OREANDA-NEWS. The investments made by Vale and its external partners in research projects in the area of innovation, science and technology go beyond our business. Between 2009 and 2012, more than BRL 400 million was invested in 161 research projects. Out of these, 51 projects are not directly linked to Vale's businesses, and they aim at stimulating the scientific development beyond the company's horizons.

This is an example of how to put into practice the open innovation concept, which refers to the formation of research networks in order to develop ideas, products and processes. At the moment, various researchers from famous research and education institutions in Brazil and abroad are conducting studies that can generate innovations potentially beneficial not only to Vale, but to the whole mining industry. This is the particular case of a project relating to the production of hydrogen and biodiesel, which are alternative energy sources. The project was developed by the School of Chemical Engineering of the Federal University of Uberlandia (Minas Gerais), together with researchers from the University of Sao Carlos (Sao Paulo). This study is the result of a partnership between Vale and the Minas Gerais State Research Promotion Foundation, which, in turn, passes the resources to the research groups.

Among the raw materials of biodiesel are soybean, sugarcane and sunflower

It considers the whole biodiesel process: from the manufacturing of the product, done in a more sustainable way, to the reduction of waste and effluents. The research is also trying to discover a bio-hydrogen production formula starting from microorganisms.

Despite being a long-term project, some steps of the process are already showing results, such as the 99.9% reduction in the water consumption used for the biodiesel 'washing' – one of the steps in the biofuel production process. This savings can facilitate the industrial use of the method.

"These are two innovative energy lines, which are benefitting the institutions, the region and the country by improving the equipment and by offering qualified training to the people. For Vale, this study can benefit company areas, just like the patenting of future innovations developed by our group," explains researcher Vicelma Cardoso.

Vegetable oils that generate light

Typical oils from the Amazon region, such as buriti, palm and acai, can be applied in the production of LED lamps

Another protect that is worth highlighting, which is part of the NanoMat research network and is sponsored by both Vale and Para’s Amazon Research Foundation, investigates the physical characteristics of vegetable oils.

The project is focusing on the typical oils from the Amazon region, such as buriti, palm and acai. Such materials are highly luminescent and they can be applied in the production of LED lamps, for example. The studies are currently being tested.

The support given by Vale and Para’s Amazon Research Foundation granted a new status to the group and to the Physics College of UFPA (The Federal University of Para). "We have conquered new installations, laboratories and some of the most modern equipment in the world. This contributed to the research quality and allowed our institution to gain strength in the national research scene," celebrates UFPA's Physics Department Professor and member of the NanoMat research network, Sanclayton Moreira.