Integrated Resource Management

Integrated Resource Management

Integrated Resource Management (I.R.M.) offers consulting services in resource recovery technology. The main areas of activity are in energy efficient recycling of metals and metal based chemicals. The Metal Industries served are primarily Zinc, Lead and Steel. Projects that have been completed include the recovery of zinc by-products as zinc oxide and other zinc chemicals.
Resource recovery has been achieved by the use of both pyrometallurgical and hydrometallurgical processes.
The company also provides consulting services to the Steel
Industry for the recovery of waste products such as electric arc furnace dust. Evaluation of projects in these areas is also provided to Venture Capital companies. I.R.M. recently completed a C.I.D.A. funded project in India where solutions were offered to the problems facing the secondary Zinc and Lead Industry sectors. Integrated Resource Management is active on a world-wide basis and is currently providing consulting services in Canada, the U.S., Europe and Asia.

Company Details

Company Information

Peter J. Robinson
Title: Manager
Telephone: (519) 843-4156
Fax: (519) 843-5475
Email: Click Here

Services

Environmental Products And Services

Feasibility Study - Innovative Use For Scrap Tires And Plastic (1992) The Project Was Judged To Be Economically Viable I.R.M. were approached by a potential investor to determine the feasibility of a recycling project for scrap tires and plastic waste. Rubber crumb and chopped plastic were incorporated into a thermoplastic blend by use of a high energy mixer. The blend could then be molded into a variety of products which previously had been made from new rubber. I.R.M.'s evaluation concluded that the process was technologically and economically viable. Subsequently I.R.M. contributed to the design of the plant to produce the recycled rubber products for roadway uses.

Make Innovative Changes To The Chemical Process A client's hydrometallurgical facility for the recovery of electric arc furnace dust was unable to meet the design capacity due to difficulties with both the process and equipment. The chemical process was significantly modified by I.R.M. making it less capital intensive and much easier to control. Patents have been applied for and this process is expected to be operational at new facilities in 2000.

Basel Convention Implications For Trade In Secondary Materials (1999) The Problem Was Found To Be Political Rather Than Technological A C.I.D.A. funded project was undertaken in India in which the objective was to determine the applicability of environmentally clean technologies to the secondary Lead and Zinc Industries. It was found that companies were well aware of the technologies available. The reason for the problems was that the companies were being starved of secondary materials. The Indian government had earlier stopped the import of the secondary lead and zinc materials in an effort to conform to Basel Convention directives. The effect of this action was to exacerbate the problems caused by the extensive 'backyard smelting' of spent lead/acid batteries. In addition, zinc sulfate, a necessary trace element for human health, was not available to treat zinc deficient soils. The guidance provided by I.R.M. was primarily to Government agencies. The first stage was to recognize that Basel Convention politics are determined by countries that are trying to prevent the export of their secondary materials. This is irrespective of the environmental conformance of the companies receiving the materials. The Indian Government has since taken steps to lift the import ban. A scheme was proposed to account for the flow of secondary lead within India and this would be the cornerstone of a united effort to channel such materials through government approved facilities. Government and Industry Groups are starting to implement this objective also.