First ProWave^® vermiculite processing system field trial by Silvaperl

e2v, the specialist provider of technology solutions for high performance systems, announces the agreement for the first commercial field trial installation of its ProWave vermiculite processing system with Silvaperl, the UK’s leading producer of exfoliated vermiculite.

The ProWave vermiculite processing system from e2v, shortlisted for “Green Product of the Year” at the 2011 British Engineering Excellence Awards, will be installed in October and will run alongside conventional furnaces at Silvaperl’s facility in the UK.

Extended trials with vermiculite from Brazil, South Africa, China, Uganda, Bulgaria and India will be undertaken, with the system also working as a demonstrator for future customers.

Vermiculite is a naturally occurring mineral used across a broad range of industrial and commercial markets, including insulation, protective coatings and agriculture. Approximately 530,000 tonnes of vermiculite are processed each year, through an estimated 400 facilities around the world.

e2v’s ProWave system utilises patented technology in a novel application of RF microwave power to the processing of vermiculite; the system is capable of delivering significant savings in energy consumption, in the order of a 90% reduction over existing fossil fuel based systems, and also delivers improvements in material quality and yield.

Keith Attwood, CEO of e2v, commented: “Working in partnership with Silvaperl, a well respected and leading European vermiculite processing company, on this first installation will enable us to demonstrate ProWave’s reliability and quality, together with the system’s ability to transform the economics of vermiculite processing.”

Guy Sinclair Business Manager of Silvaperl said “It’s a really exciting development for us to be involved in and we are looking forward to carrying out full commercial trials over the next six months, which will provide data in terms of yield of product from different ores from around the world”.

The forthcoming ProWave field trial installation was announced to the London Stock Exchange last month.

For more information go to www.e2vprowave.com

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Press contact: Mike Tarbard: Mike.tarbard@e2v.com

NOTES FOR EDITORS

About e2v

e2v is a leading global provider of specialist technology for high performance systems and equipment; delivering solutions, sub-systems and components for specialist applications within medical & science, aerospace & defence, and commercial & industrial markets.

e2v is headquartered in the UK, employs approximately 1500 people, has design and production facilities across Europe and North America, and has a global network of sales and technical support offices. For the year ended 31 March 2011, e2v reported sales of £229m and is listed on the London Stock Exchange. For more information visit e2v.com.

About Silvaperl

Silvaperl is part of William Sinclair, established in 1850, William Sinclair now supplies approximately 1 million cubic metres of growing media and a range of horticultural products to both the retail and professional grower markets.
William Sinclair stands for high levels of service and trust and their responsibility to care for the environment is at the heart of what they do. With a reputation built on the provision of the highest quality and innovative products, combined with specialist knowledge of the horticulture industry.