Comparison of wastewater and chemical recovery system development scenarios using a life cycle assessment in an original equipment manufacturer ((OEM)

Technological developments, which started with the industrial revolution, continued with searches in order to provide the necessary energy to the increasing machines. The ongoing developments, from the use of coal for steam energy production to the alternative of fossil fuels, have led to the discussion of the transition to renewable energy sources and nuclear energy requirements. The rapid increase in the world population has brought with it the environmental effects that are difficult to return, the increasing energy requirement of industry and technology. The realization that this trend could result in disaster has led to efforts to prevent global climate change by aiming to protect the environment as a priority. In this study, Life Cycle Assessment (LCA), an exemplary environmental impact analysis method, was analyzed using two different scenarios in an automotive coating facility. By using SimaPro 8.5.0.0 software and ReCiPe impact analysis method, the environmental effects of the 1m2 cap nut coating process have been comprehensively calculated. With the findings obtained according to the comparison results, it has been determined that Scenario 1 646mPt result and Scenario 2 have more negative environmental effects than 639mPt result. It has been found that Scenario 1 has a higher impact on the environment than Scenario 2 in all impact categories. This study showed that electricity consumption was the highest contributor in all environmental impact categories resulting from phosphate coating process. In the light of all these results, it was concluded that LCA is an effective and useful method to quantify environmental impacts.