Electrical Electronic Equipment Research Articles

Multi-Layer Ceramic Capacitors in Lighting Equipment: Presence and Characterisation of Rare Earth Elements and Precious Metals

The need to reduce energy consumption in buildings, the emergence of light-emitting diode (LED) lamps in lighting around 2010, their long lifetime, and the 2025 target to use only LED lamps are changing the existing composition of Category 3 waste electrical–electronic equipment (WEEE) and creating expectations for simple, high-concentration recycling streams. In this study, multi-layer ceramic capacitors (MLCCs) detached from the lighting sector’s WEEE were characterised for the presence of rare earth elements (REEs) and precious metals (PMs). Their digestion was carried out with HNO3 and aqua regia on a heating plate and characterised using inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectroscopy (ICP-OES) and scanning electron microscopy with energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (SEM-EDX). The contents of REEs and PMs found in the MLCCs were 0.84 wt% and 0.60 wt%, respectively, and create an economic stored value that is essentially defined by PMs of 98.67% and by palladium (Pd) of 78.37%. The analysis showed that the content of the main elements was: neodymium (Nd) 0.366 wt%, yttrium (Y) 0.220 wt%, dysprosium (Dy) 0.131 wt%, silver (Ag) 0.467 wt%, and Pd 0.105 wt%. These results indicate the need for selective removal and separate recycling processes of MLCCs from WEEE drivers.

English

Reliable data on e-waste generation is important for environmentally sound management systems. This study models e-waste generation from existing data on electrical electronics imports, consumption and e-waste generation from Nigerian households. Structured questionnaires were used to obtain information on Electrical Electronic Equipment (EEE) use, reuse, and disposal from households in Nigeria households. Data from placed on the market (POM) were obtained from United Nations University (UNU) for five EEE types (TV, DVD player, refrigerator, desktop and laptop) in Nigeria between 1995 and 2019 using the apparent consumption method. A forecast up to 2020 and backcasts to 1980 were made based on these data. The lifetime profile for these five EEEs was modeled using the Weibull distribution function characterized by a time-varying shape parameter and a scale parameter. The POM data from 1980 to 2020 and the lifetime of the selected EEE from households were analyzed and fit into the Weibull lifetime distribution functions. The differences between reuse and non-reuse options show that around 54 million units of DVD players; 106 million units of CRT TV; 22 million units of the refrigerator; 11 million units of laptops and 24 million units of desktop computers would have been delayed from transiting into e-waste stream between 1981 and 2020 through reuse options.   Key words: Electronic waste, electrical electronic equipment, lifetime distribution, re-use repair, recycling, Nigeria.

The Role of Repair and Refurbishment in Extending Lifetime of Electrical Electronic Equipment in Nigeria

The adaptation of traditional linear economic system for electrical electronic equipment (EEE) has a significant impact on the active use time and the rate of electronic waste (e-waste) generation. The management of e-waste requires an understanding of the quantity and rate of transition of EEE to electronic waste (e-waste). This study used data generated from household survey to develop a life time model which reflects the specific reuse (often with repair and refurbishment) traditions common in developing countries and discusses how these influence ewaste generation – using Nigeria as a case study. The repair and reuse tradition in Nigeria deviated from the "linear economies" which often use and dispose electronic devices without co nsidering reuse options. Result shows that 74 % of respondent indicated that faulty EEE could be repaired and reused more than twice before disposal. Lifetime of the studied devices are extended by an average of 11 years for TVs, 9 years for refrigerators, 5 years for laptops, 7 years for desktop computer and 6 years for DVDs when compared to previous lifetime estimate in literature Longer value reuse of EEE is arguably one of the smartest ways to keep materials out of the waste stream and landfill.

Technologies for metal recycling from electrical - electronic wastes

Wastes from electrical - electronic equipment (WEEE) are of huge concerns worldwide. With the decreasing life cycle of most electrical - electronic equipment (EEE), the WEEE growth rate is fast, about 3÷5% annually. This is considered as the fastest growing waste stream among municipal wastes. WEEE contains, in addition to plastic, glass etc., high contents of base metals and precious metals. They are regarded as potential secondary resources of metals in addition to primary resources of metals from metallic ores. Over the past decades, many metal recycling technologies from WEEE have been developed including physical separation processes and chemical extraction processes. This article summarizes the characteristics, recycling principles, separation processes and optimal operating conditions of the world's most currently common technologies for metal recycling from WEEE. So that one can derive new directions for metal recycling from electrical - electronic wastes in the Vietnam case.

Reutilización de equipos de cómputo con Linux Terminal Server Project

El incremento de los residuos de los aparatos eléctricos y electrónicos ha sido un tema discutido desde inicios de siglo, en muchos países existe un deficiente marco legal para su gestión; además, existe una corriente de economía circular que determina que la reutilización es la mejor opción para esta gestión. Desde el año 2019, el Perú ha establecido normas para la gestión de estos residuos especialmente para la reutilización. En la Universidad Nacional de San Martín – Tarapoto fue necesaria su aplicación debido a la gran cantidad de equipos de cómputo desactualizados. Los objetivos fueron reutilizar los equipos de cómputo desactualizados con el uso de Linux Terminal Server Project, establecer el procedimiento para la identificación y reutilización de los equipos de cómputo, implementar Linux Terminal Server Project y medir los resultados de la reutilización en comparación con equipos actualizados. Esta fue una investigación aplicada, de tipo experimental, con corte transversal, la población de estudio fueron 40 equipos de cómputo, la muestra fue de 6 equipos de cómputo, la técnica fue la verificación con lista de chequeo, aplicada a 2 grupos de equipos de cómputo, el primero a equipos desactualizados y el segundo a equipos de cómputo actuales. Se concluyó que con la implementación de Linux Terminal Server Project se logró un mayor rendimiento a los equipos de cómputo desactualizados situándose al nivel de un equipo informático moderno, además del impacto positivo en el medio ambiente y en la prolongación de la vida útil los equipos desactualizados.

GESTÃO DO LIXO ELETRÔNICO MÉDICO-HOSPITALAR EM HOSPITAIS PÚBLICOS FEDERAIS

O avanço tecnológico e a obsolescência programada, combinados com o elevado consumo de equipamentos eletrônicos, produzem uma grande quantidade de resíduos desses produtos. Como, ao ser descartado inadequadamente, esse e-lixo pode ser um risco ao homem e ao meio ambiente, a preocupação com sua destinação tem aumentado junto à sociedade e aos governos. Este estudo tem por objetivo verificar a gestão do lixo eletrônico médico hospitalar em hospitais públicos federais do Rio de Janeiro. Foi realizada uma pesquisa qualitativa, com finalidade descritiva, utilizando pesquisa de campo. Os resultados apontam que: a maioria dos hospitais estudados utiliza os equipamentos o máximo possível e só se desfaz deles quando não há mais possibilidade de mantê-los; a doação dos equipamentos é o desfazimento mais comum; os entraves burocráticos são o maior obstáculo; e os hospitais de pesquisa, em comparação com os assistenciais, investem em aparelhos tecnologicamente mais modernos. Para trabalhos futuros, é recomendado fazer uma análise mais abrangente sobre a gestão de outros tipos de equipamentos eletrônicos, com a finalidade de verificar se as dificuldades são as mesmas

A Generalized PROMETHEE III with Risk Preferences on Losses and Gains

This study aims to generalize the Preference Ranking Organization METHod for Enrichment Evaluations (PROMETHEE) III model by introducing risk preferences of decision makers. The risk preferences are expressed by an S-shaped value function with gain and loss parts. This study then illustrates an environmental evaluation of waste treatment plants for waste electrical and electronic equipment (WEEE) in Taiwan. Sensitivity analysis and the rank test demonstrate that the proposed model is rather stable. The PROMETHEE methods have been involved in various applications, especially in environmental management. One core process of PROMETHEE is to establish a preference difference function with two types of thresholds. The range of the slope lines of the linear preference is within the interval of [0, 1]. Working from the concept of the prospect theory, we extend its S-shaped function to the interval range of [-1, 1] so as to express risk preferences that occur in two quadrants. This research assesses a project on 15 local WEEE treatment plants to promote their recycling capability and technology competitiveness. According to the five aspects, the performance measures of the plants are obtained from a field study. The proposed model has an advantage on rank invariance by changing the thresholds in our case with sensitivity analysis demonstrating the robustness of the model. The generalized PROMETHEE III with risk preferences indeed provides an extension for making a decision in an uncertain environment.

A Hybrid Law Model for the Management of Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment: A Case of the New Draft Law in Thailand

Waste electrical and electronic equipment (WEEE) has been high on the environmental policy agenda of many countries for its rapid increase and concerns over its toxicity and the critical metals it hold. There are 59 countries that have passed laws for the management of WEEE, not including tahe state level legislation in the USA and Canada. Most of these laws are based on the principle of extended producer responsibility (EPR) but their details on responsibility allocation and system operation vary considerably. This study reviews the implementation models of EPR which are classified into two broad groups: producer compliance schemes and government funds. The advantages and disadvantages of each model are analyzed and a synthesis in a form of a step-wise hybrid model is proposed for Thailand considering the local conditions. A new draft law, the Act on the Management of Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment and Other End-of-Life Products, differs from the previous drafts that solely based on the governmental-fund model. Under the proposed system, the producers of designated products would have an opportunity to develop their compliance plans individually or collectively. This allows them to channel their experiences of working with EPR in other countries to the implementation of Thai WEEE. The compliance plans have to outline how they are going to support the free take-back obligations stipulated in the draft law. Collection targets can be added to improve the system performance in the later years. Unlike a typical producer-led system, the government retains the power to levy product fees into the National Environmental Fund. This ensures the leverage in the case that the producer plans fail to function in a developing country context. The revenues will then be earmarked to support investments and campaigns to achieve the objectives of this law in the long run.

Identification and analysis of reverse logistics barriers using fuzzy Delphi method and AHP

The environmental consciousness of customers and the emergence of stricter environmental regulations has pushed industries to think about environmental management by means of reverse logistics (RL) implementation. In order to implement RL systems, a careful analysis of barriers that hinder the reverse flow must be taken. However, most existing research on the barriers for RL implementation is focused on developed countries. Among the most important emerging economies, Brazil, the largest Latin America economy, faces challenges such as a deficient logistics infrastructure and the recently enacted National Policy on solid waste. To bridge this gap, this paper identifies and evaluates the barriers for RL in the Brazilian context. An eleven-step research methodology is proposed. First, literature was thoroughly reviewed. fuzzy Delphi method (FDM) was used to obtain the critical list of barriers by experts and industrial managers’ opinions. Then, analytic hierarchy process (AHP) questionnaires were answered by electrical–electronic equipment (EEE) industry sector experts in order to obtain the priority ranking of barriers. This paper contributes with a compilation of the RL barriers from a systematic literature review process, a list of most common RL barriers accepted by Brazilian organizations, and a priority ranking of RL barriers for the electrical-electronic industry sector in Brazil. The “Economic related issues” category of barriers seems to be the first priority. The financial burden of tax and the uncertainty related to economic issues appear to be major obstacles for RL implementation.

English

Some developing countries in Africa are waking up to the broadband race by providing public access to information communications technologies (ICTs) to instigate social and economic development and to narrow the digital divide. One of such countries is Nigeria, which ranked 60th in 2006 in e-readiness report by the Economist Intelligence Unit. Consequently, the market, marketers and repairers of electrical electronic equipment (EEE) are growing geometrically in Nigeria. Incorporated in EEE are about 46 separate chemical substances or elements, some of which are hazardous. Their emission from EEE translates to toxicity through inhalation of the polluted air, especially by marketers and repairers. Becoming aware of this danger is key to exercising the necessary caution in handling EEE. This study assessed the awareness of marketers and repairers of EEE toxicity and adoption of safety measures against the same. Questionnaires were administered on 80 purposively selected marketers in Alaba International Market, Lagos and on 20 repairers in C-to-C Plaza, Enugu. Data were analysed using average mean score technique. Results show that all participants were completely ignorant of the toxicity associated with EEE and did not associate it with various symptoms of ill-health.The study recommends education programmes for marketers and repairers of EEE and developing policies on how to handle EEE. Key words: Hazardous chemical components, electrical electronic equipment, toxicity awareness, handlers, safety measures.

중국(中國)의 도시광산(都市鑛山) 재자원화산업(再資源化産業)

중국의 도시광산 재자원화산업을 파악 검토하기 위하여 ELV(사용후자동차), E-waste(Waste Electric Electronic Equipment) 및 비철금속의 리싸이클링을 조사하였다. 중국의 자동차 판매대수가 1,000만대를 넘어서고, 폐차대수도 증가하고 있으나 리싸이클링은 원활하지 못하다. 중국 도시의 가전 보유량은 선진국 수준으로 농촌과의 격차가 크다. 세계 E-waste의 많은 량이 중국으로 유입되어 세계의 E-waste 리싸이클링센터를 형성하고 있다. 비철금속의 소비량은 계속 증가하고 있지만 리싸이클링 수준은 낮다. In order to review the recycling status of urban mine resources in China, recycling of ELV(End of Life Vehicles), E-waste(WEEE) and nonferrous metals were surveyed. Number of the sales volume of the new vehicles were over more than ten million and number of discharge vehicles are increasing now. However, recycling system has not been managed smoothly in China. Though usage of home appliances in urban is similar with advanced countries, there are significant differences in rural community. In the other hand, China is the country with the largest E-waste import in the world. Production and consumption of the nonferrous metals are increasing year by year in China, but recycling of metals is not enough.

한국(韓國)의 E-waste 리싸이클링 시스템과 재자원화산업(再資源化産業)

E-waste는 종류가 많고 유통경로가 다양하여 눈에 보이지 않는 흐름이 주류를 형성하고 있다. E-waste에는 레어메탈의 사용이 많을 뿐 아니라 유해한 중금속도 함유되어 있어 자원확보면에서, 환경오염방지면에서 재자원화 처리가 필수적이며 정확한 재자원화 물질흐름의 분석이 요구되고 있는 실정이다. 이러한 관점에서 2008년 1월부터 실시한 "전기 전자제품 및 자동차의 자원순환에 관한 법률" 중에서 E-waste와 관련된 법률내용의 골자, 리싸이클링시스템, 리싸이클링현황, E-waste 배출량 추정과 물질흐름 및 PCB의 경제학을 논하였다. 그리고 현시점에서 한국의 E-waste 재자원화산업을 약술하였다. Waste electrical and electronic equipment(WEEE or E-waste) is one of the fastest growing waste stream in Korea. The proper management of such equipment has become of major concern for solid waste professionals because of the large growth of the waste stream and the presence of a myriad of toxic materials with in it. In this paper in order to review the recycling system and recycling industries of the E-waste in Korea, the main frame concerning recycling of "Act on the Resources Recycling of Waste Electrical Electronic Equipment(WEEE) and End-of-life vehicles", recycling system, current recycling status, estimation of the E-waste generation, material flow of the E-waste, economics of PCB and recycling industries of the E-waste were surveyed.

Aqueous metal recovery techniques from e-scrap: Hydrometallurgy in recycling

Waste of electric–electronic equipment (WEEE) with an annual growth rate of about 3–5% is the fastest growing waste stream in municipal wastes. Notwithstanding their environmental pollution potential, waste of electrical and electronic equipment (WEEE) with their high content of base and precious metals, in particular, are regarded as a potential secondary resource when compared with ores. For the recovery of metals from WEEE, various treatment options based on conventional physical, hydrometallurgical and pyrometallurgical processes are available. These process options with particular reference to hydrometallurgical processes were reviewed in this study. With their relatively low capital cost, reduced environmental impact (e.g. no hazardous gases/dusts), potential for high metal recoveries and suitability for small scale applications, hydrometallurgical processes are promising options for the treatment of WEEE. Since the metals are present in native form and/or as alloys, an oxidative leaching process is required for the effective extraction of base and precious metals of interest. A two-stage process based on oxidative acid leaching of base metals (Cu in particular) followed by leaching of precious metals using cyanide, thiosulfate, thiourea or halide as lixiviant(s) can be suitably developed for the hydrometallurgical treatment of WEEE. However, further research is required to develop new, cost effective and environmentally friendly processes and/or refine existing ones for leaching and, in particular, downstream processes.

Optimization of Precious Metal Recovery from Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment Boards

Recovering noble metals from Waste Electrical Electronic Equipment (WEEE) will provide an additional income within the disposal process of end-of-life electronic devices. Generally, the recycling process starts with the manual disman-tling of different devices and with sorting of the subdivided products into useful and hazardous materials. A sample of about 21 tonnes of WEEE was dismantled in 14 days to remove Printed Circuit Boards (PCBs) that were about 5% weight of the whole sample. Computer PCBs proved to contain the 96% of all the gold present in all types of PCBs of the sample. Computer PCBs were manually dismantled to obtain the easy-to-remove components of the board, namely, the integrated circuits and the processors, which were about 13% weight of the board and 0.1% weight of the whole WEEE sample and contained about 91% of the gold present in the whole board with an average concentration of 2400 μg/g

Efficiency Assessment of E-waste Management System in Lithuanian Public Sector

Rapid technology change, low initial costs have resulted in a fast-growing surplus of electrical and electronic equipment waste (e-waste) around the globe. Management of e-waste in an environment friendly way according to all legal regulations carries great importance. E-waste management system incorporates different stakeholders through the whole life cycle of electrical and electronic equipment (EEE) - producers/importers, distributors, consumers/users, collectors, recyclers. The system's efficiency depends on the environmental awareness and effective activity of each of the actors. The public sector is dealt with in this paper describing the differences and problems of a non-household (B2B) sector in the e-waste chain. The aim of this paper is to evaluate efficiency of the e-waste management system in the public sector (PS), identifying the problems which have brought about reduced e-waste management efficiency. It is anticipated that the recommendations proposed should increase the efficiency of the PS and some of the recommendations could be applied to the e-waste management system in general.

A Study of the WEEE (Waste of Electrical and Electronic Equipment) Recycling and Export in Korea

本稿では，韓国において，関連データが得られた使用済み電気・電子機器の輸出動向と国内制度との関係に焦点を当てて分析を行った。その結果および含意は，以下のとおりである。1) 韓国では，生産者責任再活用制度 (拡大生産者責任) に基づく生産者による無料回収の実施後にも，生産者の回収ルートにのらないまま使用済み電気・電子機器の輸出が活発に行われている。中古品として輸出に回される量は，生産者の回収量全体に対して約75～90%に相当する。2) 国内回収のうち中古品輸出の割合が大きい品目であるテレビとパソコン類は，生産者による無料回収ルートにのらず，海外の需要状況と国内の供給状況 (製品機種の更新による排出量の増加など) に影響され，輸出が行われる傾向が見られる。3) 制度設計との関連で，2003年から施行されてきた中古CRTに関する例外規定が，生産者と委託関係を結んだ中古CRT輸出業者による輸出を促進している。生産者により支給される委託処理費は実質的な輸出補助金として機能し，中古CRT輸出業者の輸出量を増加させている。