Blog Next Step for the Foundry: Enhancing Environmental Sustainability

The dust levels around the MOTOR JIKOV Group's *Slévárna litiny* in České Budějovice have been significantly reduced thanks to an investment in new sand processing exhaust systems. This project cost 13.2 million Czech korunas. March testing confirmed the substantial decrease in dust emissions. The foundry employs 76 people.

"The improvement in our employees' work environment is remarkable. At the same time, we aim to operate the foundry with minimal environmental impact. Although investing in exhaust technology is not primarily profit-driven, we committed to it. I admit that high dust levels used to concern me. Today, the workplace is at a top standard," stated Miroslav Dvořák, CEO of MOTOR JIKOV Group a.s.

MOTOR JIKOV Slévárna a.s. will continue enhancing its work environment and ecological footprint this year. "Investments included dust extraction technology for sand processing, two shot-blasting machines, and twelve grinding machines, totaling 12.6 million CZK. An additional 0.6 million CZK was allocated for construction, electrical, and air distribution work. A second phase of investment, amounting to 5.5 million CZK, is planned for this year. It covers extraction systems on medium-frequency furnaces and the molding line Disa, which also serves to cool castings," explained Radek Mach, Director of the *Slévárna litiny* division.

The new technology allows for recirculating the extracted air back into the halls, significantly reducing the operational environmental burden. "This should also result in energy savings during winter, eliminating the need for emission measurements and the purchase of emission allowances," added Radek Mach.

The technology was supplied by Herding, a company specializing in environmental engineering, which uses its proprietary filter lamella system with a lifespan of ten to fifteen years. The system is divided into three blocks, ensuring continuous operation even if one or two blocks fail, without impacting the environment. The five outlets from the wet scrubbers, visible on the roof from the surroundings, have been replaced with three simple outlets used only during summer months.