Exploitation Of Raw Materials Research Articles

Decomposing Unit for Agricultural Waste

The decomposer unit is an essential part of the process that turns organic waste and raw materials into fertilizers, which makes a big difference in waste management and sustainable farming methods. This unit takes raw materials, mostly organic waste, and starts a sequence of actions to turn them into fertilizer that can be used. Organic matter breaks down chemically during decomposition, producing simpler chemicals that are high in potassium, phosphate, and nitrogen—three important nutrients. For the purpose of increasing soil fertility and fostering plant growth, these nutrients are essential. This process is optimized by the decomposer unit, which guarantees effective raw material usage and reduces waste

Comparative Life-Cycle Assessment of Steel and GFRP Rebars for Procurement Sustainability in the Construction Industry

This research examines the potential impact on the procurement sustainability of replacing steel rebars with Glass Fiber-Reinforced Polymer (GFRP) rebars in the construction industry, focusing on screed pre-cast hollow core topping in a project in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. A comparative life cycle assessment (LCA) is conducted using One Click LCA (Version 0.26.0) software for cradle-to-grave analysis. The assessment covers various stages, including raw material extraction, manufacturing, transportation, usage, and recycling. The comprehensive LCA highlights GFRP rebars as a more sustainable alternative to steel, emitting 17% less CO2 equivalent (2e) per kilogram throughout its life cycle. Additionally, GFRP requires substantially less mass compared to steel, resulting in a dramatic reduction in CO2e emissions ranging from 77.89% to 85.26% across different spacing configurations in real-world construction scenarios, as presented in this research case study. These findings suggest that GFRP rebars offer a promising solution for reducing the environmental impact of construction activities while potentially yielding significant cost savings over the project’s life cycle. Integrating environmental considerations into material selection processes can prioritize sustainability without compromising performance or safety, contributing to a more sustainable future for the construction industry globally.

Enhancing thermal conductivity of sinterized bronze (Cu89/Sn11) by 3D printing and thermal post-treatment: Energy efficiency and environmental sustainability

Enhancing the thermal conductivity of bronze is essential to enhance the efficiency of heat transfer and reduce energy consumption in systems such as heating, cooling, and heat exchangers systems. This study investigates the feasibility of producing sinterized bronze (Cu89/Sn11) using low-cost 3D printing Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM) technology and thermal post-treatment processes. The intention is to identify optimal printing parameters and sintering temperatures to maximize thermal conductivity, while focusing on minimizing energy consumption, raw material usage, and environmental impact. The thermal conductivity of twenty-seven samples was evaluated according to the ASTM E1530:2019 standard. A statistical analysis revealed significant effects of nozzle diameter and flow rate on thermal conductivity and density. The optimal results were obtained with a sintering temperature of 845 °C, a 1.0 mm nozzle diameter, and a 110 % flow rate. These conditions yield the highest thermal conductivity (87.61 W/m·K) and density (7.52 g/cm3). The lowest values were observed at a sintering temperature of 865 °C, a 0.6 mm nozzle diameter, and a 100 % flow rate. A Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) using the ReCiPe Endpoint (E) methodology was employed to compare the environmental impact of the resulting thermal conductivities. The results suggest that sintered bronze produced by FDM and thermal post-treatment provide superior performance and a smaller environmental impact than conventional methods. This study underscores the potential for more efficient and sustainable manufacturing practices in the production of sintered bronze.

Sustainable Production of Self Compacting Concrete by using Fly Ash and Granite Waste

The development of sustainable concrete has gained plenty of awareness in recent years. Researchers have conducted many experimental investigations for the manufacture of different forms of concrete by using numerous low carbon footprint materials, such as granite waste and fly ash. The using of low carbon footprint materials in construction industry will minimize the exploitation of natural raw materials and promote sustainability in construction industry. This research thus aimed to investigate the influence of granite waste (GW) and fly ash on the production of self-compacting concrete (SCC). The preliminary investigation was carried out for finding the maximum adding percentage of GW and fly ash in the successful production of SCC. The GW was used in the proportion of 10,20 and 30% as an alternative to fine aggregate (i.e. sand) by weight, while, fly ash was substituted with cement in the proportion of 10,20 and 30% by weight. The fresh characteristics (slump flow, V-funnel, and L-box), mechanical characteristics (compressive strength) were evaluated. The findings revealed that the combined use of GW (up to 30%) and fly ash (up to 30%) in SCC has the potential to considerably enhance the fresh and water absorption properties (without adversely affecting strength characteristics

The Smallest “Miner” of the Animal Kingdom and Its Importance for Raw Materials Exploitation

The mining industry is the leading supplier of raw materials in modern society. This sector of human activity has experienced a severe crisis due to the energy transition and has been revived in recent years due to the need for critical metals that are essential in the post-coal era. In underground and open pit mining, processes such as extraction, transportation, safety, underground ventilation, waste management, and rehabilitation are of major importance, and their “design” is critical to the economic survival of the mine. All the above processes required to operate a mine are strongly reminiscent of an example of nature’s workman: the ant. The sympatric insect uses the same processes as the ones aforementioned during the creation of its nest. The ants dig to “extract material from the ground”, and they transport this material from the nest‘s site to the waste deposition location. The ants ensure the safety of the underground opening and the proper ventilation needed for them to live there for a long time. This article attempts to identify the relations between all the above processes and sub-processes, and how human mining and ant colony development correlate with each other. Furthermore, we examine how an ant colony has aided in the development of mining technology, and what more humans can learn and adopt from a “miner” that is 66 million years old, in order to improve their processes.

Lean and sustainability assessment in the sawmill industry using Sus-VSM: A case study in the context of Fiji

Waste from the perspective of lean manufacturing and sustainability has a huge influence on economic, environmental, and societal aspects. The inefficiency of the current manufacturing systems poses a huge risk to small and medium size sawmills going out of business as current prices of fossil fuel and associated emissions continue to rise at an alarming rate. In this case study, a local sawmill has been investigated to improve process efficiency using sustainable value stream mapping in the context of Fiji. The produced timber with the highest demand is selected as the product and a complete assessment is done on the downstream operation to compile data and develop the current state map. The current state map incorporates sustainability pillars to address the lacking factors such as energy and water consumption, raw material usage, labor physical load, and workspace noise level along with standard lean manufacturing time-based metrics. Sustainable value stream mapping allowed the research team along with a panel of experts to identify processor 2 as the root cause of bottlenecking, unnecessary material movement/transportation, and high physical load index score. Implementing a multi-blade horizontal bandsaw in place of processor 2 reduces; energy consumption for transport, energy consumption for processing, VAT, NVAT, process water consumption, raw material usage, and carbon emission by; 34.9%, 8.72%, 6.37%, 20%, 24.71%, 3.05%, and 10.33% respectively without compromising productivity. The findings of this research suggest evaluating and assessing sustainability performance using Sus-VSM in the sawmill industry unveils potential economic, environmental, and societal benefits.

Mine Fires, Experiences in Extinguishing Large Underground Mine Fires

Mine fires are common the underground exploitation of mineral raw materials. With the development of mining science and practice, the methods of extinguishing mine fires using new methods and materials were also developed. Today, in mining practice, direct fire extinguishing with water or fire extinguishers, isolation of oxidation zones with insulating walls, installation of torket concrete on the walls of the pit room or use of special foams are most often used. Methods based on ventilation methods or the use of inert gases can also be encountered. All these methods are used to extinguish local oxidation processes, fires are localized in a part of the pit, ventilation department or goafs. This paper presents methods of extinguishing a mine fire where the fire zone covered a larger area and it was not possible to localize it in one part of the underground mine, the pit is completely closed and isolated until the oxidation process subsides due to lack of oxygen. At the time of the complete closure and isolation of the pit, several gas detectors remained in operation in the pit, through which the change in the composition of the pit air could be monitored during the still active pit fire. At the same time, samples of the pit atmosphere behind the isolation walls were regularly taken, their analysis was performed and they were compared with the data obtained using active gas detectors. The key question was when to reopen the pit, conduct an inspection and try to reactivate the pit operations. Although it is an underground brown coal mine, some experiences and knowledge can be applied and used in underground mines of other mineral resources threatened by pit fires. Experiences can also be applied in case of fire, where it is possible to control the fire zone only through insulating walls. It was established that changes in the activity of the pit fire were manifested both on the insulation walls and on the active gas detectors.

High Added-Value by-Products from Biomass: A Case Study Unveiling Opportunities for Strengthening the Agroindustry Value Chain

The current era witnesses a remarkable advancement in biomass utilization, guided by the principles of green chemistry and biorefinery and the comprehensive exploitation of plant-based raw materials. Predominantly, large-scale production methods have been pursued, akin to approaches in the oil industry, enabling the incorporation of novel products into energy and petrochemical markets. However, the viability of such systems on a small and medium scale is hindered by logistical challenges and the constraints of economies of scale. For small agricultural producers and food processing companies, the complete utilization of biomass transcends environmental responsibility, evolving into a strategy for survival through the diversification of by-products with enhanced value. The state of Rio de Janeiro in Brazil presents a range of population dynamics, geographical features, climate conditions, and agricultural production patterns that closely resemble those found in various tropical countries and agricultural regions worldwide. This region, sustaining a green belt supporting 17 million people, provides an apt case study for investigating chemical compounds with potential value among agro-industrial residues, which can motivate the creation of a lucrative biotechnological industry. Examples include naringenin and hesperidin from oranges and lemons, epi-gallo-catechin gallate from bananas, caffeic acids from coffee, and the bromelain enzyme from pineapples. This study addresses the challenges associated with developing biotechnological alternatives within the agroindustry, considering economic, technological, logistical, and market-related aspects. The insights from examining the Brazilian state of Rio de Janeiro will contribute to the broader discourse on sustainable biomass utilization and the creation of value-added by-products.

Raw-material exploitation in the Earlier and Middle Stone Age in the Eastern Desert of Egypt: evidence from Wadi Abu Subeira

Abstract Despite its key role in out-of-Africa hominin dispersals, little is known about Pleistocene human occupation of north-eastern Africa outside the Nile Valley and desert oases. A survey in Wadi Abu Subeira aims to help fill this gap and attests to the repeated occupation of the Eastern Desert during the Pleistocene.

Enhanced biotechnological process for antivenom production using Quality by Design methodology

Snakebites envenoming are a global public health problem that largely affects economically vulnerable populations. The primary recognized treatment involves hyperimmune serum, consisting of sterile and heterologous immunoglobulin solutions targeting specific antigens. One established production method in Vital Brazil Institute involves antibody digestion by pepsin, fractionation with ammonium sulfate salt, and thermocoagulation, yielding 30-40% and requiring a 5-day duration. This study aims to assess a novel production method centered on recovering the (Fab’)2 fraction using caprylic acid, intending to implement a more efficient technological process. A new methodology was developed, defining digestion conditions (37 °C, pH 3.2; 2.5 g L-1 of pepsin over 120 minutes at 150 rpm) and fractionation parameters (37 °C, pH 5.8; 2% caprylic acid over 60 minutes at 250 rpm). These conditions were established through the application of Quality by Design, supported by a critical risk analysis. This method reduced the usage of raw materials, process time, and labor cost per hour while maintaining yield with greater purity. These modifications were promising, resulting in higher purity and lower manufacturing costs, thereby expanding the prospect of achieving a more robust production process with a safer, optimized product. This allows meeting production goals and exploring new opportunities in foreign markets.

Phytochemicals Involved in Mitigating Silent Toxicity Induced by Heavy Metals.

Heavy metals (HMs) are natural elements present in the Earth's crust, characterised by a high atomic mass and a density more than five times higher than water. Despite their origin from natural sources, extensive usage and processing of raw materials and their presence as silent poisons in our daily products and diets have drastically altered their biochemical balance, making them a threat to the environment and human health. Particularly, the food chain polluted with toxic metals represents a crucial route of human exposure. Therefore, the impact of HMs on human health has become a matter of concern because of the severe chronic effects induced by their excessive levels in the human body. Chelation therapy is an approved valid treatment for HM poisoning; however, despite the efficacy demonstrated by chelating agents, various dramatic side effects may occur. Numerous data demonstrate that dietary components and phytoantioxidants play a significant role in preventing or reducing the damage induced by HMs. This review summarises the role of various phytochemicals, plant and herbal extracts or probiotics in promoting human health by mitigating the toxic effects of different HMs.

Improving MRP Precision in Engineering and Manufacturing Sectors

This study evaluates the effectiveness of Material Requirement Planning (MRP) in the engineering and manufacturing sector through a five-month empirical investigation focused on production processes. Utilizing a combination of literature review, interviews, and direct observation, the research aimed to compare theoretical MRP calculations with actual raw material usage. Results highlighted significant discrepancies between projected and actual figures, indicating potential inaccuracies in current MRP applications. These findings underscore the need for refining MRP systems to enhance forecasting precision and inventory management, suggesting that integrating real-time data and improving algorithmic methodologies could bridge the existing gap between theory and practice in industrial manufacturing. Highlights: Essential Raw Material Management: Key for timely production and meeting customer needs. MRP Efficiency: PT. Weiss Tech uses MRP for precise raw material calculations. Accuracy Assessment: Research evaluates MRP accuracy through literature, interviews, and observation. Keywords: Raw Materials, MRP, Inventory Control

Process integration and systems optimization for the hydrodeoxygenation of 5-hydroxymethylfurfural to dimethylfuran

Most biomass reaction studies have focused on optimizing product yield without considering cost and emissions as key metrics; they consider pure feeds without accounting for process integration resulting from separation and recycling and often change one parameter at a time to maximize yield. Here, we propose a framework to overcome the above issues. We demonstrate it for the hydrodeoxygenation (HDO) of 5-hydroxymethylfurfural (HMF) to produce 2,5-dimethylfuran (DMF), a crucial reaction in making lignocellulosic biomass-based platform chemicals. We consider the impact of water in the feed stemming from the sugar dehydration reactor on the HDO in 2-pentanol over a Ru/C catalyst, guided by an active learning experimental design (NEXTorch toolkit), combined with Aspen Plus process flowsheet simulation, techno-economic analysis and life cycle assessment. We demonstrate that Bayesian optimization of process flowsheets significantly reduces production costs by 26% and greenhouse gas emissions by 15% after striking a balance between raw material usage, solvent loss, and utility consumption. Such reductions are strongly correlated to the product yield due to the dominant cost of the feed. Interestingly, a slight amount of water negatively impacts greenhouse gas emissions more than production costs, requiring relatively high purity in process integration.

Metabasite Artefacts from the Neolithic Settlement at Brno-Holásky/Tuřany Compared to the Potential Source Rocks within the Želešice Metabasite Body Based on Petrography and Mineralogy

The Želešice metabasite body served as a significant area for the exploitation of raw material for the production of polished stone tools in the Neolithic. This study is based on petrographical and mineralogical comparisons of the artefacts from the Želešice-type metabasite collected in the Neolithic settlement (and workshop) at Brno-Holásky/Tuřany with the various rock types occurring around the Želešice metabasite body. The determination of the most probable locations of Neolithic exploitation within the Želešice metabasite body is given. The three main rock varieties of the artefacts from Želešice metabasite have been specified. They match well in their petrography and mineralogy with the rock types determined in the source region. The artefacts with pebble surfaces were most likely obtained from the nearby Bobrava riverbed.

Productivity of two Brassica oilseed crops in a Mediterranean environment and assessment of the qualitative characteristics of raw materials for bioenergy purposes

Rapeseed (Brassica napus var. oleifera D.C.) and Ethiopian mustard (Brassica carinata A. Braun) are promising industrial crops for cultivation in the Southern Mediterranean area due to profitable yields under semi-arid conditions. The exploitation of raw materials produced by these crops is very convenient for farmers to produce bioenergy directly on-farm and permits them to create a short agri-energy supply chain. The purpose of this study was to determine their yield performance under rainfed conditions and make an economic assessment of a combined heat and power plant (CHP) system operating on pure vegetable oil (PVO). Tests were conducted in Sicily (Italy) from 2012 to 2014. Seed and crop residue yields were detected. The analysis of seed, defatted seed meal and crop residue, and the chemical-physical aspects of PVO were carried out according to conventional protocols. A pilot CHP system was used for cogenerating electricity and heat. In general, rapeseed had the highest seed (2.27 t ha−1) and oil (1.11 t ha−1) yields. The average oil content ranged from 44.88 % (Ethiopian mustard) to 45.73 % dry matter (rapeseed). Ethiopian mustard performed better than rapeseed in terms of aboveground biomass yield (5.49 t ha−1), in both years. The two crops showed different fatty acid profiles of the oil mainly due to diverse content of erucic and oleic acids. The CHP system had an average consumption of 14.41 kg PVO h−1. These results confirm that the productivity of the species can be appreciable in the Southern Mediterranean area and indicate the use of raw materials of these crops as crucial to the development a sustainable short agri-energy supply chain.

Analisis Pengukuran Produktivitas Menggunakan Metode Pendekatan Objective Matrix (OMAX) pada Proses Pengolahan Air Bersih di PT. Dain Celicani Cemerlang KIM III Mabar

This research aims to measure the productivity level using the objective Matrix (OMAX) approach method based on raw material usage data, available operator hours data, and operator hours data. As well as determining the causes of decreased productivity using a cause-and-effect diagram (Fishbone Diagram). Based on the calculation of the productivity index for the period from January to June 2022, it was 39.89%. While the highest productivity occurs in May with a value of 480 and the lowest productivity is in March with a total yield of 116. Based on the achievement of the lowest productivity ratio score is found in ratio 2, namely, labour productivity with a total score of 15 and the lowest total score is in January, March and May. Changes in performance values indicate that the level of productivity is not yet good, it is necessary to improve the factors that influence it. The causal diagram shows that the machine damage factors also affect the operator’s working hours, which become ineffective. In terms of productivity, we must require pretty good machine maintenance so that production can run smoothly and machine maintenance on a regular basis. The workforce greatly influences the occurrence of low productivity due to inexperienced and unskilled operators and sufficient training for operators must be needed to increase the productivity of the company.
 Keywords: Objective Matrix (OMAX), Productivity, Clean Water.

The Source, Mobility and Fate of Bismuth (Bi) in Legacy Mine Waste, Yxsjöberg, Sweden

The usage of bismuth (Bi), a critical and strategic raw material, has increased in the last 10 years. At present, the knowledge of Bi geochemistry is too limited to develop accurate mine waste and water management strategies to prevent environmental impact. Therefore, its geochemistry was studied in historical tailings in Yxsjöberg, Sweden. Intact tailings cores and shore samples were geochemically and mineralogically analyzed. Groundwater was sampled between 2016 and 2021 and analyzed for 71 elements and (SO4, F, Cl). The results were correlated with metals and dissolved organic matter (DOC), which have been previously published. The total concentrations, sequential extraction and scanning electron microscopy–energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (SEM–EDS) mapping indicated that Bi had been mobilized from the primary mineral bismuthinite (Bi2S3). In the oxidized tailings from both the cores and shore, Bi was hypothesized to have adsorbed to iron (Fe) (hydr)oxides, which prohibited high concentrations of Bi leaching into the groundwater and surface water. Dissolved Bi in groundwater was significantly correlated with DOC. In surface water, dissolved Bi was transported more than 5 km from the tailings. This study indicates that Bi can become mobile from legacy mine waste due to the oxidation of bismuthinite and either be scavenged by adsorption of Fe (hydr)oxides or kept mobile in groundwater and surface water due to complexation with DOC.

A comprehensive framework for the sustainability indicators in the textile industry of developing countries

AbstractTextile production in developing countries is known to be associated with significant environmental, social, and economic challenges. Existing research has mostly focused on singular aspects of sustainability, while no consensus exists on the importance and applicability of sustainability indicators. To address these gaps, this study utilized an integrated approach involving the Delphi method and the fuzzy best‐worst method (BWM) to develop a comprehensive framework by identifying and formulating sustainability indicators tailored for the textile industry in developing countries and assess their importance and applicability. Through three consecutive rounds of Delphi, a total of 64 sustainability indicators were identified (16 economic, 24 environmental, and 24 social indicators). Next, fuzzy BWM was employed to determine the importance and applicability of these indicators. The results show that (a) environmental indicators overall have higher applicability scores, (b) the top three critical indicators were raw material usage, operational costs, and fuel consumption, and (c) nearly half of the indicators (29/64) were deemed highly applicable, with 34.5% (10/29) of these falling under environmental, 34.5% (10/29) under economic, and 31% (9/29) under social dimensions. Finally, the utility of the framework is demonstrated through an empirical case study in a textile manufacturing company in Nigeria.

Unveiling the Environmental and Economic Implications of Additive Manufacturing on Inbound Transportation

This studyaims to investigate the impact of additive manufacturing (AM) on the sustainability of inbound transportation. By combining insights from existing literature and interviews with professionals in the additive manufacturing field, we present a comprehensive analysis of this subject. Drawing upon both literature review and interview perspectives, it is evident that AMsignificantly influences the sustainabledimension of transportation. A key attribute of additive manufacturing is its inherent efficiency, resulting in minimized waste generation during production. This stands in contrast to traditional manufacturing methods, which involve material reduction to achieve desired shapes. The streamlined process of additive manufacturing requires fewer raw materials, thereby reducing environmental impact. The transportability of filament powder in bulk form further contributes to these sustainability gains, reducing material volume and transportation frequency. Consequently, emissions associated with additive manufacturing-related transportation are lowered. Recycling of materials is also structured within a broader framework, deviating from the conventional model of product returns to manufacturers.Despite its potential, our empirical findings suggest that the adoption of additive manufacturing doesn't consistently lead to cost reduction compared to conventional methods. The applicability of additive manufacturing remains limited to specific product ranges. Nevertheless, cost savings can occur in the realm of inbound transportation due to factors such as reduced transportation frequency and the transport-friendly nature of raw material containers. Furthermore, the efficiency of raw material usage in additive manufacturing contributes to economic benefits. Unlike conventional manufacturing, additive processes don't require extensive raw material inventories.Economic considerations extend to the adoption of distributed manufacturing systems. While centralized systems minimize raw material transportation, they may increase transportation distance for the final products. Conversely, distributed systems increase raw material travel but decrease product transportation distance. The study underscores that while distributed manufacturing offers advantages, it impacts transportation costs.In essence, this study sheds light on the complex interplay between additive manufacturing and inbound transportation sustainability. It underscores how additive manufacturing's inherent efficiencies and material characteristics have ramifications for environmental and economic dimensions. Through a blend of theoretical insights and empirical evidence, this research contributes to the broader discourse on sustainable manufacturing practices.

Microlithic Assemblage from the Terminal Pleistocene: Alawala Pothgul-lena Rock Shelter in the Wet Zone of Sri Lanka

Stone artifact assemblages have long been used for the identification of ancient cultural connections and trends through space and time. In this endeavor, archaeologists have focused on variations in lithic morphology. Sri Lankan sites dated from 47ka onwards, yield stone tools of the microlithic technological tradition. These complex tools are characterized by an expanding range of geometric tools, non-geometric tools, and the novel exploitation and sourcing of raw materials. From the Wet Zone of western Sri Lanka’s Gampaha District, the rock shelter-cave site of Pothgul-lena (PGL) was excavated in 2008-2009. Stone artifacts recovered from PGL belong to the microlithic tool tradition, an enduring technological tradition that has been in use in Lanka from approximately 50,000 years to early historic times. According to C14 dating, the PGL site has been occupied from the terminal Pleistocene (ca. 14ka) into the mid-Holocene (ca. 6ka). Preliminary analysis of artifacts revealed that they were fashioned using the freehand percussion (soft hammer) technique as well as the bipolar technique. The raw material used to produce microliths was quartz of both the clear and milky variety. A high number of cutters, one-edge cutters, scrapers and non-descript flake tools recovered from the excavation are described in this report.