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A. Kokossis - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.

  • Cradle-to-Gate Assessment of environmental impacts for a broad set of biomass-to-product process chains
    The International Journal of Life Cycle Assessment, 2017
    Co-Authors: Paraskevi Karka, Stavros Papadokonstantakis, A. Kokossis
    Abstract:

    PurposeThis study advocates a modular approach combining unit processes as building blocks to formulate biomass process chains. This approach facilitates a transparent environmental life cycle impact Assessment for bio-based products. It also enhances the ability to develop and assess more complex biorefinery systems, identifies critical parameters and offers useful material to support environmental impact Assessment in early design stages.MethodsTwenty-three different products were assessed with regard to the environmental burden associated with their production paths. Life cycle inventories (LCIs) for 32 unit processes were compiled (using information from pilot plants, simulation and literature data) and organized in biomass process chains. Then, 58 study systems were formed based on various combinations of the unit processes, each study system referring to the production of a selected product. Three indicators were used for quantification of the impacts: non-renewable fossil cumulative energy demand (CED), global warming potential (GWP) and water depletion as defined in the ReCiPe method.Results and discussionFactors influencing the variation of results even for similar products are discussed (e.g. production path and allocation method lead to a range of GWP values for ethylene production from 0.43 to 3.37 kg CO2 eq/kg ethylene). For the majority of bio-products, CED has lower values than fossil-based equivalents (average difference 39–70 MJ eq/kg product depending on the allocation method), while mixed trends are obtained for the GWP and water depletion indicators. Assessments also highlight attributes that have a significant effect in the environmental profile of a production path such as the synthesis path, the process chemistry (water intensity) and process-related factors (energy intensity, degree of energy integration/heat recovery).ConclusionsThe analysis of impacts per unit process is able to demonstrate the particular production stages featuring high environmental intensities along a path further hinting to suggestions for amendments and improvements from an overall performance perspective. The study makes a useful source for biorefinery design studies especially in adopting a modular approach to represent and to analyse biomass process chains; it also provides a reference point for comparison (benchmarking) between different process technologies for biomass utilization. Finally, the analysis is compatible with the standards of the LCA methodology, and it is based on the use of the most common LCA databases, which facilitates the comparison of the results with other relevant studies.

  • Cradle-to-Gate Assessment of environmental impacts for a broad set of biomass-to-product process chains
    The International Journal of Life Cycle Assessment, 2017
    Co-Authors: Paraskevi Karka, Stavros Papadokonstantakis, A. Kokossis
    Abstract:

    Purpose This study advocates a modular approach combining unit processes as building blocks to formulate biomass process chains. This approach facilitates a transparent environmental life cycle impact Assessment for bio-based products. It also enhances the ability to develop and assess more complex biorefinery systems, identifies critical parameters and offers useful material to support environmental impact Assessment in early design stages.

Paraskevi Karka - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.

  • Cradle-to-Gate Assessment of environmental impacts for a broad set of biomass-to-product process chains
    The International Journal of Life Cycle Assessment, 2017
    Co-Authors: Paraskevi Karka, Stavros Papadokonstantakis, A. Kokossis
    Abstract:

    PurposeThis study advocates a modular approach combining unit processes as building blocks to formulate biomass process chains. This approach facilitates a transparent environmental life cycle impact Assessment for bio-based products. It also enhances the ability to develop and assess more complex biorefinery systems, identifies critical parameters and offers useful material to support environmental impact Assessment in early design stages.MethodsTwenty-three different products were assessed with regard to the environmental burden associated with their production paths. Life cycle inventories (LCIs) for 32 unit processes were compiled (using information from pilot plants, simulation and literature data) and organized in biomass process chains. Then, 58 study systems were formed based on various combinations of the unit processes, each study system referring to the production of a selected product. Three indicators were used for quantification of the impacts: non-renewable fossil cumulative energy demand (CED), global warming potential (GWP) and water depletion as defined in the ReCiPe method.Results and discussionFactors influencing the variation of results even for similar products are discussed (e.g. production path and allocation method lead to a range of GWP values for ethylene production from 0.43 to 3.37 kg CO2 eq/kg ethylene). For the majority of bio-products, CED has lower values than fossil-based equivalents (average difference 39–70 MJ eq/kg product depending on the allocation method), while mixed trends are obtained for the GWP and water depletion indicators. Assessments also highlight attributes that have a significant effect in the environmental profile of a production path such as the synthesis path, the process chemistry (water intensity) and process-related factors (energy intensity, degree of energy integration/heat recovery).ConclusionsThe analysis of impacts per unit process is able to demonstrate the particular production stages featuring high environmental intensities along a path further hinting to suggestions for amendments and improvements from an overall performance perspective. The study makes a useful source for biorefinery design studies especially in adopting a modular approach to represent and to analyse biomass process chains; it also provides a reference point for comparison (benchmarking) between different process technologies for biomass utilization. Finally, the analysis is compatible with the standards of the LCA methodology, and it is based on the use of the most common LCA databases, which facilitates the comparison of the results with other relevant studies.

  • Cradle-to-Gate Assessment of environmental impacts for a broad set of biomass-to-product process chains
    The International Journal of Life Cycle Assessment, 2017
    Co-Authors: Paraskevi Karka, Stavros Papadokonstantakis, A. Kokossis
    Abstract:

    Purpose This study advocates a modular approach combining unit processes as building blocks to formulate biomass process chains. This approach facilitates a transparent environmental life cycle impact Assessment for bio-based products. It also enhances the ability to develop and assess more complex biorefinery systems, identifies critical parameters and offers useful material to support environmental impact Assessment in early design stages.

Suneel Pandey - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.

  • A Cradle-to-Gate Assessment of environmental impacts for production of mustard oil using life cycle Assessment approach
    Journal of Cleaner Production, 2017
    Co-Authors: Poonam Khatri, Suresh Jain, Suneel Pandey
    Abstract:

    Abstract The present study evaluated the environmental impacts of edible mustard oil production using Life Cycle Assessment (LCA). The study aimed at identification of environmental hotspots and also studying the influence on LCA results due to system variables including oilseed processing scales, extraction methods and allocation choice. The Assessment was performed at both midpoint and endpoint levels using ReCiPe method. The LCA results clearly identified the agriculture stage as the hotspot having dominating share in all the environmental impact potentials. Within agriculture stage, the major contribution came from use of electricity, fertilizers production, field emissions, and transport of agriculture inputs. Inclusion of biogenic uptake of CO2 from atmosphere during photosynthesis contributed in net benefits for the climate change potential impact category. In industry subsystem, small scale processing showed to have higher environmental impacts. In comparison to small-scale processing, the environmental impacts of medium and large-scale were reducing by around 4% and 8%, respectively. However in large scale processing, the benefits of high oil extraction, and more efficient use of raw materials and energy were overshadowed by longer transport distances. In the comparison of environmental impacts of extraction methods, full pressing technology (FPT) showed lower impacts than solvent extraction combined with pressing technology (SEPT). Though, the percent difference in average environmental impacts was found statistically significant (P

Stavros Papadokonstantakis - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.

  • Cradle-to-Gate Assessment of environmental impacts for a broad set of biomass-to-product process chains
    The International Journal of Life Cycle Assessment, 2017
    Co-Authors: Paraskevi Karka, Stavros Papadokonstantakis, A. Kokossis
    Abstract:

    PurposeThis study advocates a modular approach combining unit processes as building blocks to formulate biomass process chains. This approach facilitates a transparent environmental life cycle impact Assessment for bio-based products. It also enhances the ability to develop and assess more complex biorefinery systems, identifies critical parameters and offers useful material to support environmental impact Assessment in early design stages.MethodsTwenty-three different products were assessed with regard to the environmental burden associated with their production paths. Life cycle inventories (LCIs) for 32 unit processes were compiled (using information from pilot plants, simulation and literature data) and organized in biomass process chains. Then, 58 study systems were formed based on various combinations of the unit processes, each study system referring to the production of a selected product. Three indicators were used for quantification of the impacts: non-renewable fossil cumulative energy demand (CED), global warming potential (GWP) and water depletion as defined in the ReCiPe method.Results and discussionFactors influencing the variation of results even for similar products are discussed (e.g. production path and allocation method lead to a range of GWP values for ethylene production from 0.43 to 3.37 kg CO2 eq/kg ethylene). For the majority of bio-products, CED has lower values than fossil-based equivalents (average difference 39–70 MJ eq/kg product depending on the allocation method), while mixed trends are obtained for the GWP and water depletion indicators. Assessments also highlight attributes that have a significant effect in the environmental profile of a production path such as the synthesis path, the process chemistry (water intensity) and process-related factors (energy intensity, degree of energy integration/heat recovery).ConclusionsThe analysis of impacts per unit process is able to demonstrate the particular production stages featuring high environmental intensities along a path further hinting to suggestions for amendments and improvements from an overall performance perspective. The study makes a useful source for biorefinery design studies especially in adopting a modular approach to represent and to analyse biomass process chains; it also provides a reference point for comparison (benchmarking) between different process technologies for biomass utilization. Finally, the analysis is compatible with the standards of the LCA methodology, and it is based on the use of the most common LCA databases, which facilitates the comparison of the results with other relevant studies.

  • Cradle-to-Gate Assessment of environmental impacts for a broad set of biomass-to-product process chains
    The International Journal of Life Cycle Assessment, 2017
    Co-Authors: Paraskevi Karka, Stavros Papadokonstantakis, A. Kokossis
    Abstract:

    Purpose This study advocates a modular approach combining unit processes as building blocks to formulate biomass process chains. This approach facilitates a transparent environmental life cycle impact Assessment for bio-based products. It also enhances the ability to develop and assess more complex biorefinery systems, identifies critical parameters and offers useful material to support environmental impact Assessment in early design stages.

Aldo Roberto Ometto - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.

  • Do wood-based panels made with agro-industrial residues provide environmentally benign alternatives? An LCA case study of sugarcane bagasse addition to particle board manufacturing
    The International Journal of Life Cycle Assessment, 2014
    Co-Authors: Diogo Aparecido Lopes Silva, Francisco Antonio Rocco Lahr, Ana Laura Raymundo Pavan, Yovana M. B. Saavedra, Natalia Crespo Mendes, Sabrina Rodrigues Sousa, Roberta Sanches, Aldo Roberto Ometto
    Abstract:

    Purpose Sugarcane bagasse is one of the main agro-industrial residues which can be used to produce wood-based panels. However, more investigations related to its environmental performance Assessment are needed, focusing on questions such as: Does it provide environmental benefits? What are its main environmental impacts? Could it substitute wood as raw material? Accordingly, this paper presents a life cycle Assessment (LCA) study of particle board manufactured with sugarcane bagasse residues. Methods The Cradle-to-Gate Assessment of 1 m^3 of particle board made with sugarcane bagasse (PSB) considered three main subsystems: bagasse generation, bagasse distribution, and PSB production. For the inventory of PSB, dataset from two previous LCA studies related to the conventional particle board production and the ethanol life cycle for the Brazilian context were used. The allocation criterion for the bagasse generation subsystem was 9.08 % (economic base). The potential environmental impact phase was assessed by applying the CML and USEtox methods. PSB was compared with the conventional particle board manufactured in Brazil by the categories of the CML and USETox, and including land use indicators. Finally, two scenarios were analyzed to evaluate the influence of the allocation criteria and the consumption of sugarcane bagasse. Results and discussion All hotspots identified by CML and USETox methods are mainly related to the PSB production subsystem (24–100 % of impacts) due to heavy fuel oil, electricity, and urea-formaldehyde resin supply chain. The bagasse generation subsystem was more relevant to the eutrophication category (75 % of impacts). The bagasse distribution subsystem was not relevant because the impacts on all categories were lower than 1 %. PSB can substitute the conventional particle board mainly because of its lower contribution to abiotic depletion and ecotoxicity. Regarding land use impacts, PSB showed lower values according to all indicators (38–40 % of all impacts), which is explained by the lower demand for land occupation in comparison to that of the traditional particle board. Conclusions PSB can replace the traditional particle board due to its better environmental performance. The analysis of the economic allocation criterion was relevant only for the EP category, being important to reduce diesel and N-based fertilizers use during sugarcane cultivation. Regarding the influence of the sugarcane bagasse consumption, it is suggested that the sugarcane bagasse be mixed up to 75 % during particle board manufacturing so that good quality properties and environmental performance of panels can be provided.

  • Life cycle Assessment of medium density particleboard (MDP) produced in Brazil
    The International Journal of Life Cycle Assessment, 2013
    Co-Authors: Diogo Aparecido Lopes Silva, Francisco Antonio Rocco Lahr, Rita Pinheiro Garcia, Fausto Miguel Cereja Seixas Freire, Aldo Roberto Ometto
    Abstract:

    Purpose The wood panel industry is one of the most important forest-based industries in Brazil. The medium density particleboard (MDP) is currently produced and consumed worldwide and represents about 50 % of the wood panel industry in Brazil. Unlike other regions, Brazilian MDP is produced from dedicated eucalyptus plantations and heavy fuel oil is an important energy source in MDP manufacture, which may result in a different environmental profile. This paper presents a life cycle Assessment of MDP panel produced in Brazil and suggests improvement opportunities by assessing alternative production scenarios. Methods The Cradle-to-Gate Assessment of 1 m^3 of MDP produced in Brazil considered two main subsystems: forest and industrial production. Detailed inventories for Brazilian eucalyptus production and MDP industrial production were collected as a result of technical visits to Brazilian MDP producers (foreground systems) as well as literature review (mainly background systems). The potential environmental impacts of MDP were assessed in terms of seven impact categories using CML (abiotic depletion, acidification, global warming, eutrophication, and photochemical oxidation) and USEtox (ecotoxicity and human toxicity) impact Assessment methods in order to identify the main hotspots. Results and discussion The industrial production was responsible for most of the impacts in all impact categories, except ecotoxicity (EC). The main hotspots identified were the use of heavy fuel oil (HFO) as a thermal energy source in MDP manufacture and the production of urea–formaldehyde (UF) resin used as synthetic adhesive. Glyphosate herbicide application in soil in forestry operations was the main responsible for the impacts in EC. Scenarios for HFO substitution were assessed and results showed that substituting HFO for in-mill wood residues or diesel leads to reduced environmental impacts. Conclusions The identification of the main hotspots in the MDP life cycle can assist the wood panel industry to improve their environmental profile. Further research should focus on UF resin production in order to reduce its environmental impacts as well as the possibility of using alternatives resins. Other sources of wood for MDP production could also be investigated (e.g., pine wood and wood residues) to assess potential improvements.