The Portraits of Changemakers series focuses on visionary individuals who work at Aeromag and who, every day, demonstrate a willingness to make a difference in the world. Among them, Martin Jones (RRR Facility Supervisor) and Renick Anderson (Glycol Recycling Technician) at our Syracuse station (RRR SYR), New York.
Martin has been an integral part of the Aeromag team for the past year, bringing over a decade of experience from his service in the U.S. Army, along with a degree in science. Renick, our newest team member, joins us with several years of experience in maintenance and a strong background in electrical engineering. Both are currently contributing their expertise at Aeromag’s newest RRR (Recuperate, Recycle, Reuse) facility, which began operations in November 2023.
Martin is driven by the challenge of turning the concept of the glycol recycling facility into a reality. For Renick, the excitement comes from applying theoretical knowledge to real-world scientific work, particularly in ways that contribute to environmental protection. This blend of purpose and impact brings both excitement and fulfillment to his workday.
« We never run out of problems to solve. There’s always something new to tackle. As a technically minded person who cares about the environment, it doesn’t get much better than this. », says Renick.
Overcoming Challenges and Learning Through Failure
Moving this project from construction to full operation has come with many challenges, mainly due to unexpected issues we couldn’t predict or control. However, solving these problems has given the team valuable experience that will benefit us in the future. Failure is an important part of learning, especially in an experimental station where it’s hard to predict system faults. Over time, these issues arise, allowing us to find solutions that not only fix current problems but also make the system stronger for future challenges. As we address each issue, the system runs more smoothly, and this process helps improve future plant designs. While failure can be frustrating, it helps us learn and respond faster, ensuring long-term success.
Continuous Improvements
When asked about the most significant improvement impacting efficiency and sustainability, Martin and Renick highlighted the L.C.E. (Low Content Evaporator). This innovative system enhances both efficiency and sustainability by allowing us to remove more glycol from water before it’s returned to the treatment system. This process benefits the environment, local water tables, and surrounding wildlife. Moreover, it reduces the strain on water treatment facilities by addressing the challenges of PG, a hydrophilic substance that’s difficult to separate and can damage piping and containment systems in city waterways. The L.C.E. is also far more energy-efficient than previous models, significantly lowering the system’s carbon footprint.
The work of Martin, Renick and the rest of the Syracuse team exemplifies the dedication and innovation driving our mission to make a positive impact on the environment and industry. Through their expertise, perseverance, and problem-solving mindset, they contribute to the success of the RRR facility, where challenges are met with determination and continuous improvement. Their work with the Low Content Evaporator highlights how technology and sustainable practices can lead to meaningful advancements in efficiency and environmental protection. As they continue to push boundaries and learn from each step of the process, they embody the spirit of changemakers who are not only shaping the future of Aeromag but also fostering a greener, more sustainable world for generations to come.
Martin and Renick might use their determination and sense of collaboration to reach new heights as a team, but they aren’t the only changemakers at Aeromag. Discover the other fascinating portraits of the key players in our big family.
