Athlone Institute of Technology has helped a Belfast company invent a cleaning system that enables asbestos on roofs to be cleaned safely. The new system revolutionises the need for the removal of dangerous corrugated asbestos cement sheeting from roofs.
The School of Engineering at AIT partnered with Patterson Protective Coatings Ltd through their participation in InterTradeIreland’s FUSION programme. Lecturers in the institute worked with the east Belfast firm to enable their ideas and design become a reality.
According to Patterson’s, there are 30 million acres of roofs across the UK and Ireland containing asbestos. Strict legislation governs the cleaning of asbestos sheeting, and the new cleaning system has been approved by the Health and Safety Executive in the UK, while approval from the Health and Safety Authority in Ireland is pending.
Lecturer and team leader for AIT, Keith Vaugh, said: “We are delighted to have been partnered with Patterson Protective Coatings Ltd through this project and to have assisted them in realising their vision. Our involvement has not only benefited our team but also students on our degree programme in integrated manufacturing systems, some of whom had the opportunity to become involved with the development of the system.”
According to Alvin J. Patterson, manager, the new system allows the asbestos to be kept on the roof without disruption or inconvenience to the client.
“Removing asbestos from roofs has traditionally been very dangerous and involved...The only void in the process was how to clean the asbestos in a safe manner and our new system addresses this perfectly. The cleaning head keeps any loose particles contained and waterborne, which simplifies the process with zero risk of spreading the fibres,” he said.
“The power hoses and cleaning head catch any loose fibres, which are then filtrated and contained. The filtered water is then re-used to continue cleaning the roof, allowing a more environmentally-friendly cleaning solution. The water filters which contain the asbestos particles are then double-bagged and disposed of safely.”
Mr Patterson added: “Historically we provide protective coatings for highly exposed and coastal structures and have worked with many companies across Ireland, including Bombardier Shorts, Belfast City Council, Carroll Meats of Tullamore, and Letterkenny General Hospital.”
Peter Grant, managing agent for InterTradeIreland’s FUSION programme, said: “FUSION enables the knowledge and technology transfer between business and academia to support innovation and increase capability. By linking Patterson’s and AIT, an innovative new system has been developed that will benefit users and the environment as a whole. It has also stimulated cross-border trade because, once accredited, Patterson’s will be able to tender for government contracts in Ireland and expand their customer base,” he said.
Strong relationships with industry are a fundamental part of AIT’s mission, said Austin Hanley, head of the school of engineering. “The expertise which we can offer to companies can help them make step-shifts in the development of new products and processes. The success of projects such as this reflects the calibre of our students, staff, and researchers, as well as the cutting-edge facilities which are available here in Athlone,” he said.
“AIT has an excellent track record in engaging with FUSION projects and a number of patent ideas are being considered, particularly in information and communications technology.
“Such success has myriad benefits for our students and graduates, for employers and for our staff. Furthermore, the hands-on experience of engaging with new graduates in the workplace brings a richness to the development and delivery of our programmes that is not found elsewhere,” he stated.
Further information is available online at www.intertradeireland.com
