H. Cabezas et al., Pollution prevention with chemical process simulators: the generalized waste reduction (WAR) algorithm - full version, COMPUT CH E, 23(4-5), 1999, pp. 623-634
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.