De elektronische studiegids voor het academiejaar 2026 - 2027 is onder voorbehoud.





Circular environmental technology (4281)
Coordinating lecturer:Prof. dr. Wouter SCHROEYERS 
Member of the teaching team:Prof. dr. Lowie BRABANTS 
 De heer Maarten JANS 

Credits: 4,0
Study load hours: 108
Period: semester 2 (4sp)

Language of instruction: English
Exam contract: not possible

2nd Chance Exam1: Yes
Final grade2: Numerical
Tolerance3: See included in these programmes
Sequentiality
No sequentiality


Content

The Circular Environmental Technology course consists of 3 parts:

(1) Techniques for waste/residue treatment and options for more sustainable materials (and energy) management.  ln this context options for implementing a circular economy and cradle to cradle are considered.

(2) Sustainable materials management (reuse, recycling,...) applied to industries impacted by naturally occurring radioactive materials (NORM)

(3) Circularity applied in the nuclear sector (nuclear dismantling / prevention and radioactive waste management...)

 

Part 1 Techniques for waste/residue treatment and options for more sustainable materials (and energy) management.

In particular, the usability of available treatment techniques for different waste types is assessed. When choosing a suitable processing technique, a trade-off is made between various technological, legislative and economic factors. In addition, the course o.a. also deals with the construction, impact and management of landfills. Throughout the course, consequences of environmental policies are examined.

The following aspects are discussed:

  1. Methods of waste processing

    1. Pyrolysis, gasification and combustion

    2. Biological conversion methods

  2. Construction, impact and management of landfills

Within the waste policies, the emphasis is slowly shifting from waste processing to sustainable materials management. Potential waste prevention measures and strategies for sustainable materials management have a special place in this course. In the context of sustainable materials management, the concept of 'Cradle to Cradle' (waste = food) is discussed in detail. In addition, the necessary attention is paid to the energy transition and the application of sustainable energy techniques.

The following aspects are discussed:

  1. Sustainable materials management and Circular economy (Cradle to cradle)

  2. Energy transition & sustainable energy techniques (incl. regulations)

 

Part 2 Sustainable materials management applied to NORM


The 2nd part specifically looks at the recycling and reuse options of naturally occurring radioactive materials (NORM). In particular, the options for reusing NORM residues in construction materials (cement binders, concrete, etc.) are discussed in detail. 

The following aspects are discussed:

  1. Reuse and recycling of NORM residues in several industrial sectors

    1. Recycling in construction materials

    2. Recycling in agriculture and related applications

    3. Extraction of metals and rare earths

Part 3 Sustainable materials management applied to the Nuclear sector

The 3rd part deals with options for sustainable materials management in the nuclear sector (including nuclear decommissioning and tackling radioactive waste).

The following aspects are discussed:

  1. Nuclear dismantling
  2. Prevention and tackling of radioactive waste...)


Organisational and teaching methods
Organisational methods  
Application Lecture ✔  
Teaching methods  
Case study ✔  


Evaluation

Semester 2 (4,00sp)

Evaluation method
Written exam100 %

Second examination period

Evaluation second examination opportunity different from first examination opprt
No


Learning outcomes
  EC = learning outcomes      DC = partial outcomes      BC = evaluation criteria  
Master of Nuclear Engineering Technology
  •  EC 

    • EC6 - The holder of the degree, with a specialization in Environmental Engineering Technology, has acquired specialist and profound knowledge of, insight and skills in environmental technological domains such as environment analysis, approach and prevention of environmental issues, environmental process technology, environmental regulations and sustainable materials and energy management. 

     
  •  DC 

    • DC1 - The studenthas knowledge of the basic concepts, structures and coherence.

      
  •  BC 
    • The student is able to describe an adapted waste treatment technique for a given residual flow.
    • The student is able to describe strategies for sustainable materials management for specific cases
     
  •  DC 

    • DC2 - The studenthas insight in the basic concepts and methods.

      
  •  BC 
    • The student is able to elaborate the process for waste prevention and treatment, taking into account the valid regulations and cost-benefit analysis.
    • The student is able to develop and adapt adapted waste treatment techniques for a given residual flow.
    • The student can develop and adapt strategies for sustainable materials management for specific cases.
     
  •  DC 

    • DC3 - The studentcan recognize problems, plan activities and perform accordingly.

      
  •  BC 

    • The student is able to recognize recycling and reuse related problems and initiate the development of an alternative approach.

     
  •  DC 

    • DC5 - The studentcan analyze problems, logically structure and interpret them.

      
  •  BC 

    • The student is able to analyse and interpret problems related to waste treatment, landfill management and sustainable materials management and to develop an approach.

     
  •  DC 

    • DC6 - The studentcan select methods and make calculated choices to solve problems or design solutions.

      
  •  BC 

    • The student will be able to assess the relevant parameters for the different waste treatment methods and strategies for sustainable materials management.

     
  •  DC 

    • DC7 - The studentcan use selected methods and tools to implement solutions and designs.

      
  •  BC 
    • The student can discuss sustainable environmental and energy reduction methods with their advantages and disadvantages and also make proposals for their implementation.
    • The student is able to apply environmental management systems and management in a practical way.
     
  •  DC 

    • DC8 - The studentcan evaluate knowledge and skills critically to adjust own reasoning and course of action accordingly.

      
  •  BC 

    • De student kan het proces voor preventie en zuivering bepalen, rekening houdend met de geldige reglementering en kosten-batenanalyse.

 
Included in these programmesTolerance3
Y
Exchange Programme Engineering Technology Y
Master of Nuclear Engineering Technology - Environmental Engineering Technology Y



1   Education, Examination and Legal Position Regulations art.12.2, section 2.
2   Education, Examination and Legal Position Regulations art.15.1, section 3.
3   Education, Examination and Legal Position Regulations art.16.9, section 2.