PROJECT OVERVIEW
Many times when a product, process or service is evaluated, the whole life cycle is not consistently considered, and although unsustainability may be detected, no solutions are put in practice to promote a real sustainability.
Part of the problem is due to the fact that technical solutions, scientific developments and environmental measures do not go together. The aim of this integrated project is the optimization of the new sustainable life cycle of an environmentally friendly, safe and human health compressor oil, taking into account all phases of the life cycle and joining science, technology and environmental disciplines, bringing together an industry consuming less resources and more eco-efficient.
This approach includes the optimization of initial life phases using glycerine from biodiesel as renewable resources and developing a clean production technology to transform it, in a polyglycerol esters derivate oil to be used in compressor applications. On the other hand, the optimisation will be completed taking into account a phase not traditionally considered, the use phase, by designing an innovative compressor device base on micro/nano-materials to replace harmful antioxidant additives and to lengthen the oil life making it more efficient. The new knowledge obtained from these activities will serve as input information to develop an eco-indicator based on biodegradability and toxicity measurements, which will fill the gap existing for a reliable environmental assessment of bio-lubricants.
 

Tin this way, project share with the three pillars of sustainability, environment, economy and society.

The structure of the project is complex, because of the ambitious target, but very flexible.

PROJECT STRUCTURE
To ensure the achievement of the objectives for the full duration of the proposed project, the work plan has been carefully organised promoting good integration between partners and activities.
As it has said before, the work is divided into three main parts in order to carry out the multidisciplinary activities involved. Part I and II cover activities related to the optimisation of compressor oil life cycle. The first part covers initial phases of the life cycle (raw materials and production), whereas the second part is focused on the use phase and end of life phase. These two parts comprise the major RTD activities as well as demonstration activities.
The third part of the project goes horizontally across the others integrating environmental and socio-economic aspects from product conception to end of life, as well as training activities. This part comprises most of the innovation, training and management activities.
 

The coordinator is the Fundación Tekniker, from Spain and this project will lead the first results in the next years.

Stay tuned......

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