Kerala Firm Turns Waste Sand into 4000 Eco-Friendly, Low-Cost Bricks Everyday. One man’s trash is another man’s treasure. This proverb aptly describes the innovative initiative of Autokast Ltd, a government of Kerala undertaking that manufactures ferrous castings and industrial valves.
The company produces about 700 tonnes of waste foundry sand every month, which is usually dumped in landfills or sold to other industries. However, with the help of a technology developed by the CSIR-National Institute for Interdisciplinary Science and Technology (NIIST), Autokast Ltd has found a way to turn this waste sand into eco-friendly and low-cost silica bricks that can be used for construction purposes.
The Technology behind Waste Sand into Bricks
The technology involves mixing the waste foundry sand with a binder and compressing it into bricks using a hydraulic press. The bricks are then cured at room temperature for 28 days. The resulting bricks have high strength, durability and resistance to water absorption. They also have a smooth surface and uniform shape and size. The technology has been patented by NIIST and transferred to Autokast Ltd under a license agreement.
The Benefits Waste Sand into Bricks
The main benefit of this technology is that it reduces the environmental impact of waste foundry sand, which is a major source of pollution and health hazards. By converting it into useful bricks, Autokast Ltd not only saves on disposal costs but also generates additional revenue from selling the bricks. The bricks are also cheaper than conventional clay bricks and can be used for various applications such as building walls, pavements, boundary walls, etc. Moreover, the technology is simple, scalable and energy-efficient, requiring minimal infrastructure and manpower.
The Future Waste Sand into Bricks
Autokast Ltd has set up a manufacturing unit with a capacity to produce 4,000 bricks per day at its premises in Alappuzha district of Kerala. The unit was inaugurated by the Chief Minister of Kerala, Pinarayi Vijayan, on February 15, 2023. The company plans to initially produce around 1,500 bricks per day and gradually increase the production to meet the demand. It also aims to market the bricks to various government departments, public sector undertakings and private builders in Kerala and other states.
Autokast Ltd’s initiative is a shining example of how waste can be transformed into wealth with the help of science and technology. It also showcases how public-private partnerships can foster innovation and sustainability in the industrial sector.
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