A process scenario oriented Life Cycle Assessment framework for machining processes

Abstract

Over the last decade the environmental impact of machining industry has extensively been explored, often using the Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) methodology. Most process data required by current LCA models are obtained from secondary data source directly, such as the database of simaPro, GaBi, and those models mainly rely on the material type or machining operation. However, process scenario information related to lubrication techniques, process parameters, machining equipment, etc., which is also important impact factor of LCA for machining processes, has not been considered in existing models. The lack of considering the above information could cause the significant uncertainty and unreliability of assessment results. Thus, aiming at accurately assessing environmental impact of machining processes, a process scenario oriented LCA framework is proposed. The framework comprises two stages, namely, construction of process scenario oriented machining database (PSOMDB) and life cycle impact assessment (LCIA). Construction of the PSOMDB is performed by three procedures, i.e., process scenario information representation, analysis of resource environment load, data acquisition. LCIA is implemented based on life cycle inventory (LCI) data from the constructed database. Then, a case study on the results generated from the proposed framework in comparison with the results generated from existing LCA model has validated the framework. The results can be used for more reliable and accurate LCA-based decision-making process in machining industry by LCA practitioners.