Integration of process modelling and life cycle inventory. Case study: i-pentane purification process from Naphtha

Abstract

A framework for the assesment of the environmental damage generated by a process chain and based on a life cycle approach is proposed. To implement it, a methodology based on the integration of process modelling and environmental damage assessment that considers all the processes of the life cycle was developed. This integration is achieved through an eco-matrix formed by eco-vectors containigg the most relevant environmental loads. To verify the methodology, a case study on the deisopentaniser plant of REPSOL-YPF (Tarragona, Spain) has been carried out. The environmental profile of the alternative scenarios is improved when co-generation and heat recovery are considered. © 2003 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.