Mechatronic Systems Engineering 3301A/B Lecture Notes - Lecture 39: Upcycling, Paper Recycling, Incineration
19 Aug 2020
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Document Summary
Recycling requires energy, and this energy carries its burden of emissions. But the recycle energy is generally small compared to the initial production energy. However, it may not be cost-efficient, and depends on the degree to which the material has become dispersed. Ability to recycle depends on material family and class. Steel and aluminum can be easily recycled and almost entirely reused. 95% energy savings (600 c melting temperature, 900 c extraction temperature) 10% of oil consumption in us is due to plastic production. Estimated that more plastic than fish in ocean by 2050. 1 ton of paper recycling saves 2 tons of wood harvested. 40-60% of energy saved when paper is recycled. Re-engineering is the refurbishment or upgrading of the product or of its recoverable components (upcycling) However, the design of the product must be fixed or the technology on which it is based must be evolving slowly.
