Calculation device and calculation method

Abstract

Improve the accuracy of CFP calculations in metal recycling. [Solution] A calculation device that calculates the CFP of products manufactured from recycled raw materials containing metals is used, and the calculation device includes a raw material information acquisition unit that acquires raw material information that indicates at least the type and form of the recycled raw material, a route determination unit that selects multiple treatment processes based on the raw material information, an emission intensity acquisition unit that acquires emission intensity from an emission intensity database that stores GHG emission intensity sets for each treatment process, and an arithmetic unit that calculates the CFP by acquiring and accumulating GHG emissions for each of the multiple treatment processes selected by the route determination unit.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a calculation device and a calculation method, and more particularly to a device and a method for calculating greenhouse gas emissions during metal recycling. [Background technology]

[0002] In recent years, various industries have begun calculating carbon footprints (CFP). CFP is the amount of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions over the entire life cycle of a product or service, expressed in terms of carbon dioxide (CO2). Calculating CFP involves calculating the CO2 emissions generated at each stage, from the mining and manufacturing of raw materials to the use, disposal, and recycling of the product, and quantitatively assessing the environmental impact.

[0003] The calculation of CFP is based on the Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) This is done using the Environmental Performance Assessment (CFP) method, typically based on international standards such as ISO 14040, ISO 14044, and ISO 14067. By reducing CFP, companies can reduce their environmental impact, promote their eco-friendly products, and comply with environmental regulations.

[0004] Meanwhile, in recent years, the importance of metal recycling using materials such as precious metals and E-scrap has been increasing in order to realize a recycling-oriented society. Amidst the need to reduce resource depletion and environmental impact, manufacturing metal products through recycling can significantly reduce emissions compared to manufacturing from ore, as it does not involve a process that emits large amounts of GHGs, such as mining. In such metal recycling, it is essential to improve appropriate recovery and smelting technologies, and it is also necessary to accurately calculate GHG emissions during the manufacturing process in order to understand the effects of recycling.

[0005] Patent Document 1 discloses a technology for improving the accuracy of calculating GHG emissions in the manufacture of metal products. Specifically, the technology calculates the emission intensity by separating the energy consumed in conjunction with the manufacturing process from the fixed energy used throughout the factory, and determines the total emissions for each item, enabling accurate GHG calculations according to each manufacturing condition. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0006] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2024-108427 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0007] Metal recycling requires the collection and sorting of a wide variety of waste materials, and the removal of impurities is difficult. Furthermore, precise smelting technology is required to maintain the quality of the recycled materials, and various by-products during manufacturing can also be turned into products. This makes the process more complex than smelting from ore. In other words, the processes that must be passed through before a product can be made vary depending on the type and form of the recycled raw materials. This can also be rephrased as an extremely diverse combination of unit processes.

[0008] However, the method in Patent Document 1 basically assumes a consistent, fixed process flow and is not able to deal with the complexity of metal recycling processes. In addition, it is limited to calculating GHG emissions and is not able to evaluate CFP in the entire manufacturing process. In order to calculate CFP with enough accuracy to be used as an environmental indicator in metal recycling, It is desirable to clearly indicate how much of the emissions are attributable to by-products, not just the main products after recycling. Achieving such a CFP calculation is difficult using conventional calculation methods.

[0009] The present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and its purpose is to improve the accuracy of CFP calculation in metal recycling. [Means for solving the problem]

[0010] In order to achieve the above object, the present invention employs the following configuration: A calculation device for calculating the carbon footprint (CFP) of a product manufactured based on recycled materials containing metals, a raw material information acquisition unit that acquires raw material information indicating at least the type and form of the recycled raw material; a route determination unit that selects a plurality of treatment processes through which the recycled material should pass based on the material information; an emission intensity acquisition unit that acquires the emission intensity from an emission intensity database that stores the greenhouse gas (GHG) emission intensity set for each of the treatment processes; a calculation unit that acquires GHG emissions based on the emission intensity for each of the plurality of treatment processes selected by the route determination unit and calculates CFP by integrating the GHG emissions; The calculation device is characterized by comprising:

[0011] The present invention also employs the following configuration: The calculation device A method for calculating the carbon footprint (CFP) of a product manufactured based on recycled materials containing metals, comprising: The calculation device: a raw material information acquisition step of acquiring raw material information indicating at least the type and form of the recycled raw material; The calculation device: a route determination step of selecting a plurality of treatment processes through which the recycled material should pass based on the raw material information; The calculation device: an emission intensity acquisition step of acquiring the emission intensity from an emission intensity database storing the greenhouse gas (GHG) emission intensity set for each of the treatment processes; The calculation device:a calculation step of acquiring GHG emissions based on the emission intensity for each of the plurality of treatment processes selected by the route determination step, and calculating CFP by integrating the GHG emissions; The calculation method is characterized by having the following. [Effects of the Invention]

[0012] According to the present invention, the accuracy of CFP calculation in metal recycling can be improved. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0013] [Figure 1] Block diagram explaining the overall configuration of the calculation system [Figure 2] A block diagram illustrating the functional configuration of an information processing device. [Figure 3] Flow diagram showing the overall process of metal recycling [Figure 4] Flow diagram explaining the unit processes in metal recycling [Figure 5] An example of the screen when receiving and registering raw materials [Figure 6] A diagram showing an example of a screen used to manage a processing process. [Figure 7] A diagram showing an example of a screen used to edit the route of a processing process. [Figure 8] Diagram explaining the GHG emission intensity database for unit processes DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0014] Preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. However, the components and their relative arrangements described below may be modified as appropriate depending on the various conditions of the system, device, or method to which the invention is applied, and the scope of the present invention is not limited to the following description.

[0015] The present invention relates to the calculation of GHG emissions and CFP in metal recycling, and can be understood as a calculation method, calculation device, or calculation system. The present invention can also be understood as a control method for a calculation device or calculation system. The present invention can also be understood as a program that operates using the computational resources of an information processing device or information processing system and executes each step of a CFP calculation method, or a storage medium on which the program is stored. The storage medium may be a non-transitory storage medium that is readable by a computer.

[0016] <Physical configuration of the system> 1 is a block diagram showing the physical configuration of a calculation system 10. The calculation system 10 includes an information processing device 100, a database 200, and a factory 300.

[0017] The information processing device 100 is a workstation or personal computer that functions as a calculation device. The information processing device 100 includes a control unit 101 such as a CPU, a storage unit 102 configured with memories such as RAM and ROM, an input / output unit 103, and an information acquisition unit 104. The input / output unit 103 is configured with an output unit and an input unit. The output unit includes a display unit such as a display or monitor, and a speaker that outputs audio. The input unit includes a mouse, keyboard, audio input device, etc. A touch panel that serves as both an input unit and an output unit may also be used. The information acquisition unit 104 communicates with a terminal 301 in a factory 300 via a network to acquire various information.

[0018] The information processing device 100 may be configured on-premise or may exist on the cloud. The information processing device 100 may also be located in a factory 300, in which case the information processing device 100 may also function as the terminal 301. Any network can be used, such as a LAN, a WAN, or an internal company network.

[0019] The database 200 stores various data used in CFP calculation. The storage unit 102 of the information processing device 100 may also function as a database. The database 200 may also be a data storage on the cloud.

[0020] The database 200 stores a table showing the emission intensity for each treatment process, as will be described later. Furthermore, a definition database may be stored to determine the route through which the treatment process will be carried out depending on the raw material that has undergone a sorting process after being received.

[0021] In this specification, the term "database" refers to anything that has the functionality to structure, manage, search, and update data. In other words, the database in this specification is not limited to a narrow definition such as an RDBMS, but is used in a broader sense to refer to anything that stores and manages information for a specific purpose. For example, a database can also include spreadsheets such as Excel (registered trademark) and CSV format files.

[0022] The factory 300 is a facility that carries out each process from receiving recycled raw materials to manufacturing them into products. The factory 300 is typically a facility owned by a recycling and smelting company that collects scrap and the like, smelts it, and re-manufactures it into products. The factory 300 is equipped with processing equipment A (302A) to processing equipment C (302C) that correspond to each process of metal recycling. Hereinafter, unless there is a need to distinguish between them, they will be referred to as "processing equipment 302". It should be noted that instead of carrying out all processing in a single factory, intermediate products may be transported between multiple factories according to the content of the process. The factory 300 After the received recycled materials are sorted, an operator inputs the process the materials go through into the installed terminal 301. If sorting is performed using image recognition or the like, the process may be input automatically. The terminal 301 also communicates with the processing equipment 302 to obtain various information related to the calculation of the amount of waste.

[0023] <System Functional Configuration> 2 is a block diagram illustrating the functional configuration of the information processing device 100 as a calculation device. Each block corresponds to a program module that operates on the information processing device 100, and operates when a program loaded in the storage unit 102 is executed by the control unit 101. Note that this configuration is an example, and the module configuration is arbitrary.

[0024] The calculation unit 151 determines the process route that the recycled materials will take based on the raw material information and route information obtained from the terminal 301. At this time, the calculation unit 151 functions as a route determination unit that selects a treatment process and determines the route. The calculation unit 151 then calculates the CFP by accumulating GHG emissions according to the route. It also performs calculations to allocate GHG emissions to by-products. It may also perform data consistency checks and handle calculation errors.

[0025] The database information acquisition unit 152 acquires an emission amount table, emission intensity, and various coefficients (such as the electricity-derived CO2 coefficient) from the database 200. At this time, the database information acquisition unit 152 functions as an emission intensity acquisition unit. The database information acquisition unit 152 may also have a function to update the database 200.

[0026] The factory information acquisition unit 153 receives information about the recycled raw materials (such as product name, weight, and process history) from the terminal 301. At this time, the factory information acquisition unit 153 functions as a raw material information acquisition unit. A code may be entered on the terminal 301 side, and the code may be referenced in the database 200 to acquire information.

[0027] The passing process management unit 154 edits and manages the passing process route when there is a change in production at the factory or when a new process is added. For example, when a new process is established or when some processes are outsourced, the user can register / change the route, which can then be referenced by the calculation unit.

[0028] The tallying and report generating unit 155 generates an emission report by factory and time, a breakdown of emission by process, etc. based on the calculation results of the calculation unit 151. For example, it may have a function to output reports for in-company reporting or environmental audits.

[0029] The UI generation unit 156 manages the UI displayed on the input / output unit 103. It displays the calculation results, accepts requests for route editing and report output, etc. The UI may be in the form of a dedicated application or a web browser.

[0030] 1 and 2, the calculation system has been described above, but the present invention is not limited to this. As long as it has the functions necessary for CFP calculation, all processing may be performed in, for example, a single calculation device (information processing device). In this case, the calculation device having the functions of both the information processing device 100 and the terminal 301 performs various calculations and presents the results to the user in cooperation with a database or by referring to an internal database.

[0031] <Overall flow of metal recycling> First, the metal recycling process to which the present invention can be applied will be described. Figure 3 shows the overall process flow of metal recycling. Figure 4 shows a flow chart that shows a schematic arrangement of the unit processes used in CFP calculation. It is low.

[0032] As shown in Figure 3, this flow can be broadly divided into the following phases: (A) Raw material receiving and sorting, (B) Pre-treatment process, (C) Smelting process, (D) Refining process, and (E) Productization.

[0033] (A) In the raw material receiving and sorting process, various recyclable materials are brought into the factory, labeled and sorted, and a processing route is decided.

[0034] (B) Pretreatment is a preparatory step that is carried out as needed to facilitate subsequent processing. This step involves calcination and physical crushing. It may be omitted for high-quality raw materials.

[0035] (C) In the smelting process, impurities are removed from the raw materials and the metals are concentrated. Dry smelting using high-temperature furnaces and hydrometallurgy using liquids are used, and the contents are sorted according to the properties and quality of the raw materials.

[0036] (D) In ​​the refining process, the eluted metals are further purified using methods such as electrolysis and chemical separation.

[0037] (E) In the final process, the metal is turned into various forms depending on the intended use, such as ingots, shot material, powder, and target material.

[0038] <Details of unit process> As mentioned above, Figure 4 is a flow diagram that shows a schematic arrangement of the unit processes used to calculate CFP. In implementing this flow, it is assumed that there will be a system for adding up CFP depending on which process a product passes through, and a system for allocating emission responsibility to products and by-products that originate from raw materials. This will make it possible to systematically manage where emissions occur in the recycling process, where multiple raw material routes are intertwined. Each process will be explained in more detail below.

[0039] In the (A) raw material receiving and sorting process, a wide variety of recycled materials are brought into the plant. Examples of high-grade raw materials with high metal purity include jewelry and dental materials. Used electronic devices and circuit boards, known as E-scrap (electronic scrap), contain precious metals such as gold, silver, platinum, and palladium, as well as other metals such as copper and nickel, and are also eligible for recycling. Automotive catalysts, which contain large amounts of platinum group metals, are also eligible for recycling. Liquids containing metals, such as plating solution, are also eligible for recycling. Any other raw materials that contain metals and are economically viable for recycling can be used. Here, we will use jewelry as an example of (A1) high-grade raw materials, circuit boards as an example of (A2) E-scrap, and plating solution as an example of (A3) raw materials in liquid form.

[0040] (B) Pretreatment processes are preparation processes carried out to facilitate subsequent processing. Examples of pretreatment include crushing (shredding and pulverization) to reduce volume. There is also calcination (incineration) to reduce volume by burning organic matter and moisture contained in the raw materials. Calcination is also suitable for contaminated raw materials. Another pretreatment method is cleaning to remove valuable materials and contamination. The content of pretreatment varies depending on the type and condition of the raw materials. In this example, (B1) crushing and (B2) calcination are performed.

[0041] It is also possible to carry out multiple pre-treatments, such as calcining after crushing. In addition, in the case of high-quality raw materials, pre-treatments may be simplified or omitted, and the raw materials may be directly subjected to subsequent treatments such as smelting.

[0042] (C) The smelting process is a process to increase the concentration of contained metals by concentrating and extracting them. Here, we will discuss (C1) hydrometallurgy, in which raw materials are treated with liquid, and (C2) pyrometallurgy, in which materials are heated. Here, hydrometallurgy is exemplified as a method of concentrating precious metals by selectively dissolving and precipitating them using chemicals such as acid or alkaline solutions. Other hydrometallurgy methods that can be used include crystallization using chemicals such as acid or alkaline solutions. Pyrometallurgy involves heating raw materials in a high-temperature furnace to obtain crude metal in the form of concentrated metal lumps, and then separating the slag. In some cases, hydrometallurgy is performed after pyrometallurgy to further concentrate the metal components.

[0043] In the (D) refining process, the metal components after smelting are further concentrated to obtain high-purity metals. Here, we will use (D1) electrolytic refining, which involves dissolution and re-precipitation in an electrolytic cell, and (D2) chemical separation, which involves the selective precipitation and separation of metals by adding specific reagents. Other refining methods include organic solvent methods, distillation, and ion exchange.

[0044] (E) The final step is commercialization. Depending on the intended use of the product, for example, (E1) ingot formation, in which the metal is solidified in a mold of a predetermined shape, or (E2) shot formation, in which granular metal (shot) is formed, may be employed. Other methods may be employed depending on the requirements of the shipping destination, such as powdering, wire formation, or thin film formation. Furthermore, the metal may be shaped according to its intended use, such as into a target for sputtering.

[0045] In the pretreatment process, smelting process, and refining process, in addition to the main product containing a large amount of metal components that will become the product, valuable materials (F1) that have some usable value may be obtained as by-products. Examples of valuable materials include those containing copper or nickel components. In addition, (G1) waste liquid and (G2) plastics that are treated as industrial waste are produced. Note that since this flow mainly assumes metal recycling, the products (main products) are precious metals and products containing them. Of the by-products, those that are not the main product but have usable value (for example, can be sold) are referred to as valuable materials, and all other products are referred to as waste. However, these category names and classifications are for this embodiment and are not limited to this.

[0046] The above overall flow and detailed flow are examples of metal recycling processes, and each process may be omitted or modified as appropriate depending on the quality and form of the raw materials, requests from users of the produced metals, and constraints at the recycling plant. In this case, the process to be passed through may be determined without being bound by the order of (A) to (E). For example, further firing may be performed after crushing, or hydrometallurgy may be performed after dry smelting. It is also possible to perform multiple purification steps using multiple types of solutions. In conventional CFP calculation methods, the more a process deviates from the standard processing route (for example, if a process is omitted or the order is changed), the more likely errors in the calculation results are. However, in the present invention, the processing route is determined as a combination of unit processes, so such problems do not occur.

[0047] <Example of process from acceptance to commercialization> Next, we will explain the process and treatment flow for each of the jewelry, substrates, and plating solution, from acceptance to production.

[0048] First, all raw materials are sorted when they are received, and a processing route is determined based on the type and form of the material. Any method can be used for sorting, such as visual sorting by factory workers or image recognition of images taken by a camera. In some cases, a portion of the received raw materials is sampled and subjected to various tests. The sorted raw materials are marked by affixing a label or being placed in a special container, and then sent on to further processing.

[0049] At this time, it is also preferable to automatically determine the processing route using the obtained sorting information (e.g., type, form, grade, ore reserve, component ratio, etc. of raw material). In this case, the calculation unit 151 is provided with an algorithm for determining the route. Specifically, the processing route is determined by using the database 2 in advance. The route definition database registered in 2010 is referenced to set the optimal processing route from multiple candidate processes, and the GHG emission intensity associated with that route is integrated to calculate CFP. The route definition algorithm should be able to switch process paths by taking into account multiple parameters (raw material characteristics, the presence or absence of by-products, the performance of operating equipment, etc.). This allows for flexible responses to fluctuations in production conditions.

[0050] This automatically determines the processes that the raw material will pass through during processing. In other words, the present invention has a mechanism that determines the processes that each raw material will pass through and calculates CFP by adding up the GHG emission intensity values ​​associated with those processes.

[0051] However, the passing processes may also be determined by a factory worker or an operator of an information processing device. In this case, the worker or operator may select the processing processes to pass through using checkboxes provided in, for example, a spreadsheet, an app, or a browser. An editing means may also be provided for the worker or operator to edit the passing processes determined by the route definition algorithm. In this case, the worker or operator determines the processing route that they have determined to be optimal based on their experience, and performs operations such as changing, deleting, or adding to the passing processes presented by default. The worker or operator can be collectively referred to as the user of this calculation system.

[0052] (A1) When jewelry is used as raw material Jewelry scrap contains relatively few impurities compared to substrates and plating solutions, and often contains a high amount of gold, silver, and platinum group metals. Therefore, in this example, the (B) pretreatment process can be significantly omitted or simplified. In (C1) hydrometallurgy, metals are selectively dissolved and precipitated using chemicals such as acid or alkaline solutions to concentrate them. A by-product, (G1) waste liquid, is generated. (D1) Electrolytic refining is performed, where crude metals are dissolved and precipitated in an electrolytic cell to increase purity. Finally, (E1) the scrap is processed into ingots, which can then be shipped as (F2) ingots, or (E2) processed into shots and then shipped as (F3) metal shots.

[0053] (A2) When substrate is used as raw material E-scrap, such as circuit boards, contains a mixture of resin, IC chips, solder, and other materials. While it contains metals such as gold, silver, platinum group metals, copper, and nickel, it also contains a high amount of organic impurities. In this example, the substrates are first crushed (B1) as a pretreatment to reduce their volume and break them into small pieces. Alternatively, (B2) calcination may be performed to remove organic matter and reduce the volume. After calcination, if relatively high amounts of copper or nickel are present, some of the material may be recovered as valuable resources. Next, (C1) hydrometallurgy separates and concentrates the components using acid or alkaline solutions. In some cases, (C2) pyrometallurgy is also used. The resulting material is then separated and refined through the (D2) chemical separation process, using techniques such as precipitation and solvent extraction. Finally, the material is processed into (E1) ingots, which can then be shipped as (F2) ingots or (E2) shots, which can then be processed into (F3) metal shots.

[0054] (A3) When plating liquid (waste liquid) is used as a raw material Used plating solution discharged from the plating process contains dissolved metal ions, such as gold, silver, and platinum group metals, as well as impurities such as ions of organic additives and salts. Because plating solution is in liquid form, physical pretreatment processes such as (B1) crushing and (B2) calcination are omitted. However, pretreatment processes such as pH adjustment and dilution may also be performed. In (C1) hydrometallurgy, metal ions are precipitated and concentrated using acid or alkaline solutions, or selectively recovered using an adsorption column. Subsequently, in the (D2) chemical separation process of purification, separation and purification are performed using precipitation and solvent extraction. Finally, by (E1) forming the solution into ingots, it can be shipped as (F2) ingots or (E2) forming the solution into shots and then as (F3) metal shots.

[0055] As mentioned above, the raw materials received at the plant are determined by their characteristics (grade, solid / liquid, shape, size) and the desired product form, which processes they will go through in pre-treatment, smelting and refining methods, and the valuable materials and waste products that will be produced as by-products.

[0056] In an application example of this invention, the processes through which raw materials pass are determined at the time of receiving them. In addition, the CO2 emission intensity is compiled into a database for each process. Then, by accumulating the GHG emissions of each process through which the material passes, it is possible to calculate the CFP of the entire metal recycling of the product calculated upon commercialization. Therefore, it is possible to calculate the estimated CFP when recycled raw materials are traded. Furthermore, if by-products are generated, it is also possible to allocate GHG emission responsibility between the product and by-products, and how this is to be allocated is also determined. Various methods can be used for allocation, such as allocation by weight or allocation by economic value.

[0057] <User interface example> Figure 5 shows an example of a screen on which a worker at the factory 300 registers raw materials on the terminal 301. Using this screen, the worker registers information (code, type, weight, etc.) about the raw materials received at the factory and sets the process route through which the materials will pass. In this example, it is assumed that raw material sorting and route setting are performed automatically and displayed as initial values, and that the worker can then correct them as necessary and then confirm them.

[0058] A raw material registration window 312 is displayed on the display unit 311 of the terminal 301. When the received raw material is automatically detected, the raw material code, scrap type, and weight are displayed in the raw material type display unit 313. When an operator manually inputs the information, a pull-down menu selection may be used.

[0059] The selection criteria and method are displayed in the selection information display section 314. Here, the result of the determination that the item is a substrate is displayed by image recognition and XRF.

[0060] The processing route recommended based on the judgment results is displayed in order from pre-processing to commercialization in the process route display section 315. By making the database related to emission intensity units accessible from the terminal, it is also possible to display on this screen the GHG values ​​for each assumed emission intensity and estimated values ​​for the total CFP value.

[0061] Various buttons are displayed in the confirmation section 316. First, the route edit button 317 is a button that allows the operator to edit the raw material information and processing route when pressed. The registration (complete) button 318 is a button that the operator presses to complete the registration of the raw material. When this button is pressed, the raw material information is notified to the information processing device 100 and registered in the database 200. The cancel button 319 is a button for canceling the raw material registration and starting over. The screen is not limited to this example, and may be a system in which the processing route is selected one by one using radio buttons or the like.

[0062] FIG. 6 shows an example of a route confirmation / editing screen using an editing tool operated by an operator of the information processing device. The operator is assumed to be a general manager of multiple factories. A management window 161 is displayed on the input / output unit 103 (monitor) of the information processing device 100. In the route display unit 162, the operator can select a factory from a pull-down menu or narrow down the search by raw material code or raw material name, and confirm the details of the displayed route. After selecting one of the routes searched in the list 163, the operator can modify the definition and parameters as needed by pressing the route edit button 165 in the confirmation unit 164. Parameter modifications include, for example, modifying the basic unit of a process based on updated public information or actual values ​​from the operator's own factory or an industry association. A new route can also be registered by pressing the new registration button 166.

[0063] FIG. 7 is a route detail display / editing screen that appears when the route editing button 317 of the terminal 301 or the route editing button 165 of the information processing apparatus 100 is pressed. In the detailed editing window 181, an operator or a worker can check the content via the detailed display section 182. And via the route content display window 183, the processing processes included in the route can be sequentially checked. Furthermore, the process can be edited by means of the process addition button 185 or the process deletion button 186 of the confirmation section 184. After editing, the content is registered by means of the save button 187. Also, when canceling the editing, press the cancel button 188. Note that when adding, deleting, or rearranging processes, the estimated value of the CO2 emissions may be recalculated in real time. Or, it may be recalculated with the average value over a predetermined period. The predetermined period is typically one year. However, it may be longer than one year or shorter than one year.

[0064] Thus, in the present invention, from the sorting and registration of raw materials to display / editing and the like, it is systematized, so there are advantages that management is easy and it can flexibly respond to changes.

[0065] <Database of GHG Emission Intensity> The table shown in FIG. 8 shows an example of a database of GHG emission intensities of each unit process referred to in the CFP calculation. Here, for a series of processes from the pretreatment process to the commercialization process, examples of representative processes and guidelines for emission intensities are summarized.

[0066] Here, the emission intensity is shown in the form of "kg-CO2 equivalent / kg-raw material processed amount", that is, how much GHG in terms of CO2 equivalent is emitted when processing 1 kg of raw material. As the emission intensity, an emission intensity based on the monetary value of the raw material may be used. Also, it may be the GHG emissions for each ore amount indicating the amount of metal contained in the raw material. Additionally, desired units can be used as required when calculating the CFP.

[0067] Note that the value here is a total converted value of energy consumption (electricity, fossil fuels, etc.), amount of chemicals used, emissions associated with wastewater and exhaust gas treatment, emissions associated with transportation, etc. Expenses related to lighting, water, and temperature control, which are commonly used by various pieces of factory equipment, can be precisely allocated if they can be carefully examined for each process, or, if this is difficult, can be simply allocated to each process at a predetermined ratio.

[0068] These figures can be obtained as follows: First, they can be estimated from the emission factors indicated by the same or similar processes or treatment equipment by referring to public LCI (Life Cycle Inventory) databases such as IDEA (Inventory Database for Environmental Analysis).

[0069] However, there are many areas where emission factor databases are underdeveloped, especially in the field of metal recycling. That is, existing databases for metal products use values ​​derived from ores, not from recycled raw materials. Therefore, to more accurately estimate GHG emissions from metal recycling, one method is to refer to the performance of your own company or the recycling industry. For example, you can analyze factory operation data, fuel and electricity usage records, and manufacturer-provided information and test run data for processing equipment to calculate GHG emissions from the various resources required to process 1 kg of raw materials or products. You can also use average values ​​and guidelines published by research papers and industry associations.

[0070] In order to enhance objectivity and reproducibility, it is also preferable to create and manage such an emission intensity database in accordance with various standards (for example, ISO14040 and ISO14044 regarding GHG, and ISO14067 regarding CFP) and guidelines such as the GHG Protocol.

[0071] Information on GHG Protocol scopes can also be added to the emissions intensity database. For example, this can be achieved by adding classifications such as Scope 1 (direct emissions by the company), Scope 2 (emissions from electricity and heat supplied by other companies), and Scope 3 (other indirect emissions) for each process. This will enable more precise CFP calculations and emission allocation.

[0072] By utilizing the emissions intensity database obtained in this way, it is possible to estimate the total CFP depending on the route that the raw materials for recycling actually pass through. Furthermore, by accumulating the usage record of such a database while clearly recording the source of data, the measurement method, and the boundary setting with surrounding processes, it can also be used as evidence for third-party certification.

[0073] Note that the process types and GHG values ​​shown in the diagram are merely examples and will vary depending on the factory's equipment and energy conditions. Also, by using emissions per unit time for the table items, the time required for the process can be applied. In other words, the GHG emissions per hour can be stored in a table, and the GHG emissions can be calculated by multiplying this by the processing time for that process. The database can also store multiple emission units for the same process that can be switched depending on the grade of recycled materials.

[0074] Furthermore, the above explanation has focused primarily on emissions from processes within a factory. However, this invention can also evaluate GHG emissions generated during delivery to the factory and transportation from the factory to other facilities, as well as GHG emissions generated when valuable by-products are recycled or when waste is disposed of. For example, in waste treatment, emissions are set according to the treatment method and the material to be treated. Furthermore, GHG emissions from transportation during outsourcing to an external contractor and the external contractor's GHG emissions may also be included in the calculation. It is also possible to grasp GHG emissions from any process, from receiving raw materials to disposal.

[0075] <Example of CFP Calculation> Subsequently, an example of CFP calculation using the above database will be described.

[0076] [Example 1] (A1) When using precious jewelry scrap as the raw material, since the grade is relatively high, the pretreatment process can be omitted. The metal is purified by hydrometallurgy and electrolytic refining, and finally ingotized. That is, the following flow is assumed.

[0077] (C1) Hydrometallurgy: Alkali dissolution <00003​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​0.01+0.03+0.05+0.07+0.12+0.14=0.42[kg-CO2 / kg-raw material]...Equation (2)

[0083] In the example of A2, valuable materials containing copper and nickel are generated in the pre-treatment crushing process. The CO2 emissions in the pre-treatment process include CO2 generated from the valuable materials.

[0084] The amount of emissions up to pretreatment is as follows: 0.01[kg-CO2 / kg-raw material]...Equation (3)

[0085] In addition, emissions after firing are as follows, and are attributed to the main product. 0.03+0.05+0.07+0.12+0.14=0.41[kg-CO2 / kg-raw material]...Equation (4)

[0086] Regarding the rules for distributing emissions, in this example, we assume that by-products account for 30% and main products for 70% on an economic value basis, and distribute the CFP value calculated using formula (3) in this ratio. As a result, the emissions from pre-processing to smelting are as follows: By-product: 0.01 × 0.3 = 0.003 [kg-CO2 / kg-raw material] Equation (5) Main product: 0.01×0.7=0.007[kg-CO2 / kg-raw material]...Formula (6)

[0087] The final CFP calculated by adding up all of the above is the following value: By-product (valuable resource): 0.003 [kg-CO2 / kg-raw material] Equation (7) Main product side: 0.007+0.41=0.417[kg-CO2 / kg-raw material]...Formula (8)

[0088] The distribution ratio between by-products and main products varies depending on the grade, content of valuable materials, bullion market price, etc. Also, here, the process is subdivided and only the waste responsibility in pre-processing is distributed to by-products, but it is also possible to set a distribution coefficient in advance for simplicity. Also, other distribution methods such as weight-based methods can be used instead of an approach based on economic value. Here, economic value can be the amount when the product is sold, or the amount received as a processing fee when the product is accepted for processing.

[0089] [Example 3] (A3) When plating liquid (waste liquid) is used as a raw material, the following flow is assumed, since it is a liquid raw material and does not require crushing or firing.

[0090] (C1) Hydrometallurgy: Acid dissolution → (C1) Hydrometallurgy: Alkali dissolution →(D2) Chemical separation: Chemical separation (B) → (E1) Ingot formation: Casting

[0091] In this case, the emissions intensity is accumulated as shown in the table below. 0.05+0.06+0.12+0.13=0.36[kg-CO2 / kg-raw material]...Equation (9)

[0092] <Challenges and Effects> As mentioned above, metal recycling is characterized by the fact that the process varies depending on the raw material, making the process complex, making it difficult to address with conventional CFP calculation methods. However, according to the present invention, the process through which raw materials are sorted at the plant is determined, and GHG emissions are calculated based on the route, thereby calculating the CFP. This improves the accuracy of CFP calculations in metal recycling and makes it possible to calculate CFP at the time of acceptance, thereby meeting the demands of recycling contractors who want to know the CFP as soon as possible. This also contributes to cost evaluation of products obtained through recycling and optimization of the selection of recycled raw materials.

[0093] Furthermore, it is possible to automate the selection of raw materials, which would further simplify and speed up the CFP calculation.

[0094] In addition, metal recycling can generate valuable materials and waste as by-products in addition to the main product. According to the present invention, it is possible to allocate GHG emissions to valuable materials that are the subject of commercial transactions among the by-products. Therefore, CFP calculations can be performed more accurately.

[0095] Furthermore, as mentioned above, unlike smelting and refining from ore, there have been insufficient issues with the development of a database of emissions intensity in the field of metal recycling. Therefore, by creating an emissions intensity database such as the one exemplified in this invention, it is possible to calculate appropriate emissions based on actual values ​​and literature values. This will enable practical and reliable CFP calculations suitable for metal recycling, and will further improve accuracy.

[0096] Furthermore, according to the process of the present invention, raw materials are sorted and a processing route is selected at the time of receipt at the plant, making it possible to estimate the CFP, which also has secondary benefits. Here, imagine a company that brings raw materials to the plant, for example, and wants to recover as much metal as possible from waste, such as scrap, generated in its own manufacturing process. Such companies not only want to obtain economic value from the recovered metals, but also want to reduce the GHG emissions that would be imposed if the scrap were disposed of as waste. For such companies, knowing the CO2 emissions of their scrap contractors in advance can be a useful basis for selecting from multiple contractors. [Explanation of symbols]

[0097] 100: Information processing device, 101: Control unit, 151: Calculation unit, 200: Database

Claims

1. A calculation device for calculating the carbon footprint (CFP) of a product manufactured based on recycled materials containing metals, comprising: a raw material information acquisition unit that acquires raw material information indicating at least the type and form of the recycled raw material; a route determination unit that selects a plurality of treatment processes through which the recycled material should pass based on the material information; an emission intensity acquisition unit that acquires the emission intensity from an emission intensity database that stores the emission intensity of greenhouse gases (GHG) set for each of the treatment processes; a calculation unit that acquires GHG emissions based on the emission intensity for each of the plurality of treatment processes selected by the route determination unit and calculates CFP by integrating the GHG emissions; A calculation device comprising:

2. 2. The calculation device according to claim 1, wherein, when a by-product is generated in any of the plurality of treatment processes, the calculation unit distributes the GHG emissions between the product and the by-product based on a predetermined distribution coefficient.

3. The calculation unit allocates the GHG emissions only to a treatment process through which the product and the by-product pass in common among the plurality of treatment processes.

3. The calculation device according to claim 2.

4. The by-products include valuable materials that can be traded commercially and waste.

4. The calculation device according to claim 2 or 3.

5. The predetermined distribution coefficient is set based on the economic value of each of the by-product and the product.

4. The calculation device according to claim 2 or 3.

6. 4. The calculation device according to claim 2, wherein the predetermined distribution coefficient is set based on the respective weights of the by-product and the product.

7. The route determination unit determines a processing route according to the recycled material by referring to a route definition database based on the raw material information.

2. The calculation device according to claim 1 .

8. The system further includes an editing means for allowing a user to edit the processing route.

8. The calculation device according to claim 7,

9. The editing means allows the user to perform at least one of adding, deleting, and rearranging the processing processes in the processing route.

9. The calculation device according to claim 8.

10. The editing means allows the user to modify parameters in the processing processes included in the processing route.

9. The calculation device according to claim 8.

11. The calculation unit recalculates the CFP in real time when editing is performed by a user via the editing means.

11. The calculation device according to claim 8, wherein the calculation device is a computer.

12. The calculation unit recalculates the average CFP for a predetermined period when editing is performed by a user via the editing means.

11. The calculation device according to claim 8, wherein the calculation device is a computer.

13. The route determination unit receives a plurality of treatment processes through which the recycled material should be passed, selected by a user.

4. The calculation device according to claim 1, wherein the calculation device is a computer.

14. The above-mentioned emission intensity database was created based on the actual recycling performance.

4. The calculation device according to claim 1, wherein the calculation device is a computer.

15. The emission intensity database was created using the public LCI database.

15. The calculation device of claim 14.

16. The emission intensity database is created by further using at least one of the results of a recycling factory and the results of treatment of by-products generated in any of the plurality of treatment processes.

15. The calculation device of claim 14.

17. The emission intensity database stores emission intensity values ​​that can be switched depending on the grade of the recycled raw material in the same treatment process.

15. The calculation device of claim 14.

18. A calculation method in which a calculation device calculates the carbon footprint (CFP) of a product manufactured from recycled materials containing metals, comprising: a raw material information acquisition step in which the calculation device acquires raw material information indicating at least the type and form of the recycled raw material; a route determination step in which the calculation device selects a plurality of treatment processes through which the recycled material should pass based on the material information; an emission intensity acquisition step in which the calculation device acquires the emission intensity from an emission intensity database storing greenhouse gas (GHG) emission intensity values ​​set for each of the treatment processes; a calculation step in which the calculation device acquires GHG emissions based on the emission intensity for each of the plurality of treatment processes selected by the route determination step, and calculates CFP by integrating the GHG emissions; A calculation method characterized by having:

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