Pollution prevention with chemical process simulators: the generalized waste reduction (WAR) algorithm - full version

A general theory for the flow and the generation of potential environmental impact through a chemical process has been developed. The theory defines s ix potential environmental impact indexes that characterize the generation of potential impact within a process, and the output of potential impact fr om a process. The indexes are used to quantify pollution reduction and to d evelop pollution reducing changes to process flow sheets using process simu lators. The potential environmental impacts are calculated from stream mass flow rates, stream composition, and a relative potential environmental imp act score for each chemical present. The chemical impact scores include a c omprehensive set of nine effects ranging from ozone depletion potential to human toxicity and ecotoxicity. The resulting waste reduction methodology o r WAR algorithm is illustrated with two case studies using the chemical pro cess simulator Chemcad III (Use does not imply USEPA endorsement or approva l of Chemcad III). (C) 1999 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.