Application of LCA in eco-design of the laboratory PSA unit

Abstract

This study highlights the importance of eco-design in creating a sustainable future in the face of climate change and environmental degradation. Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) is a key tool for advocating sustainable industrial design practices across various sectors. In the context of the Pressure Swing Adsorption (PSA) system, eco-design involves several key aspects that can significantly improve the process's environmental and economic efficiency. The study illustrates the effectiveness of LCA in enhancing the environmental performance of a laboratory-scale PSA unit dedicated to oxygen production. The primary objective of the LCA analysis was to identify the hotspots in the product life cycle that contribute the most to the environmental impact. This knowledge can be used to influence the environmental performance of the PSA unit by redesigning during the design phase. The LCA analysis was conducted using SimaPro 9.4 and ecoinvent 3.8 for model development. The results showed a significant environmental impact, primarily due to electricity consumption during the operational stage. The energy sources used in a particular geographical location have a crucial impact on the Global Warming Potential of the analysed system, but renewable energy sources can significantly reduce this impact. This highlights the importance of promoting sustainable industrial practices and providing useful information for eco-design and management of environmental footprints. The study emphasises the need to optimise energy use, move toward cleaner energy sources, and select sustainable materials and components for manufacturing to reduce environmental impact.