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A new graphical approach for simultaneous targeting and design of a paper recycling network
Author(s) -
Kit Soh Guan,
Wan Alwi Sharifah Rafidah,
Manan Zainuddin Abdul
Publication year - 2011
Publication title -
asia‐pacific journal of chemical engineering
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.348
H-Index - 35
eISSN - 1932-2143
pISSN - 1932-2135
DOI - 10.1002/apj.546
Subject(s) - graphical model , sink (geography) , computer science , reduction (mathematics) , electricity , pinch analysis , tree (set theory) , environmental science , process engineering , engineering , mathematics , electrical engineering , mathematical analysis , process integration , geometry , cartography , artificial intelligence , geography
Rising demand for paper has resulted in increased number of trees being chopped around the world. The loss of forest lands due to rampant tree cutting has caused a steady increase in the earth's temperature, changed the weather pattern and ultimately threatened the world's ecosystems. One way to mitigate these problems is through efficient paper recycling. To ensure that maximum recycling is achieved, proper mixing of different types of paper of different fiber contents should be considered. This work presents a new generic graphical method for simultaneous targeting and designing of a maximum paper recycling network. The first step is to establish the maximum paper recycling target using a graphical approach called the source–sink composite curves. Next, source–sink allocation curve and network allocation diagram are constructed to design the maximum paper recovery network. The graphical tool allows a designer to graphically visualize, explore, evolve and systematically select the best paper recycling network. Application of the method in Universiti Teknologi Malaysia campus yields a new fresh fiber target of 1464 tons/year. This is a potential reduction in 43.7% fresh fiber and translates into an annual reduction in 38 622 chopped trees and a potential savings of up to 4.5 GWh of electricity and 30.1 × 10 3 m 3 of water. Copyright © 2011 Curtin University of Technology and John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.