e2v and The University of Nottingham form the e2v Centre for Industrial Microwave Processing

Plans for a new research centre that will take cutting-edge technologies from the lab to the marketplace and help to reduce the environmental impact of industry have been unveiled by e2v, a leading designer, developer and manufacturer of specialised components and subsystems and The University of Nottingham.

The e2v Centre for Industrial Microwave Processing (e2v CIMP) will be formed through a partnership between researchers in the National Centre for Industrial Processing at the University’s Faculty of Engineering and e2v.

The centre will focus on the commercialisation of innovative technologies developed at the university that will harness the benefits of microwave processing for use in a wide range of bulk material processing industries.

The collaboration will allow global companies to improve efficiency and product quality, while minimising the impact of their operation on the environment by reducing waste and energy consumption.

For example, up to  five per cent of the world’s electrical energy output is currently used to grind rocks to liberate  valuable  metals within them*. Microwave technology can be used to stress and fracture the rock prior to grinding, achieving the same results for a fraction of the energy consumption.

Professor Sam Kingman, e2v CIMP director, said: “Global industry is currently faced with the need to become more energy efficient, develop processes which are more sustainable, reduce waste and increase overall efficiency. Microwave processing technologies are one way of meeting these challenges but up until now the road from laboratory to industry has been a difficult one for many reasons. This collaboration will bring together step-change multidisciplinary research, with world-leading microwave technology, to make meeting global process challenges a reality.”

The collaboration will see a financial contribution of more than £1 million from e2v, with significant match funding from the university, and will position the two partners at the forefront of developments in energy efficient microwave processing technology.

Dr. Trevor Cross, Group Chief Technology Officer at e2v, said: “The cash investment into the e2v CIMP, together with the 2-way sharing of knowledge, will both accelerate scientific research and lead to more effective economic impact from technologies based on that research.  Improving wealth creation by investing in UK academia is essential and e2v is proud to join with Nottingham, to create a leading partnership in this respect.”

The agreement with e2v further strengthens The University of Nottingham’s portfolio of successful technology transfer partnerships that currently includes other industry leaders such as Rolls Royce plc, Siemens and BAE Systems.

Professor Nick Miles, Associate Dean for External Relations and Internationalisation in the Faculty of Engineering said: “This is a great example of knowledge transfer. The hard work put in by both the academic and industry teams has paid off in the formation of this exciting venture which will enable the flow of people, skills and knowledge between e2v and The University of Nottingham.”

Professor Chris Rudd, Pro-Vice-Chancellor for Knowledge Transfer, added: “Gone are the days when researchers would stay in the lab, industry bosses would talk business, and never the twain shall meet.  It has never been a more exciting time to be a scientist or engineer — the world-leading research being conducted in Nottingham is having a real impact in the commercial market through knowledge transfer partnerships such as this new venture with e2v. A huge part of what we do is geared towards solving real industry problems and it’s a thrill to see the results translating into much-needed solutions.”

* Martin Rhodes; Introduction to Particle Technology, Wiley, (1998)
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PRESS OFFICE CONTACT:

Jessica Broom      jessica.broom@e2v.com           Tel: + 44 (0) 1 245 453 607

 
NOTES FOR EDITORS

e2v technologies plc

e2v technologies is a leading designer, developer and manufacturer of specialised components and subsystems, falling within two product groups:

• Electronic tubes
•  Sensors and Semiconductors

These products enable some of the world’s leading OEMs to deliver innovative systems for medical and science, aerospace and defence, and commercial and industrial applications.

For the year ended 31 March 2008, e2v achieved sales of £205m and is listed on the London Stock Exchange (e2v.l).  In July 2006 e2v technologies plc acquired a leading designer, manufacturer and distributor of specialised electronic components and sub-systems, based in Grenoble, France and in May of 2007 e2v plc acquired MiCS Microchemical Systems SA a designer and manufacturer of semiconductor based gas sensors.  These acquisitions strengthen the Group’s position as a major global provider of specialised electronic components and subsystems.

e2v’s products are supplied into three core market areas:

• Medical & Science: Sensor technology includes imaging sensors for intra-oral and panoramic dental X-ray, mammography, life science applications and X-ray microscopy. Electronic tubes are the enabling technology behind radiotherapy cancer treatments, microwave medical therapy and high-energy physics.
• Aerospace & Defence: Sensor technology includes products for military surveillance, targeting and guidance, space-based imaging and astronomy, radar, electronic warfare, and broadband data converters and microprocessors for aerospace applications.  Electronic tubes provide the enabling technology behind radars, electronic countermeasures (ECM), electronic warfare and satellite communications.
• Commercial & Industrial: Sensor technology includes marine radars, industrial safety sensors, automotive radars and alarms, thermal imaging cameras used by fire fighters, CCD and CMOS high resolution line scan cameras for industrial inspection. Electronic tubes provide enabling technology behind TV broadcast, satellite communications, marine radar and food & industrial processing.

The overall purpose of the business is to grow sustainable shareholder value whilst appropriately meeting the expectations of customers, people, partners, suppliers and the wider community.  e2v’s vision is to create value through bright ideas in technology and materials science. The Company’s mission is to place customers at the heart of the business, providing enabling products of premium quality that extend technical barriers and enhance the competitive position of our partners.

e2v has approximately 1,800 employees worldwide with three UK based manufacturing sites in Chelmsford, Lincoln and High Wycombe, one in Grenoble, France and one in Corcelles, Switzerland.  In addition e2v has sales offices in the UK, USA, Germany, France and Hong Kong, as well as a network of distributors and representatives covering other key territories.

Further information on e2v technologies plc is available from its website, www.e2v.com

The University of Nottingham

The University of Nottingham is ranked in the UK”s Top 10 and the World”s Top 70 universities by the Shanghai Jiao Tong (SJTU) and Times Higher (THES) World University Rankings.

It provides innovative and top quality teaching, undertakes world-changing research, and attracts talented staff and students from 150 nations. Described by The Times as Britain”s “only truly global university”, it has invested continuously in awa
rd-winning campuses in the United Kingdom, China and Malaysia. Twice since 2003 its research and teaching academics have won Nobel Prizes. The University has won the Queen”s Award for Enterprise in both 2006 (International Trade) and 2007 (Innovation – School of Pharmacy).
 
Its students are much in demand from ”blue-chip” employers. Winners of Students in Free Enterprise for four years in succession, and current holder of UK Graduate of the Year, they are accomplished artists, scientists, engineers, entrepreneurs, innovators and fundraisers.
Nottingham graduates consistently excel in business, the media, the arts and sport. Undergraduate and postgraduate degree completion rates are amongst the highest in the United Kingdom.