Papers by Helmut Rechberger
Journal of Sustainable Development of Energy, Water and Environment Systems
Circular economy in Architecture, Engineering, and Construction requires consideration in the des... more Circular economy in Architecture, Engineering, and Construction requires consideration in the design, deconstruction-planning, and waste management. This paper aims to develop a Framework to evaluate the material sustainability of buildings by comparing the proportionality of costs to environmental impacts of construction waste flows. Therefore, an extensive literature review was conducted to find parameters needed, such as building certification, life cycle assessment, or material passports. Next, a distillation process was conducted to reduce the large number of parameters found to be manageable. Following the applicable legislation, procedures to be carried out at different stages, from dismantling to recycling or treatment, were defined. Practical applications were derived, such as support for deconstruction management, resource management, and conclusions for planning. The final parameters were assigned to these processes. Due to a lack of data, data collection and public data provision are essential for applicability.
Österreichische Wasser- und Abfallwirtschaft, 2021
Impact of century flood on the phosphorus stock and mobilization in the Upper Danube
Recycling der enthaltenen Wertstoffe zu ermöglichen. o In Bezug auf Neodym trifft das vor allem a... more Recycling der enthaltenen Wertstoffe zu ermöglichen. o In Bezug auf Neodym trifft das vor allem auf Permanentmagneten in unterschiedlichen Anwendungen zu (derzeit: v.a. Festplatten und Lautsprecher; zukünftig: Windkraftanlagen und Elektro-bzw. Hybridfahrzeuge). o In Bezug auf Niob könnten geschlossene Recycling-Systeme für spezielle Anwendung der Niob-haltigen Stähle etabliert werden (z.B. Pipelines). o In Bezug auf Palladium wären in erster Linie Maßnahmen betreffend der Katalysatoren in Alt-Kfz (a. Exporte von nicht funktionstüchtigen Alt-Fahrzeugen unterbinden; b. effiziente Recyclingnetzwerke in und mit den jeweiligen Zielregionen der exportierten Alt-Fahrzeuge aufbauen) und der Elektroaltgeräte (möglichst vollständige Erfassung, getrennte Sammlung und gezielte Behandlung) zu setzen. Ein besseres Verständnis der Abfallwirtschaftssysteme in Bezug auf Hochtechnologierohstoffe ist als Voraussetzung für ein verstärktes Recycling unumgänglich. o Dazu sind Daten zu den anfallenden Mengen, den Sammel-, Verwertungs-bzw. Entsorgungswegen, den Stoffgehalten in Alt-Produkten und ausgewählten Abfallströmen sowie Prozessdaten zu unterschiedlichen Aufbereitungstechnologien zu erheben bzw. zu generieren. Generell, wären dynamische Stoffflussanalysen (Betrachtung der Systeme über einen längeren Zeitraum in Form einer systematischen Stoffbuchhaltung) notwendig, um die bestehenden Lager zuverlässig zu charakterisieren und zukünftig verfügbare Rohstoffpotenziale zu bestimmen. Die dafür notwendigen Werkzeuge sind vorhanden, die Umsetzung scheitert aber bisher am Datenbedarf. Aus den obigen Empfehlungen lassen sich zahlreiche Maßnahmen (z.B. Steigerung der Sammelmengen von EAG, Weiterentwicklung von Recyclingtechnologien, Optimierung des Designs der Geräte für das Recycling usw.) identifizieren, die zu einer verstärkten Nutzung der vorhandenen Sekundärrohstoffpotentiale beitragen können. Es lässt sich auch festhalten, dass ein verbessertes Systemverständnis notwendig ist, um solche Maßnahmen zielorientiert zu setzen. Diese Basis für eine optimierte Bewirtschaftung wäre in Zukunft anhand belastbarer Stoffflussanalysen zu legen. Die groben Rohstoff-Bilanzen, die in dieser Studie für Neodym, Niob und Palladium erstellt wurden, stellen einen ersten Schritt in diese Richtung dar, sind jedoch keineswegs ausreichend. Letztendlich sei gesagt, dass Information/Daten eine unserer wesentlichsten Ressourcen ist.
Resources, Conservation and Recycling, 2020
The successful implementation of sustainable resource management strategies depends on the availa... more The successful implementation of sustainable resource management strategies depends on the availability of indicators that are capable of reflecting system complexity adequately but can easily be computed and communicated. However, systematic assessment of the scope and limits of simple indicators is often lacking. In the present study two indicators that can readily be derived from a material flow analysis structure are applied to and evaluated in a large and complex system of phosphorus and nitrogen management in Austria. Circularity (C) is defined as the share of recycled materials in total system throughput, whereas the Substance Concentration Efficiency (SCE), an indicator based on statistical entropy, measures the extent to which a substance is concentrated or diluted while passing through the system. For comparison the indicators were normalized with respect to a best-case and worst-case scenario (C and SCE). Although both indicators correspond well in their general statements, clear differences in the prioritization of different aspects of sustainability can be observed. While C focuses on increasing recycling, emission reduction and system downsizing have stronger effects on SCE. SCE therefore is considered more suitable for providing first indications on sustainability in Austrian nutrient management.
Journal of Cleaner Production, 2016
This paper investigates how different types of anthropogenic resources could be classified under ... more This paper investigates how different types of anthropogenic resources could be classified under the United Nations Framework Classification for Fossil Energy and Mineral Reserves and Resources 2009 (UNFC-2009). Compared to geogenic resources, anthropogenic deposits are more heterogeneous and more scattered. They are created and altered by human activities via the production, consumption and disposal of materials and goods, and renewed over drastically shorter time spans than geogenic resources. Due to various dynamics the planning of mining activities is linked to high uncertainties. Also, anthropogenic deposits often must be assessed not only under aspects of resource recovery, but with respect to alternative waste treatment and disposal options. To map different types of anthropogenic materials onto the three UNFC-2009 axes, various factors influencing the classification have to be considered. The challenges and potentials associated with classifying diverse types of anthropogenic materials into UNFC-2009 are illustrated by qualitatively discussing the application to three different cases: Mining an old landfill, representing an obsolete stock, is compared to mining e-waste, an example for mining a waste flow, and to hypothetically mining in-use wind turbines (in-use stock). Understanding the heterogeneity of anthropogenic resources will help to systematically classify them under UNFC-2009. Ultimately, this will allow for a meaningful comparison of anthropogenic with geogenic mineral resources, promoting efficient resource use.
Resources, Conservation and Recycling, 2017
Plastics have been increasingly used in a wide range of applications, generating important waste ... more Plastics have been increasingly used in a wide range of applications, generating important waste streams, but overall information on their flows through society is generally not available. Therefore, the national plastic flows in Austria were analyzed and quantified from the production stage up to the waste management stage, for the reference year of 2010. To achieve this, material flow analysis was used to set up a model quantitatively describing the Austrian plastics budget, and the quality of the data sources was assessed using uncertainty characterization. The results show that about 1.1 million tonnes (132 kg/cap•a ± 2%) of primary plastics were produced in Austria, whereas about 1.3 million tonnes (156 kg/cap•a ± 5%) of plastics products were consumed. Roughly one third of the consumed amount contributed to net stock increase in all consumption sectors, and about half of this increase occurred in building and construction, whereas packaging waste constituted approximately half of total postconsumer wastes (70 kg/cap•a ± 4%). Of the total waste amount (including traded and production waste, 91 kg/cap•a ± 3%), the majority was incinerated in waste-to-energy plants or in the cement industry (46% and 21% respectively), whereas the rest was mainly recycled mechanically or chemically (21% and 10% respectively). The results identify the major national flows and processes of plastics, and evaluate the overall data availability for quantifying these flows. Furthermore, the increasing amounts of plastic wastes, due to large stocks having been built up in sectors with long product lifetimes, necessitate assessing which processing capacities are needed and which treatment priorities are to be set in waste management.
Österreichische Wasser- und Abfallwirtschaft, 2016
Zusammenfassung Da brennbare Abfälle zumeist ein Gemisch aus biogenen (z. B. Papier, Holz, Küchen... more Zusammenfassung Da brennbare Abfälle zumeist ein Gemisch aus biogenen (z. B. Papier, Holz, Küchenabfälle) und fossilen Materialien (Kunststoffe) darstellen, entstehen bei ihrer thermischen Verwertung sowohl klimaneutrale als auch klimarelevante CO2-Emissionen. Analog verhält es sich auch bei der erzeugten Energie (Strom), die entsprechend dem jeweiligen Biomassegehalt des Abfalls zum Teil als erneuerbar eingestuft wird und als solche auch auszuweisen ist. Im Zuge der vorliegenden Studie wurden erstmals auf nationaler Basis die fossilen und biogenen Anteile in thermisch verwerteten Abfällen bestimmt. Die methodische Grundlage dabei bildet die von der Technischen Universität Wien auf europäischer Ebene patentierte Bilanzenmethode. Das Verfahren beruht auf einem mathematischen Abgleich von Materialdaten (z. B. mittlere stoffliche Zusammensetzung biogener und fossiler Materialen) mit messbaren Betriebsgrößen der Verbrennungsanlage (z. B. Reingasmenge, O2und CO2-Konzentration im Reingas, Dampfmenge). Aufgrund einer Anlagenertüchtigung und teils fehlender CO2-Messungen konnten 10 von 13 Abfallverbrennungsanlagen und damit rund 88 % des in österreichischen Müllverbrennungsanlagen verwerteten Abfalls für die Auswertung berücksichtigt werden (rund 2,3 Mio. Tonnen). Die Ergebnisse zeigen eine große Streuung der biogenen Heizwertanteile der Anlagen (im Jahresmittel stammen zwi
Challenges for the application of material flow analysis at the level of production processes – case study: Blast furnace process
Matériaux & Techniques, 2016
The method of material flow analysis (MFA) is used to trace flows and stocks of goods and substan... more The method of material flow analysis (MFA) is used to trace flows and stocks of goods and substances within different systems, such as cities and regions, enterprises and industrial processes. However, detailed MFA on an enterprise level hardly exist. The goal of the present paper is to apply MFA on a blast furnace process and to discuss the challenges arising. In particular, heavy metal flows (Chromium, Mercury) through the process are modelled. In a first step transfer coefficients (TC) of the heavy metals have been determined for one particular year (2009) and checked for plausibility. In the second step, these TC have been applied to simulate the heavy metal flows in the outputs of the blast furnace process for the year 2011. These flows have subsequently been compared with the outputs measured. The results show that the application of TC for Cr delivers plausible results for the output flows. Also for Hg the application of the TC seems to be justified, although a detailed investigation of the Hg balance indicates significant differences between the total input and output of Hg. As the amount of Hg detected in the output is larger than in the input (mass balance error greater than 80%), this difference originates most likely from non-detectable Hg contents (concentrations below the limit of quantification) in different iron bearing input flows.
Österreichische Wasser- und Abfallwirtschaft, 2016
steel research international, 2016
The furnace campaign of a blast furnace represents an important factor for the iron-making indust... more The furnace campaign of a blast furnace represents an important factor for the iron-making industry due to the fact that maintenance such as relining is not only costly but also time consuming. The furnace campaign is largely determined by the functionality of the lining, which is influenced by wear mechanisms and the damaging behavior of certain elements. To these unwanted elements that may attack the lining belong, for example, Zinc (Zn), Lead (Pb), Potassium (K), and Chlorine (Cl). In this paper, the distribution of Zn, Pb, K, and Cl within the lining of a blast furnace at the end of its furnace campaign is investigated and discussed. The results demonstrate that the content of some elements (Zn, Cl, Pb) in the lining and also their penetration depth significantly varies over the blast furnace height. For Zn and Pb, the highest contents (43 g Zn kg À1 and 0.14 g Pb kg À1) are observed in the inner lining stones (adjacent to the hot metal), whereas for Cl, a contrary distribution pattern is observed. The highest contents are detected in the outer stones of the lining at the top of the blast furnace.
Main drivers for integrating zinc recovery from fly ashes into the Viennese waste incineration cluster
Fuel Processing Technology, 2016
Abstract In Vienna approximately 1 million tons of waste is incinerated annually. Therefore 13 li... more Abstract In Vienna approximately 1 million tons of waste is incinerated annually. Therefore 13 lines of waste incineration, including fluidized bed incinerators, rotary kilns and grate furnaces, are in operation. Beside municipal solid waste, hazardous waste as well as communal sewage sludge are utilized. All incinerator lines use a wet flue gas cleaning system. Based on the zinc, lead and copper concentrations in its solid residues and knowledge on the mass flow of the residues, a detailed material flow analysis is carried out, that determines the total throughput of these metals. It turns out that 800 t of zinc, 300 t of lead and 550 t of copper pass through Vienna's waste incineration cluster annually. Approximately half of the zinc can be found in the fly ashes of the waste incinerators investigated. In Switzerland a process that recovers pure zinc (> 99.99%) as well as a mixed fraction of lead, copper, zinc and cadmium out of waste incineration fly ash, has been realized at full scale. A comparison between the expected operational costs, on the one hand, and the anticipated revenues from recovered metals and reduced disposal costs resulting from the application of this technology to the investigated waste incinerators, on the other, is discussed within this work. Main drivers responsible for the economical non-applicability to Vienna, are examined.
Waste incineration as a necessary tool for sustainable materials management
Aufarbeitung des Themas nachhaltige Stoffwirtschaft für die Öffentlichkeit
Ein Beitrag zur Unterscheidung zwischen Verwerten und Beseitigen von brennbaren Abfällen
Österreichische Wasser- und Abfallwirtschaft
Based on what is known on the production and material composition of the combustible wastes, the ... more Based on what is known on the production and material composition of the combustible wastes, the authors outline a method of differentiating between utilisation and disposal/treatment using the example of cadmium. The goals of treatment processes for controlling materials are derived from the goals specified in the Austrian Waste Management Act, and several options discussed at present for the management of wastes similar composed as municipal solid waste are investigated with respect to those aims.
Verfahrensbewertung durch Stoffbilanzen
Was kommt hinein, was geht hinaus?
Österreichische Wasser- und Abfallwirtschaft, 2014
Nährstoffe, wie Stickstoff und Phosphor, sind Wert-und Schadstoffe-diese Janusköpfigkeit wurde hä... more Nährstoffe, wie Stickstoff und Phosphor, sind Wert-und Schadstoffe-diese Janusköpfigkeit wurde häufig erwähnt. Beide Stoffe sind für Lebewesen essenziell und können nicht durch andere Nährstoffe ersetzt werden. Beide Stoffe verbindet, dass sie derzeit durch die Volkswirtschaft eher linear verwendet werden, d. h., dass mit Ausnahme der innerbetrieblichen Güllenutzung in der Landwirtschaft keine ausgeprägten Kreisläufe für sie existieren. Der wesentliche Unterschied ist, dass die langfristige Verfügbarkeit von Stickstoff gegeben ist, während die natürlichen Phosphorlagerstätten geopolitisch ungünstig verteilt sind und ihre Quantität und Qualität stetig abnimmt. Damit ist die langfristige Versorgung mit ausreichend Phosphor weniger gesichert. Die Aufgabe einer optimierten Nährstoffbewirtschaftung besteht darin, durch ein Bündel an organisatorischen und technischen Maßnahmen den Nährstoffhaushalt einer Volkswirtschaft so zu gestalten, dass die Ziele "Schutz
Chemie Ingenieur Technik, 2010
Uploads
Papers by Helmut Rechberger