Browse Topic: Waste management

Items (226)

Path Planning and Control Strategies for a Semi-Autonomous Light Commercial Vehicle Navigating and Avoiding Static Obstacles in Urban Environments

2026-26-0134To be published on 01/16/2026

This paper presents the design and implementation of a Semi-Autonomous Light Commercial Vehicle (LCV) capable of following a person while performing obstacle avoidance in urban and controlled environments. The LCV leverages its onboard 360-degree view camera, RTK-GNSS, Ultrasonic sensors, and algorithms to independently navigate the environment, avoiding obstacles and maintaining a safe distance from the person it is following. The proposed system employs a path planning algorithm that generates a secondary lateral path originating from the primary driving path to navigate around static obstacles. A Behavior Planner is utilized to decide when to generate the path and avoid obstacles, ensuring timely and efficient navigation adjustments. The primary objective is to ensure seamless and safe navigation in environments where obstacles are present. The LCV's path tracking is achieved using a combination of Pure Pursuit and Proportional-Integral (PI) controllers. The Pure Pursuit controller

Ayyappan, Vimal Raj, Dhanopia, Rashmi, Ali, Ashpak, N, Ragesh, Sato, Hiromitsu

Advancing Circular Economy in India's Automotive Sector: Challenges and Sustainable Solutions

2026-26-0238To be published on 01/16/2026

This research examines the fundamental principles of the Circular Economy in relation to the automotive industry in India, a sector that plays a vital role in the country's economy. However, it also presents significant challenges concerning energy consumption and environmental impact. The circular economy framework offers a transformative approach throughout a vehicle’s lifecycle, guiding the automotive industry toward a more sustainable transportation system. One of the key strategies defined by the global automotive commission for decarbonizing this sector involves increasing the recycled plastic content in vehicles to 20-25% by 2030. This target necessitates the recovery of plastics from end-of-life vehicles, though these materials are rarely integrated into compounds today. The automotive industry's reliance on plastics has grown substantially due to their lightweight properties, which enhance fuel efficiency, reduce CO₂ emissions, and improve versatility and mechanical

Kumar, Vijay Bhooshan

Characterization and Aluminum Recovery from Chemical Milling Sludge in Aerospace Industry

2025-01-501603/21/2025

The chemical milling process used in the aerospace industry generates substantial metallic residue in the etching bath, referred to as chemical milling sludge (CMS). The direct disposal of CMS into the environment leads to ecological deterioration and economic losses. This study focused on the recovery of aluminum from the aerospace industry CMS, aiming to mitigate environmental harm and enhance resource efficiency. The energy-dispersive X-ray (EDX) analysis revealed that the aluminum content in extracted CMS increased significantly to 95.86%, compared to 28.98% in non-extracted sludge. The XRD analysis of the CMS extracted samples also revealed the presence of increased Al2O3. The surface morphology study suggested the irregularly shaped particles with large chunks, and fine granules were observed on CMS. The yield of Al2O3 was observed to be 35.9% (wt) prior to the calcination process followed by 12.1% (wt) after calcination. The phytotoxicity study indicated that the CMS inhibited

Prasad, Jag, Sonwani, Ravi Kumar

Evaluation of Sustainable Alternative Fuels from Waste Coffee Grounds

2021-01-120609/21/2021

The economy is gradually transitioning to a circular model that extends resources, reduces waste and requires a great deal of creative thinking. Both established and emerging global economies view waste as a main bioresource for our next generation energy. Nowadays a growing recognition evolves that the twin problems of waste management and resource depletion can be solved together through the utilization of food waste as a resource, using green and sustainable technologies that can play a significant part in the forthcoming bio-economy era. Coffee is one of the most popular beverages with the consumption continuously increasing and generating huge amounts of solid residues in return. This solid waste after the extraction of the coffee beverage is known as Waste or Spent Coffee Grounds (WCG). Among others the valorization has the potential to be directed as a bioresource for sustainable energy and particularly for the production of alternative liquid fuels for ICE. The aim of the

Dodos, George S., Deligiannis, Alexandros, Karonis, Dimitrios, Zannikos, Fanourios

Products of Tomorrow: December 2020

TBMG-3818912/01/2020

This column presents technologies that have applications in commercial areas, possibly creating the products of tomorrow. To learn more about each technology, see the contact information provided for that innovation.

Faster-Degrading Plastic for Marine Uses

TBMG-3797611/01/2020

To address the plastic environmental crisis, chemists have developed a new polymer with ample strength in a marine setting that degrades by ultraviolet radiation. The plastic has the mechanical properties required by commercial fishing gear. If it eventually gets lost in the aquatic environment, the material can degrade on a realistic time scale.

Bullish on biomethane

19TOFHP06_0106/01/2019

The CEO of CNH Industrial says biomethane is cleaner path than electric, as Case demos the alt fuel in cool wheel-loader concept. Hybrid and electric powertrains were omnipresent at bauma 2019 in Munich, with several OEMs and engine manufacturers showcasing electrified machines in near-production form. But CNH Industrial bucked that trend, touting the many benefits of biomethane instead. “Everybody talks about electrification; however, we believe that on the on-highway side as well as in off-highway there is a ‘bridging technology’ that is here to stay-LNG and CNG (liquefied and compressed natural gas),” said Hubertus M. Mühlhäuser, CEO of CNH Industrial, which includes brands Case, New Holland, Iveco and FPT Industrial, among others.

Gehm, Ryan

Plastic-Degrading Enzyme

TBMG-3415104/01/2019

Eight million metric tons of plastic waste, including polyethylene terephthalate (PET) bottles, enter the oceans each year, creating huge manmade islands of garbage. Experts estimate that by 2050, there will be as much waste plastic in the ocean by mass as there are fish. A bacterium, Ideonella sakaiensis 201-F6, can degrade plastic bottles but it doesn’t work fast enough to solve plastic recycling at the industrial scale.

Printing Ink Removes Oxygen in Sealed Packages

TBMG-2885205/01/2018

Oxygen adversely impacts food flavor and nutrition. NASA’s proposed five-year shelf life for astronaut food requires aggressive measures to minimize oxygen. Previously, NASA packaged foods in containers with a high oxygen and moisture barrier. These materials have limiting properties. They contain a metal layer; therefore, they do not incinerate or melt-compress. As a result, they are a disposal burden. They also have only a three-year shelf life.

Relationship among Various Particle Characterization Metrics Using GDI Engine Based Light-Duty Vehicles

2018-01-035304/03/2018

In recent years, gasoline direct injection (GDI) engines have been widely used by manufacturers in light-duty to meet stringent fuel economy and emissions standards. This study focuses on the relationship between various particle metrics such as number, size, surface area and mass of dilute exhaust particles from 12 different light-duty vehicles equipped with GDI engines. The campaign included the measurement of total particulate matter (PM) using Title 40 CFR Part 1066 compliant filter measurement, soot mass using photo-acoustics based analyzer, organic carbon (OC) & elemental carbon (EC) mass using thermo-optical analysis of quartz filter samples, solid particle number using European Union Regulation No. 49 compliant number system and solid particle size/number using an electrical mobility based size spectrometer. The measurement campaign involved testing each vehicle over 16 Unified Driving Cycles, also called LA-92 drive cycles which is a more aggressive drive cycle than the

Premnath, Vinay, Khalek, Imad A., Morgan, Peter

Motorcycle Emission Profiles in Bandung City, Indonesia

2017-32-007611/05/2017

Motorcycles account for almost 80% of private vehicles in Indonesia, with an annual growth rate of 12% per year. This paper aims to investigate the emission profiles of CO2, CO, HC and NOx based on typical fuel and motorcycle types in Indonesia. Questionnaire surveys were undertaken to gather fuel type, engine technology and capacity representing the motorcycle population in Bandung City, Indonesia. Emissions were measured based on six-speed variations on a chassis dynamometer. Questionnaire surveys from 290 respondent show that EURO II and EURO III technology with engine capacity less than 150cc is the most utilized type of motorcycle in Bandung. Most of the users’ chose RON 90 and RON 92 gasoline. Based on the results, four groups of 5 motorcycle of EUROII-RON90, EUROII-RON92, EUROIII-RON90, and EUROIII-RON92 were tested. Emission data showed that the higher the speed, the lower the emission, except for CO and NOx which have a different pattern. The highest CO2 and NOx emission are

Yudison, Adyati, Reksowardojo, Iman K., Sulaeman, Aminudin

Experimental Investigation on a DI Diesel Engine Using Waste Plastic Oil Blended with Oxygenated Fuels

2017-24-011609/04/2017

In this study, two oxygenated fuels consisting of butanol and diethyl ether (DEE), both possess same number of carbon, hydrogen and oxygen atom but difference functional group, were blended with the waste plastic pyrolysis oil to use in a 4-cylinder direct injection diesel engine without any engine modification. In addition, the effect of castor oil addition to such fuel blends was also investigated. Four tested fuels with same oxygen content were prepared for engine test, comprising DEE16 (84% waste plastic oil blended with 16% DEE), BU16 (84% waste plastic oil blended with 16% butanol), DEE11.5BIO5 (83.5% waste plastic oil blended with 11.5% DEE and 5% castor oil) and BU11.5BIO5 (83.5% waste plastic oil blended with 11.5% butanol and 5% castor oil). The results found that the DEE addition to waste plastic oil increased more HC and smoke emissions than the butanol addition at low engine operating condition. However the benefit to reduce HC and smoke was observed when the DEE blend was

Sukjit, Ekarong, Liplap, Pansa, Maithomklang, Somkiat, Arjharn, Weerachai

Knowledge System Based Design-for-Reliability for Developing Connected Intelligent Products

2017-01-019603/28/2017

Connectivity and artificial intelligence will be major features of many upcoming products. The need for accurate estimation of the state of these products and their operational environments, and, the intricacy of their decision, planning, and control algorithms, will cause unprecedented growth in their design complexity as well as their software content. The failures of complex software-intensive electronically controlled products of today can often be traced to the interfaces between different subsystems and to the intersection between different engineering disciplines, i.e., mechanical, electrical, and software. Experts who possess intuition regarding the failure modes and robust design of complex electronically controlled products are few and consequently, information management solutions that can help capture and reuse the product failure modes are crucial for delivering dependable, software-intensive products. Today, enterprise level reliability engineering tools and systems

Agaram, Venkatesh

MMT Effects on Gasoline Vehicles: A Literature Review

2016-01-907303/14/2016

Methylcyclopentadienyl manganese tricarbonyl (MMT) is an octane-boosting gasoline additive that has been used for over 50 years. This usage has been controversial; particularly in modern gasoline vehicles equipped with advanced emissions control systems. There is concern that extended use of MMT will lead to build-up of Mn-containing deposits on engine and emissions system components, thereby adversely affecting vehicle emissions performance and durability. This paper provides a comprehensive review of the literature regarding the effects of MMT on gasoline vehicles, with an emphasis on modern, Tier 2 vehicles. Numerous test programs have been conducted - including wide ranges of vehicle model years, technology types, and testing conditions. The reported MMT effects over this body of literature are not consistent. In general, studies by automakers have concluded that under certain test conditions, use of MMT is detrimental; contributing to catalyst plugging, deteriorated performance

Hoekman, S. Kent, Broch, Amber

The Measurement of Particulate Matter from Construction Machinery under Actual Operating Conditions

2015-01-281009/29/2015

The paper describes the measurement of PM emission from an excavator engine under actual operating conditions. The exploration of the relations between the engine operating parameters and its emissions requires measurements under actual conditions of engine operation. The specificity of the emission measurements, PM in particular, requires technologically advanced measuring devices. The situation gets even more complicated when, beside the PM mass. The particle size distribution and number (PN) also need to be measured. An important technical issue is the difficulty in fitting the measurement equipment in/on the vehicle in operation (e.g. excavator), which is why the presented investigations were carried out in a laboratory under simulated operation. The laboratory technicians applied load to the engines through the excavator hydraulic system. During the tests, the authors attempted to reflect the operating conditions (prerecorded engine speeds and loads when the excavator operated in

Lijewski, Piotr, Merkisz, Jerzy, Fuc, Pawel, Siedlecki, Maciej, Ziolkowski, Andrzej

Engine Exhaust Solid Sub-23 nm Particles: I. Literature Survey

2014-01-283410/13/2014

In the current diesel vehicle exhaust emissions legislation Particle Number (PN) limits for solid particles >23 nm are prescribed. The legislation was extended to include Gasoline Direct Injection (G-DI) vehicles since September 2014. Target of this paper was to investigate whether smaller than 23 nm solid particles are emitted from engines in considerable concentration focusing on G-DI engines. The literature survey and the experimental investigation of >15 vehicles showed that engines emit solid sub-23 nm particles. The average percentage over a test cycle for G-DIs (30-40%) is similar to diesel engines. These percentages are relatively low considering the emission limit levels (6×1011 p/km) and the repeatability (10-20%) of the particle number method. These percentages are slightly higher compared to the percentages expected theoretically not to be counted due to the 23 nm cut-off size (5-15%). Higher fraction can be measured with high ethanol content fuels, at sub-zero ambient

Giechaskiel, Barouch, Manfredi, Urbano, Martini, Giorgio

Comparison of Measurement Strategies for Light Absorbing Aerosols from Modern Diesel Engines

2014-01-157004/01/2014

Light absorbing components of aerosols, often called black carbon (BC), are emitted from combustion sources and are believed to play a considerable role in direct atmospheric radiative forcing by a number of climate scientists. In addition, it has been shown that BC is associated with adverse health effects in a number of epidemiological studies. Although the optical properties (both absorbing and scattering) of combustion aerosols are needed in order to accurately assess the impact of emissions on radiative forcing, many models use radiative properties of diesel particulate matter that were determined over two decades ago. In response to concerns of the human health impacts of particulate matter (PM), regulatory bodies around the world have significantly tightened PM emission limits for diesel engines. These requirements have resulted in considerable changes in engine technology requiring updated BC measurements from modern engines equipped with aftertreatment systems. In this study

Robinson, Michael, Liu, Z. Gerald, Olson, Michael, Schauer, James

Fuel Effects Study with In-Use Two-Stroke Motorcycles and All-Terrain-Vehicles

2013-01-251810/14/2013

This paper covers work performed for the California Air Resources Board and US Environmental Protection Agency by Southwest Research Institute. Emission measurements were made on four in-use off-road two-stroke motorcycles and all-terrain vehicles utilizing oxygenated and non-oxygenated fuels. Emission data was produced to augment ARB and EPA's off-road emission inventory. It was intended that this program provide ARB and EPA with emission test results they require for atmospheric modeling. The paper describes the equipment and engines tested, test procedures, emissions sampling methodologies, and emissions analytical techniques. Fuels used in the study are described, along with the emissions characterization results. The fuel effects on exhaust emissions and operation due to ethanol content and fuel components is compared. The emission changes observed when fuel was switched between 0% and10 % ethanol were a reduction in total hydrocarbon and non-methane hydrocarbon emissions by 3 to

Carroll, James N., Caffrey, Cheryl, Peterson, A. James

Application of Life Cycle Analysis to End of Life Vehicles Recycling Process

2013-01-128504/08/2013

This study aims to determine environmental aspects of an end-of-vehicle recycling process through life cycle assessment (LCA) methodology. Functional unit of the study was an end-of-vehicle with a weight of 1432 kg. System boundaries included transportation of the scrap car to disassembly and shredding facility, disassembly and shredding processes and transportation of the materials to recycling facilities. Data regarding process was gathered from a shredding facility, literature and the libraries of the SimaPro 7.3.2. Gathered data was evaluated through CML 2 baseline 2000 methodology by the means of abiotic depletion, acidification, global warming, ozone depletion, human toxicity, fresh water aquatic ecotoxicity, marine aquatic ecotoxicity, terrestrial ecotoxicity and photochemical oxidation. According to results, transportation and diesel consumption are the important factors for ELV recycling. It is thought that decreasing of diesel consumption and selection of closest sites to

Erses Yay, Suna, Yay, Kubilay

Colorado - Materials Prohibited from Disposal

RS-BNA-MARCH_13_0203/25/2013

Final rule of the Department of Public Health and Environment, Hazardous Materials and Waste Management Division, amends regulations under 6 CCR 1007-2, Part 1, Sections 1.2 and 16, to implement a statewide landfill ban for residentially generated electronic devices or components of electronic devices. The rule also replaces existing provisions regarding disposal of motorized vehicle equipment wastes with new provisions regarding management of materials prohibited from land disposal, including residentially generated electronic devices, used lead-acid batteries, used oil, and waste tires. In addition, the rule adds and revises definitions. The rule is effective April 14, 2013. Contact: Brandy Murphy; DPHE, Solid and Hazardous Waste Commission; (303-692-3467)

Columbia - Issuance of Guidance for Producers and Importers of Batteries and Accumulators

RS-BNA-FEB_13_0801/21/2013

The National Authority for Environmental Licenses has announced the issuance of terms of reference as guidance for producers and importers of batteries and accumulators to develop the System of Selective Collection and Environmental Management. The requirement to develop this system comes from Resolution 1297 of 2010 Establishing the Systems of Take-Back and Waste Management for Waste Batteries and/or Accumulators. The terms of reference detail the information that must be included in the system, including the producer identification, the identification of the system operator, the specific product information, other actors and level of participation, the geographical coverage, the administrative and technical structure, and the requirements to deliver the system. The notice is dated Jan. 21, 2013.

Hungary - Battery and Accumulator Revised Take-back, Collection, and Treatment Obligations

RS-BNA-MARCH_13_1112/29/2012

The Ministry of Rural Development has issued a rule requiring companies manufacturing and placing batteries and accumulators on the market to comply with revised take-back, collection, and treatment obligations, in particular with regard to accumulators subject to the environmental product charge. For such accumulators, manufacturers cannot transfer their obligations to a compliance scheme, but can comply either individually, collectively by joining the National Waste Management Authority, or by paying the environmental product charge. The rule is effective Jan. 1, 2013.

Environment Protection Act (CAP. 435) - Waste Management (Waste Batteries and Accumulators) Regulations, 2010.

INT-REG-36511/14/2012

Waste Management (Waste Batteries and Accumulators) Regulations, 2010.

Influence of the Alcohol Type and Concentration in Alcohol-Blended Fuels on the Combustion and Emission of Small Two-Stroke SI Engines

2012-32-003810/23/2012

The combustion processes optimization is one of the most important factors to enhancing thermal efficiency and reducing exhaust emissions of combustion engines [1; 2]. Future emission regulations for small two-stroke SI engines require that the emissions of gases causing the greenhouse effect, such as carbon dioxide, to be reduced. One possible way to reduce exhaust gas emissions from two-stroke small off-road engines (SORE) is to use biogenic fuels. Because of their nearly closed carbon dioxide circuit, the emissions of carbon dioxide decrease compared to the use of fossil fuels. Also biogenic fuels have a significant influence on the combustion process and thus the emissions of different exhaust gas components may be reduced. Besides greenhouse gases, several other exhaust gas components need to be reduced because of their toxicity to the human health. For example, aromatic hydrocarbons cause dangerous health problems, and can be reduced by using alkylate fuel. This research shows

Bertsch, Markus, Beck, Kai W., Spicher, Ulrich, Kölmel, Armin, Dawin, Ute C., Lochmann, Holger, Schweiger, Stefan

Indiana - Hazardous Waste Management Permit Program/Lead Batteries

RS-BNA-SEP_12_0409/13/2012

Notice of the Department of Environmental Management, Solid Waste Management Board, announces the rescheduling of the hearing on an April 14, 2011, proposed rule that amends regulations under 329 IAC 3.1-11-2 and adopts regulations under 329 IAC 3.1-11.1 concerning the temporary storage and management of spent lead acid batteries. The rule sets forth requirements for the management of spent lead acid batteries, including transportation and storage, by retailers, wholesalers, manufacturers, auto salvage yards, other storage facilities, and reclamation facilities. The rule also addresses the intermittent storage of partially reclaimed spent lead acid batteries. In addition, the rule adds definitions; adds a notification requirement for intermediate storage facilities that accumulate more than 5,000 kilograms of spent lead acid batteries; and clarifies closure and corrective action requirements for permitted and unpermitted storage areas. The hearing now is scheduled for Nov. 20, 2012, in

Indiana - Hazardous Waste Management Permit Program/Lead Batteries

RS-BNA-AUG_12_0408/23/2012

Peru - Production, Import, and Distribution of Electric and Electronic Equipment

RS-BNA-JUL_12_1006/27/2012

The Ministry of the Environment has issued a rule regarding the production, import, and distribution of electric and electronic equipment (EEE). The rule requires companies than generated waste electric and electronic equipment to create or enroll in a WEEE management system. The rule also requires generators to have a waste management plan approved, submit an annual declaration, inform final users on take-back systems, and hand WEEE over to authorized contractors. Manufacturers of computers and communication equipment and consumer appliances must submit the waste management plan by June 28, 2013. The rule is effective June 28, 2012.

Indiana - Hazardous Waste Management Permit Program/Lead Batteries

RS-BNA-JUN_12_0106/21/2012

Lithuania - The Keeping of Records of Products and Waste Management Reports

RS-BNA-JUL_12_0906/14/2012

The Ministry of the Environment has issued amendments to an order regarding the keeping of records of products placed on the market and the provision of waste management reports. The rule requires producers and importers of oil, vehicles, electric and electronic equipment (EEE), batteries and accumulators, and other taxable products that manage the waste of those products by themselves to provide information about the organization of waste management activities and public education and awareness, to the Regional Environmental Protection Departments or the Lithuanian Environmental Protection Agency following a specific template. In addition, the rule requires producers and importers of electric and electronic equipment to submit copies of waste electric and electronic equipment (WEEE) management contracts. The rule is effective Jan. 1, 2013.

Bacteria Provide Cleanup of Oil Spills and Wastewater

TBMG-1397506/01/2012

Given the size of our planet and its wealth of resources, it is easy to forget that those resources are finite. As Earth’s human population continues to grow, the questions of how to effectively limit and recycle waste, avoid environmental contamination, and make the most of water and fuel reserves become all the more pressing.

Performance of Particle Oxidation Catalyst and Particle Formation Studies with Sulphur Containing Fuels

2012-01-036604/16/2012

The aim of this paper is to analyze the quantitative impact of fuel sulfur content on particulate oxidation catalyst (POC) functionality, focusing on soot emission reduction and the ability to regenerate. Studies were conducted on fuels containing three different levels of sulfur, covering the range of 6 to 340 parts per million, for a light-duty application. The data presented in this paper provide further insights into the specific issues associated with usage of a POC with fuels of higher sulfur content. A 48-hour loading phase was performed for each fuel, during which filter smoke number, temperature and back-pressure were all observed to vary depending on the fuel sulfur level. The Fuel Sulfur Content (FSC) affected also soot particle size distributions (particle number and size) so that with FSC 6 ppm the soot particle concentration was lower than with FSC 65 and 340, both upstream and downstream of the POC. Conversely, FSC did not have major effects on the soot particle number

Bielaczyc, Piotr, Keskinen, Jorma, Dzida, Jakub, Sala, Rafal, Ronkko, Topi, Kinnunen, Toni, Matilainen, Pekka, Karjalainen, Panu, Happonen, Matti Juhani

Particle Oxidation Catalyst (POC ^® ) - From Diesel To GDI - Studies on Particulate Number and Mass Efficiency

2012-01-084504/16/2012

Legislations worldwide have started imposing stringent emission standards for particulate matter (PM) emitted by diesel engines. The main reason for these actions is the adverse effects on human health caused by particle emissions. Conventional ceramic Diesel Particulate Filters (DPF) have proven exceptionally effective in reducing particulate emissions with efficiencies of 90% or more. However, these filters require regular active regenerations as well as periodical ash removal in order to avoid a blockage of the exhaust line. These procedures are both costly and complex and as a result alternative aftertreatment solutions have been developed. One of these solutions is the Particle Oxidation Catalyst, POC-X. The main aim of the POC-X is not to equal the high efficiencies of the DPF, but to achieve the best possible particle reduction without creating the risk of blocking or the need for complex filter regeneration procedures. The substrate used in the POC-X is a fine mesh screen made

Kinnunen, Toni, Matilainen, Pekka, Scheder, Daniel, Czika, Werner, Waters, David, Russ, Gerald

Battery Recycling Interaction with Washington

2012-01-035204/16/2012

As the market for plug-in hybrid and electric vehicles continues to grow, so too will the demand for advanced batteries using lithium-ion and other chemistries. The need to recycle advanced batteries will grow as well lest the batteries become a solid waste disposal problem. Currently, lithium recycling is an industry in its infancy, but one that will need to develop to meet expected growing demand. This considers policy issues that policymakers will need to address as the demand for advanced battery recycling emerges.

Howes, John

Measurement of In-use PM using Soot Augmented with a Gravimetric Reference

2012-01-125404/16/2012

Diesel PM is understood to comprise elemental carbonaceous particles, an organic fraction of soluble or volatile hydrocarbons and sometimes a sulfate fraction. The need to measure such diesel PM at very low levels and to measure it outside of the usual engine test laboratory makes it helpful to sharpen our understanding of this detail composition and how it comes about. Real time instruments for measuring soot and particle number concentrations make it possible to discern emissions levels much lower than filter based laboratory measurements, but an understanding of the relationships between these measurements and the historical reference methods makes them more useful for development and certification of engines. Efforts to use soot measurements in-use in order to meet NTE requirements have shown good correlation to the laboratory reference and have also provided some new information on the shortcomings of the reference methods. This paper will report on measurements made with a photo

Silvis, William M.

Identification of Transportation Battery Systems for Recycling

2012-01-035104/16/2012

Electrification of the transportation industry is increasing rapidly with batteries currently the technology of choice. At the end of life, the battery chemistry used to electrify the vehicle may not be easily identifiable. A simple, common identifier is required to allow consumers, service and waste management personnel to direct unknown battery types to appropriate recyclers or secondary use markets. Recyclers also benefit from this identifier as it allows them to sort, screen for potential contamination to existing process streams, and identify the manufacturer so they may contact them to find detailed information about the battery to ensure proper and safe recycling. The SAE Battery Recycling Committee has recommended that batteries be identified by battery system, miscellaneous hazards and date of manufacture be identified as part of chemistry identification code. For the lithium-ion chemistry it is further recommended that cathode and anode be specified. To avoid confusion and

Mackintosh, Todd F.

Michael Ewert, Deputy Project Manager, Exploration Life Support (ELS) Project, Johnson Space Center, Houston, TX

TBMG-864510/01/2010

In 2001, NASA engineer Michael Ewert developed and patented a unique solar-powered vapor-compression refrigeration system that operates without batteries or external power of any kind. The system, which is powered by a photovoltaic panel and custom-designed electronic controls, could be used not only for long-duration space missions but also to build more environmentally friendly refrigeration systems here on Earth. Currently, Ewert is the Deputy Project Manager for NASA’s Exploration Life Support Project, which is developing new technologies needed to sustain human life on long-duration space exploration missions.

Keep Lighting Green from Start to Finish With Proper Packaging and Disposal of Used Fluorescent Lamps

TBMG-772203/11/2010

Fluorescent lamps are a popular lighting option for businesses and consumers that are looking for ways to conserve energy and cut down on wastes. Since mercury - a very useful but very toxic element - is used to conduct the charge in fluorescent lamps, these benefits can come at a significant environmental and health risk.

Environment Protection Act (CAP. 435) - Waste Management (Waste Batteries and Accumulators) Regulations, 2010.

INT-REG-403/08/2010

Waste Management (Waste Batteries and Accumulators) Regulations, 2010.

Diesel Particle Emission Reduction by a Particle Oxidation Catalyst

2009-01-270511/02/2009

State-of-art light duty diesel vehicles and heavy duty diesel engines are utilized in studying the effect of a novel particle oxidation catalyst (POC®) on particle emission. In addition to the regulated particulate matter (PM) emission measurement, a real time mass emission and particle number size distribution measurements are utilized in testing. The results show that the particle oxidation catalyst can have a significant decreasing effect on the diesel exhaust particle emissions. For example, in light duty applications PM reductions of 55-61% were achieved over the New European Driving Cycle (NEDC) when using a POC of same size as the engine volume. The usage of a DOC in combination with the POC ensures proper regeneration of the POC substrate. The size distribution measurements revealed that the particle number collection efficiency for smaller particles i.e. the nanoparticles was very high, being close to 100 %.

Lehtoranta, K., Matilainen, P., Kinnunen, T- J. J., Heikkilä, J., Rönkkö, T., Keskinen, J., Murtonen, T.

Experimental Study on the Air Quality of Vehicle’s Cabin by Evaluating CO ₂ Concentration and Fine Dust on the Actual Road

2009-01-053604/20/2009

For a complete automotive HVAC system, it is desirable to keep good air quality control for the interior vehicle cabin. This experimental study for evaluating the CO2 concentration levels in a vehicle cabin was done on the roads in South Korea. Increasing levels of CO2 can cause a passenger to become tired, sleepy and cause headaches or discomfort. The study results shows that CO2 and fine dust concentration is a result of the number of passengers,_driving condition and HVAC user settings. The result from this investigation can be used to establish a development guide for air quality in a vehicle cabin.

Park, Se-Kil, Kim, Ki-Won, Kwon, Hyuck-Yong

Anaerobic Digestion in a Flooded Densified Leachbed

TBMG-506104/01/2009

A document discusses the adaptation of a patented biomass-digesting process, denoted sequential batch anaerobic composting (SEBAC), to recycling of wastes aboard a spacecraft. In SEBAC, high-solids-content biomass wastes are converted into methane, carbon dioxide, and compost.

Development and Design of a Low Temperature Solid Waste Oxidation and Water Recovery System

2008-01-205206/29/2008

In February 2004 NASA released “The Vision for Space Exploration.” The goals outlined in this document include extending the human presence in the solar system, culminating in the exploration of Mars. A key requirement for this effort is to identify a safe and effective method to process waste. Methods currently under consideration include incineration, microbial oxidation, pyrolysis, drying, and compaction. Although each has advantages, no single method has yet been developed that is safe, recovers valuable resources including oxygen and water, and has low energy and space requirements. Thus, the objective of this work is to develop a low temperature oxidation process to convert waste cleanly and rapidly to carbon dioxide and water. Previously, TDA Research, Inc. demonstrated the potential of a low temperature dry oxidation process using ozone in a small laboratory reactor. Currently, TDA and NASA Ames Research Center are developing a pilot scale low temperature ozone oxidation system

Nabity, James A., Andersen, Erik W., Engel, Jeffrey R., Wickham, David T., Fisher, John W.

Waste Management Technology and the Drivers for Space Missions

2008-01-204706/29/2008

Since the mid 1980s, NASA has developed advanced waste management technologies that collect and process waste. These technologies include incineration, hydrothermal oxidation, pyrolysis, electrochemical oxidation, activated carbon production, brine dewatering, slurry bioreactor oxidation, composting, NOx control, compaction, and waste collection. Some of these technologies recover resources such as water, oxygen, nitrogen, carbon dioxide, carbon, fuels, and nutrients. Other technologies such as the Waste Collection System (WCS - the commode) collect waste for storage or processing. The need for waste processing varies greatly depending upon the mission scenario. This paper reviews the waste management technology development activities conducted by NASA since the mid 1980s and explores the drivers that determine the application of these technologies to future missions.

Fisher, John W., Hogan, John A., Delzeit, Lance, Liggett, Travis, Wignarajah, Kanapathipillai, Alba, Ric, Litwiller, Eric, Pace, Gregory, Fox, Thomas G.

Functional architecture and development of the CAB bioregenerative system

2008-01-201206/29/2008

The Bioregenerative Life Support program CAB (Controllo Ambientale Biorigenerativo) is a key element of the Italian Space Agency (ASI) Medicine & Biotechnology scientific program, set forth in the ASI Activity Plan 2006-2008 [01], [02], [03]. The CAB program team performed a one-year feasibility study of a controlled biological life support system (BLSS), allowing the regeneration of resources and the production of food for life support in long duration missions, under the prime contractorship of Thales Alenia Space - Italia, defining: State of art in the field Functional and technical requirements for the BLSS Functional architecture and preliminary sizing of a BLSS for planetary surface Development plan with associated scientific activities and technological demonstration. This paper focuses on the description of functional architecture, preliminary sizing and development of the CAB system, mainly dealing with: Plant physiology versus space environment; Crop characterization for food

Lobascio, C., Lamantea, M., Palumberi, S., Cotronei, V., Negri, B., De Pascale, S., Maggio, A., Maffei, M., Foti, M.

Prototype BLSS Lunar Habitat

2008-01-218606/29/2008

This paper describes a conceptual design for a prototype Bioregenerative Life Support System (BLSS) based Lunar Habitat. The overall goal of this study is to support a crew of four astronauts continually occupying the Lunar Habitat at the rim of Shackelton's Crater with 6 month re-supply and crew change-out interval. Currently under construction are four prototype Lunar Greenhouse Modules and a fifth prototype Post Harvest Module for recycling crew waste, water, and atmosphere based on this design. The proposed BLSS is highly integrated with the entire habitat and it is shown to dictate the development and design of the proposed lunar habitat prototype.

Sadler, Phil, Furfaro, Roberto, Giacomelli, Gene, Patterson, Lane

Catalytic Decomposition of Gaseous Byproducts from Primary Solid Waste Treatment Technologies

2008-01-205306/29/2008

Waste Management Systems (WMSs) designed for use aboard long-term spacecraft missions and within Lunar and planetary habitations must reduce volume and recover useful resources from solid wastes, as well as impart chemical and microbial stability to stored wastes. Many WMS processes produce high concentrations of toxic emissions that can periodically overwhelm Trace Contaminant Control Systems (TCCSs) designed to handle nominal atmospheric contaminants. A prototype Catalytic Oxidation System (COS) has been developed for this contingency, and when mated to different WMS processes, will treat these toxic emissions on an as-needed basis. The COS reactor utilizes a platinum and ruthenium bimetallic catalyst supported on mesoporous zirconia that is highly active and oxidizes at relatively low temperature a wide variety of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and inorganic toxic emissions produced by WMS processes. Furthermore, the COS catalyst has demonstrated stable long-term operation and

Williams, Thomas W., Akse, James R., Atwater, James E., Fisher, John W.

Preliminary Design of a Bio-Regenerative ECLSS Technological Demo Plant for Air and Water Management

2008-01-201306/29/2008

Future human exploration roadmaps involve the development of temporary or permanent outposts on Moon and Mars. The capability of providing astronauts with proper conditions for living and working in extraterrestrial environments is therefore a key issue for the sustainability of those roadmaps, and closed-loop Environment Control and Life Support Systems (ECLSSs) and bio-regenerative plants represent the necessary evolution of current technologies for complying with the challenging requirements imposed. This paper presents the architectural design of a terrestrial plant to be exploited to test and validate air and water management technologies for a biological life support system in a closed environment. The plant includes a crew area and a plant growth area. These two spaces can be considered as either a unique volume or two separated environments with reduced contact, e.g. for plant harvesting or other up-keeping activities.

Lavagna, Michèle, Pieratti, Roberto, Grasso, Marco, Grizzaffi, Lucia, Saverino, Antonio

Pyrolysis of Mixed Solid Food, Paper, and Packaging Wastes

2008-01-205006/29/2008

Pyrolysis is a very versatile waste processing technology which can be tailored to produce a variety of solid, liquid and/or gaseous products. The pyrolysis processing of pure and mixed solid waste streams has been under investigation for several decades for terrestrial use and a few commercial units have been built for niche applications. Pyrolysis has more recently been considered for the processing of mixed solid wastes in space. While pyrolysis units can easily handle mixed solid waste streams, the dependence of the pyrolysis product distribution on the component composition is not well known. It is often assumed that the waste components (e.g., food, paper, plastic) behave independently, but this is a generalization that can usually only be applied to the overall weight loss and not always to the yields of individual gas species. The current paper will present results on pyrolysis of various mixtures of plastic (polyethylene), food (composite of 40% assorted dried food, 30% flour

Serio, Michael, Kroo, Erik, Florczak, Elizabeth, Wójtowicz, Marek, Wignarajah, Kanapathipillai, Hogan, John, Fisher, John

Time-resolved Emission Characteristics of Gasoline Vehicle Particle Number and Size Distributions

2008-01-175006/23/2008

Particle emissions of seven gasoline vehicles were measured using an electrical low-pressure impactor (ELPI) over the new European driving cycle (NEDC). Two dilution systems were utilized: one is constant volume system (CVS) for constant exhaust volume and the other is ejector dilutor for constant dilution ratio. Then the time-resolved number concentration, size distributions and total particle number were obtained. The effects of misfire rate and oxygen sensor failure on the particle emission were also studied in order to primarily examine the on-board diagnoses of particle number emission of gasoline vehicle. The results indicate that the particles emitted by gasoline vehicles are mainly in the form of nuclei mode in diameter range from 7 nm to 55 nm. The specific number emissions vary from 1.56×1013 to 8.42×1013 particles/km and GMD ranges from 27 to 50nm. Higher misfire rate results in lower total particle number emission while oxygen sensor failure deteriorates the particle number

He, Chao, Ge, Yunshan, Tan, Jianwei, Shah, Asad Naeem, Wang, Bo

Processing Satellite Imagery To Detect Waste Tire Piles

TBMG-248612/01/2007

A methodology for processing commercially available satellite spectral imagery has been developed to enable identification and mapping of waste tire piles in California. The California Integrated Waste Management Board initiated the project and provided funding for the method’s development. The methodology includes the use of a combination of previously commercially available image-processing and georeferencing software used to develop a model that specifically distinguishes between tire piles and other objects. The methodology reduces the time that must be spent to initially survey a region for tire sites, thereby increasing inspectors’ and managers’ time available for remediation of the sites. Remediation is needed because millions of used tires are discarded every year, waste tire piles pose fire hazards, and mosquitoes often breed in water trapped in tires. It should be possible to adapt the methodology to regions outside California by modifying some of the algorithms implemented

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