Plant Refurbishment Options Based on the Life Cycle Assessment

2009 ◽  
Vol 16-19 ◽  
pp. 1091-1095
Author(s):  
Stuart Tomlinson ◽  
Chang J. Wang ◽  
Colin Morgan

This paper provides an analysis of the carbon emissions of materials used by a water company in the refurbishment of mechanical and electrical equipment at its pumping station. A tool for attaining life cycle calculations for embodied carbon, which can be applied in similar applications, is developed. Due to uncertainties in the derivation of numerical data and other related information, such as sources of raw materials, the embodied carbon emissions are calculated and analyzed using material emission factors using the Life Cycle Assessment method. This work may be used as a template for organizations requiring estimates of embodied carbon in materials and plant, for example, as a precursor to a major refurbishment project.

2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (9) ◽  
pp. 4856
Author(s):  
Xuejie Deng ◽  
Yu Li ◽  
Hao Liu ◽  
Yile Zhao ◽  
Yinchao Yang ◽  
...  

Microbial induced carbonate precipitation (MICP) is a new geotechnical engineering technology used to strengthen soils and other materials. Although it is considered to be environmentally friendly, there is a lack of quantitative data and objective evaluation to support conclusions about its environmental impact. In this paper, the energy consumption and carbon emissions of MICP technology are quantitatively analyzed by using the life cycle assessment (LCA) method. The environmental effects of MICP technology are evaluated from the perspectives of resource consumption and environmental impact. The results show that for each tonne of calcium carbonate produced by MICP technology, 1.8 t standard coal is consumed and 3.4 t CO2 is produced, among which 80.4% of the carbon emissions and 96% of the energy consumption come from raw materials. Comparing using MICP with cement, lime, and sintered brick, the current MICP application process consumes less non-renewable resources but has a greater environmental impact. The major environmental impact that MICP has is the production of smoke and ash, with secondary impacts being global warming, photochemical ozone creation, acidification, and eutrophication. In five potential application scenarios of MICP, including concrete, sintered brick, lime mortar, mine cemented backfill, and foundation reinforcement, the carbon emissions of MICP are 3 to 7 times greater than the emissions of traditional technologies. The energy consumption is 15 to 23 times. Based on the energy consumption and carbon emissions characteristics of MICP technology at the current condition, suggestions are given for the future research of MICP.


Energies ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 12 (19) ◽  
pp. 3612 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yanmei Li ◽  
Ningning Ha ◽  
Tingting Li

To study the impact of the promotion of electric vehicles on carbon emissions in China, the full life carbon emissions of electric vehicles are studied on the basis of considering such factors as vehicle weight and grid mix composition, and fuel vehicles are added for comparison. In this paper, we collect data for 34 domestic electric vehicles, and linear regression analysis is used to model the relationship between vehicle weight and energy consumption. Then, a Hybrid Life Cycle Assessment method is used to establish the life cycle carbon emission calculation model for electric vehicles and fuel vehicles. Finally, the life cycle carbon emissions of electric vehicles and fuel vehicles under different electrical energy structures are discussed using scenario analysis. The results show that under the current grid mix composition in China, the carbon emissions of electric vehicles of the same vehicle weight class are 24% to 31% higher than that of fuel vehicles. As the proportion of clean energy in the grid mix composition increases, the advantages of electric vehicles to reduce carbon emissions will gradually emerge.


2017 ◽  
Vol 4 (2) ◽  
Author(s):  
Edilberto Llanes Cedeño

Los procesos de generación de electricidad a partir de combustibles fósiles son fuentes de contaminación ambiental, siendo una preocupación actual de los países en desarrollo. El objetivo del presente trabajo fue evaluar el impacto ambiental de la generación distribuida de electricidad en una central de 110 kV por medio del Análisis del Ciclo de Vida para la determinación de mejoras en el proceso. El Análisis del Ciclo de Vida (ACV) se realiza de acuerdo con los requisitos establecidos en la NC ISO 14040: 2009, utilizando el Eco-indicador 99 del software Sima Pro 7.1. Los impactos ambientales se evalúan a partir de un análisis de inventario en cada una de las etapas del proceso, contabilizando las entradas y salidas de materias primas, energía y emisiones al aire, agua y suelo, para lo cual se realiza un diagrama de flujo del proceso. A partir del análisis de los flujos, se determinó que los parámetros condenatorios en el caso de los efluentes, sólo se cumple para el pH y la conductividad eléctrica, en el caso de las emisiones al aire se viola con el NO2 y SO2. Los resultados muestran que la etapa de mayor contribución se concentra en el área de generación y los productos más agresivos al ambiente son el consumo de fuel oil (80 % para la salud humana, 53 % para el ecosistema y para los recursos naturales 95 %) y el producto residual de la limpieza de los materiales de explotación (en el caso del ecosistema 35 %). Abstract The electricity generation process from fossil fuels its source of environmental pollution, being a current concern at developing countries. The objective of the present work was to evaluate the environmental impact of the distributed electricity generation in an 110 kV oil fuel power station using the Life Cycle Assessment method to determinate improvements in the process. The Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) was perform according to the requirements established in the NC ISO 14040: 2009, using Eco-indicator 99 with software Sima Pro 7.1. The environmental impacts were evaluate starting from an inventory analysis in each stage of the process, accounting the inputs and outputs of raw materials, energy and emissions to the air, water and soil; a flow diagram of the process was generated for the assessment.  From the analysis of the flows, it was determined that the condemnatory parameters in the case of effluents, is only met for the pH and electrical conductivity, in the case of air emissions is violated with on the NO2 and SO2. The results, show that the stage with the greatest contribution is concentrated in the generation area, and the most aggressive products to the environment are the consumption of fuel oil (human health 80 %, ecosystem 53 % and natural resources 95 %) and the residual product of the cleaning of the exploitation materials (35 % in the case of the ecosystem).  


2019 ◽  
Vol 11 (20) ◽  
pp. 5628 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jan Lindner ◽  
Horst Fehrenbach ◽  
Lisa Winter ◽  
Judith Bloemer ◽  
Eva Knuepffer

In this article, the authors propose an impact assessment method for life cycle assessment (LCA) that adheres to established LCA principles for land use-related impact assessment, bridges current research gaps and addresses the requirements of different stakeholders for a methodological framework. The conservation of biodiversity is a priority for humanity, as expressed in the framework of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Addressing biodiversity across value chains is a key challenge for enabling sustainable production pathways. Life cycle assessment is a standardised approach to assess and compare environmental impacts of products along their value chains. The impact assessment method presented in this article allows the quantification of the impact of land-using production processes on biodiversity for several broad land use classes. It provides a calculation framework with degrees of customisation (e.g., to take into account regional conservation priorities), but also offers a default valuation of biodiversity based on naturalness. The applicability of the method is demonstrated through an example of a consumer product. The main strength of the approach is that it yields highly aggregated information on the biodiversity impacts of products, enabling biodiversity-conscious decisions about raw materials, production routes and end user products.


Author(s):  
Afsaneh Eskandari Ashgofti ◽  
Maryam Morovati ◽  
Ebrahim Alaiee ◽  
Kamelia Alavi

Introduction: Due to population growth and subsequent limited water resources, the use of treatment plant effluents is of particular importance. Therefore, this study was conducted to identify the environmental effects of the treatment plant and also to identify critical points or weaknesses of the treatment plant system and provide corrective action to reduce the severity of the effects.  Methods: After visiting the research institute and collecting data (during the years 2017-2018), the energy, consuming materials and output of the system were calculated using the life cycle assessment method. Finally, information on the spread of pollution and consumption was included in the list of index effects. To analyze the obtained information, Simapro software (using ILCD 2011 Midpoint V1.03 method) version 8.5.0.0. was applied. Results: Based on the research findings, the software depicted the evaluation of the effects in 13 categories and all the information entered in the software according to the impact, has participated in each category of effects, the most effective factors related to chloride, energy consumption and oil. Conclusion: The results of this study show that the main critical point identified in the treatment plant is related to electricity and the sanitary effluent is in a worse condition than the industrial effluent. However, the environmental impact of industrial effluents should not be neglected. Due to the fact that the MBR method is considered as one of the best methods of wastewater treatment, it is not recommended to change the treatment method, but with continuous monitoring and management of the system, it is possible to reduce the consumption of raw materials.


2018 ◽  
Vol 234 ◽  
pp. 02007 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ivan Evtimov ◽  
Rosen Ivanov ◽  
Georgi Kadikyanov ◽  
Gergana Staneva

This paper presents an analysis concerning the effectiveness of electric traction in comparison with conventional cars. The Life Cycle Assessment method is used. It estimates the energy spent for the extraction of the raw materials/sources, manufacturing and transportation of the components and the vehicle, motion, maintenance and repair during exploitation period and the recycling process. The impact of the production technology of the electric energy, needed for charging the battery, is taken into account. The energy consumption and CO2 emissions for the life cycle of electric and conventional cars are presented on graphs. Examples for Bulgaria and EU countries are given. The exploitation conditions in which the electric car is more effective regarding CO2 equivalent emissions are shown. The main influence on the effectiveness of electric cars has the structure of the energy mix of the country where the electric car is produced and is used in exploitation.


Author(s):  
Yevheniia Matis ◽  
Olga Krot

Based on the methods of product life cycle assessment, it is proposed to assess the environmental friendliness of the chemical plant. The LCA method represents the very systematic approach to assessing the environmental impact of production, carried out as a whole over its life cycle from the extraction and processing of raw materials to the use of individual components. It is used to systematically assess the impact of each stage of the production life cycle on the environment. Life cycle inventory analysis includes the collection of data required for the study, as well as the inventory of input (energy, water, raw materials and materials) and output (emissions into the environment, emissions, solid waste disposal, eastern water flows). a system that is a set of single processes interconnected by the flows of semi-finished products used in one or more given functions, with other productive systems and elementary flows with the environment (emissions into the atmosphere, discharges into water). Life cycle assessment (LCA) is a method that should be used to quantify the products and services of the environment carried out during its life cycle (ISO 14040 (2006)). There are several procedures approved by this methodology to support the calculation of the impact on emergencies. The methodology includes commercial software tools that are used directly or indirectly [1]. One of the goals of the LCA is to analyze the development of the production process at the station of emergency facilities. According to ISO 14040 (2006), the product life cycle assessment structure includes: 1) determining the level and scope to limit the study and select a functional unit; 2) analysis of input and output reserves of energy and materials that are important for the study of the research system; 3) life cycle impact assessment (LCIA) to classify environmental impacts; 4) phase interpretation, to test the overall popularity of the conclusion. The LCA can manage information to analyze and support the project and production decision-making process.


2021 ◽  
Vol 7 (1) ◽  
pp. 24-52
Author(s):  
Peng Liu ◽  
◽  
Bo Zhang ◽  
Changyan Yang ◽  
Yu Gong ◽  
...  

The electrified cleaning agent requires a moderate volatilization rate, low ozone-depleting substances value, non-flammable, non-explosive and other characteristics. This study performed a whole life cycle assessment on a hydrocarbon-based electrified cleaning agent. The life cycle model is cradle-to-grave, and the background data sets include power grid, transportation, high-density polyethylene, chemicals, etc. The analysis shows that the global warming potential (GWP) of the life cycle of 1 kg of electrified cleaning agent is 2.08 kg CO2 eq, acidification potential (AP) is 9.49E-03 kg SO2 eq, eutrophication potential (EP) is 1.18E-03 kg PO43-eq, respirable inorganic matter (RI) is 2.13E- 03 kg PM2.5 eq, ozone depletion potential (ODP) is 4.91E-05 kg CFC-11 eq, photochemical ozone formation potential (POFP) is 2.89E-02 kg NMVOC eq, ionizing radiation-human health potential (IRP) is 3.16E-02 kg U235 eq, ecotoxicity (ET) is 2.69E-01 CTUe, human toxicity-carcinogenic (HT-cancer) is 4.32E-08 CTUh, and human toxicity-non-carcinogenic (HT-non cancer) is 2.31E-07 CTUh. The uncertainty of the results is between 3.46-9.95%. The four processes of tetrachloroethylene production, D40 solvent oil production, tetrachloroethylene environmental discharge during product use, and electricity usage during product disposal have substantial effects on each LCA indicator, so they are the focus of process improvement. Changes in power consumption during production and transportation distance of raw materials have little effect on total carbon emissions. Compared with the production process of single-solvent electrified cleaning agent tetrachloroethylene and n-bromopropane, the production of the electrified cleaning agent developed in this study has its own advantages in terms of carbon footprint and other environmental impact indicators. Carbon emissions mainly come from the power consumption of each process, natural gas production and combustion, and other energy materials for heating. It is recommended to use renewable raw materials instead of crude oil to obtain carbon credits based on geographical advantages, and try to use production processes with lower carbon emissions, while the exhaust gas from the traditional production process is strictly absorbed and purified before being discharged.


2014 ◽  
Vol 998-999 ◽  
pp. 1520-1523
Author(s):  
Li Ping Wang ◽  
Bi Xi Dong ◽  
Meng Meng Yin

At present, the global warming has drew people`s attention to the emissions of greenhouse gases such as CO2, the essence of which is worrying about the more and more carbon emissions. PP-R pipe has been widely used in production and livelihood, so evaluating the carbon footprint of PP-R pipe is very necessary. This paper evaluated the carbon footprint of PP-R pipe from the production of raw materials to waste disposal, based on the life cycle assessment. The result of the study is that, in the life cycle of PP-R pipe 74.02% of the total carbon emissions come from the production of raw materials. But if using reclaimed materials to replace the total carbon emissions would reduce 52.90%. So an innovative technology of PP-R raw materials producing and using more reclaimed materials are the keys to cut down the carbon emissions of PP-R pipe.


2014 ◽  
Vol 496-500 ◽  
pp. 55-62
Author(s):  
Yu Lin Wang ◽  
Hai Juan Hu ◽  
Sen Qi ◽  
Guang Fu Liu

In view of the extraction of liquid crystal from the wasted LCD panels, this paper aims to analyze the raw materials consumption, energy consumption and emissions to the environment in the extracting process based on the method of Life Cycle Assessment (LCA). The environmental impacts of the recycling procedure are assessed with the aid of LCIA(Life Cycle Inventory Assessment)method and CML2001 method provided by LCA analyzing software Gabi 4. Two ways of liquid crystal extraction mentioned in the paper are supercritical method and distilling method. The assessment results indicate: the supercritical method’s LCIA result is 3 times higher than the distilling method, but the liquid crystal extracting rate can reach 95% with a lower raw materials consumption; the environmental impacts of distilling method is lower than supercritical method, but its extracting rate of liquid crystal can only get to 50%. For industrial applications, supercritical method has greater advantages and there are more crafts to perfect for distilling method in improving the recovery rate of liquid crystal.


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