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Process development of silica extraction from RHA: a cradle to gate environmental impact approach.
Saurabh N Joglekar1, Rhushikesh A Kharkar1, Sachin A Mandavgane2
1Chemical Engineering Department, Visvesvaraya National Institute of Technology, South Ambazari Road, Nagpur, 440010, India.
Environmental Science and Pollution Research International
|November 9, 2018
Summary
This study assesses the environmental impacts of extracting silica from rice husk ash (RHA). Calcination, particularly electricity use, significantly contributes to climate change, highlighting the need for renewable energy in sustainable silica production.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Science
- Materials Science
- Chemical Engineering
Background:
- India is a major rice producer, generating substantial rice husk ash (RHA).
- RHA is a silica-rich agricultural byproduct often used as fuel.
- Silica extraction from RHA presents an opportunity for waste utilization.
Purpose of the Study:
- To conduct a comprehensive environmental impact assessment of silica extraction from RHA.
- To identify key environmental hotspots and propose improvement strategies for sustainable production.
- To evaluate the process using the ISO 14040 framework and specific midpoint indicators.
Main Methods:
- Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) methodology following ISO 14040 standards.
- Utilized GaBi Education software for environmental impact analysis.
- Functional unit: 100 kg of silica produced, including raw material extraction and transportation.
Main Results:
- The overall climate change impact is 7.26 kg CO2 equivalent per kg of silica.
- Calcination emerged as the primary contributor to climate change impacts, largely due to electricity consumption.
- Identified specific environmental indicators and discussed avoidance of negative impacts.
Conclusions:
- Calcination is a critical stage influencing overall environmental performance.
- Utilizing renewable energy sources for electricity generation can significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
- Sustainable silica extraction from RHA is achievable through process optimization and waste utilization.
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