Agriculture Reference
In-Depth Information
Table 4.3 Principles of Green Programs ( Continued )
Computational and Other
Principle
Description
Example
Engineering Tools
Design for
degradation
Design chemical products to
break down to innocuous
substances after use so that
they do not accumulate in
the environment.
Biopolymers (e.g., starch-based
polymers) can replace styrene and
other halogen-based polymers in
many uses. Geopolymers (e.g.,
silane-based polymers) can provide
inorganic alternatives to organic
polymers in pigments, paints, etc.
These substances, when returned to
the environment, become their
original parent form.
Computation approaches can simulate the
degradation of substances as they enter
various components of the environment.
Computational science can be used to
calculate the interplanar spaces within
the polymer framework. This will help
to predict persistence and to build
environmentally friendly products (e.g.,
those where space is adequate for
microbes to fit and biodegrade the
substances).
Real-time
analysis to
prevent
pollution and
concurrent
engineering
Include in-process real-time
monitoring and control
during syntheses to
minimize or eliminate the
formation of by-products.
Remote sensing and satellite techniques
can provide be linked to real-time data
repositories to determine problems.
The application to terrorism using
nanoscale sensors is promising.
Real-time environmental mass
spectrometry can be used to analyze
whole products, obviating the need for
any further sample preparation and
analytical steps. Transgenic species,
although controversial, can also serve as
biological sentries (e.g., fish that change
colors in the presence of toxic
substances).
Accident
prevention
Design processes using
chemicals and their forms
(solid, liquid, or gas) to
minimize the potential for
chemical accidents,
including explosions, fires,
and releases to the
environment.
Scenarios that increase probability of
accidents can be tested.
Rather than waiting for an accident to
occur and conducting failure analyses,
computational methods can be applied in
prospective and predictive mode; that is,
the conditions conducive to an accident
can be characterized computationally.
Source : First two columns, except “Nano-materials,” adapted from U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, “Green chemistry,” http://www.epa.gov/
greenchemistry/principles.html, 2005, accessed April 12, 2005. Other information from discussions with Michael Hays, U.S. EPA, National Risk
Management Research Laboratory, April 28, 2005.
a U.S. Department of Energy, Research News, http://www.eurekalert.org/features/doe/2004-05/dnl-brc050604.php, accessed March 22, 2005.
b D. J. Flannigan and K. S. Suslick. “Plasma formation and temperature measurement during single-bubble cavitation,” Nature , 434, 52-55, 2005.
Considering practical problems and solutions from a comprehensive stand-
point to achieve sustainable products and processes
Characterizing waste streams resulting from designs
Understanding how first principles of science, including thermodynam-
ics, must be integral to sustainable designs in terms of mass and energy
relationships, including reactors, heat exchangers, and separation processes
Applying creativity and originality in group product and building design
projects
 
Search WWH ::




Custom Search