Articles
"As An Industry, We Must Become More Transparent about Our Environmental Impact"
Heidi Hammarsten
Introduction to Basic Process Model-based LCA
The European Union’s ambitious environmental goals, including climate neutrality by 2050, rely heavily on the process industry, which is essential for supplying raw materials to various manufacturing sectors.
The process industry spans a wide range of energy-intensive sectors such as chemicals, metallurgy, steel, minerals, cement, ceramics, engineering, pulp and paper, refining, and water. In addition, it plays a critical role in recycling, as processes originally designed for primary raw materials can also be adapted for waste recycling from manufacturing products.
The Introduction to Basic Process Model-Based LCA program is part of a more comprehensive Certificate in Fundamentals of LCA Simulation program. It is designed to help product designers gain the foundational knowledge and tools needed to assess and optimize the environmental performance of products, particularly batteries, without sacrificing functional quality. This program introduces key concepts in lifecycle assessment (LCA) and process modeling using HSC software, covering topics such as HSC Chemistry, Metallurgical and Chemical Technology, and the basic principles of HSC with an emphasis on simple calculation modules. Participants will also explore HSC Sim, including modeling techniques for various processes like shaft furnaces, gas cleaning, and magnetite concentration. The program is ideal for industries such as electronics, automotive, aeronautics, and sustainable energy technologies.
Throughout this program, the instructors from Metso will share their expertise gained from numerous projects, providing valuable insights into optimizing industrial processes. They will guide participants in leveraging innovative technologies and sustainable solutions to enhance operational efficiency, offering a competitive advantage through advanced process modeling and cutting-edge technologies.
This module helps participants understand the benefits of Process Model Based LCA and gain practical skills in the HSC Sim tool.
HSC Sim is a process simulator designed particularly for the mining industry but also for other industries. It is one of the first software packages to combine versatile chemical, thermodynamic, and mineral-processing features. The aim has been to develop a simple but powerful tool for ordinary process engineers.
License for HSC will be provided for all course participants, and it will be valid for 3 months.
Learning Outcomes
After the completion of this program, you will
- understand the basic benefits of Process Model Based LCA
- create flowsheet simulation models based on elemental distributions (pyro, etc.), chemical reactions (hydro, etc.), and particles (mineral processing, etc.)
- link process models to LCA calculations and convert sustainability into physics-based and process engineering economic reality
- analyze LCA, energetic, and exergy of production chains by the utilization of HSC Chemistry®, OpenLCA, and ecoinvent
- create sustainability analyses of processing and recycling of end-of-life products in the context of battery metals production and battery recycling.
Program Structure
This program includes 3 study sessions, an introductory kick-off event and a closing session.
Modules
For
The program is suitable for people with an educational background in chemistry, metallurgy, mineral processing, process modeling, or sustainability technology.
We recommend that participants have prior experience in chemistry, metallurgy, mineral processing, modeling, or LCA.
This program is particularly relevant for
- Process engineers
- Process designers
- Technology marketing experts
- Environmental protection experts and
- Experts who work in process plants, technology companies, power plants, pulp and paper industry
- Authorities
Metso is a Finnish global technology company specializing in sustainable solutions for the mining, aggregates, recycling, and process industries.
Co-designed with Metso, participants of this module have a unique chance to explore the HSC software and its applications. Combining deep industry knowledge with cutting-edge technology, Metso focuses on improving efficiency, reducing environmental impact, and enabling the circular economy.
With a team of over 14,000 professionals, Metso operates worldwide, providing innovative solutions that drive business growth while addressing the most pressing challenges in industrial sectors.
