNtsa successfully removed a core sample from an Eskom turbine
and repaired the removal site using the WeldCore TM process. This
will lead to the postponement of capital expenditure and result in
a major cost saving for Eskom.
The process will be commercialised via a spin-off company, Mantacor,
which will provide services to local and international companies
requiring material testing.
MaXhosa by Laduma
Laduma Ngxokolo’s Xhosa-inspired contemporary knitwear range
was presented at Cape Town’s Design Indaba as well as London
Fashion Week in 2011. Named the "Best Emerging Designer" by
Marie Claire magazine in 2011, the BTech Textile Design alumnus
has developed his knitwear range under the MaXhosa by Laduma
brand, which was started in May 2011 through a partnership
between his company and the NMMU. Laduma was inspired to
create a high-quality, eco-friendly Xhosa-inspired knitwear range
for amakrwala (Xhosa male initiates), who currently dress in
international brands soon after their initiation ceremony.