CREOSOLVE – Disposal of used wooden railway sleepers and other creosote oil treated components using thermal and biological methods: technology selection based on process efficiency and life cycle assessment (LCA)

Project objectives:

Development of an innovative technology for the disposal of waste wood impregnated with creosote oil (railway sleepers, telecommunications poles, etc.). The main objective of the project is to prepare such a technology, which will be characterised by:

1) high efficiency,

2) low price,

3) easy scalability,

4) reduced environmental impact.

 

Results:

The project will develop three independent methods for the disposal of used wooden railway sleepers and other wooden components treated with creosote oil:

1) a hybrid method combining thermal treatment and microbial decomposition processes,

2) a bioremediation method using the metabolic potential of selected species of microorganisms and plants,

3) a composting method leading additionally to a useful product – compost used as a fertiliser.

 

The final selection of the most optimal technology and its subsequent pre-implementation optimisation will depend on the results obtained from the efficiency of the disposal process, the results of the Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) carried out and the potential launch and operating costs of the target technology installation.

Download the information sheet (in Polish)