Energy consumption analysis for natural aggregate processing and its results (Atabey, Isparta, Turkey)

Abstract

Purpose. This study was conducted to determine the amount of energy and water consumption in the production of aggregates for a certain period of time and also calculated the parameters that effect energy consumption in natural aggregate processing.Methods. The data obtained from the quarry site were used as a case study which is presented in the paper. It was discovered that during the winter season, less production and processing activities consume more electrical energy and less water.Findings. Energy consumption ratios for 5 years are presented in the paper with the calculated mean at 4.44 kWh. However, the energy consumed during the experimental study on the site was calculated to be 2.69 kWh. Additionally, benchmarking analysis was conducted on 4 different quarries for evaluation of energy consumption.Originality. This study suggests that environmental load decrease be investigated with respect to quarry processing as well as equipment, technology and use. The result of the study reveals that processing technology implemented in the plant was not economically viable.Practical implications. Two years after completion of the present study, processing at the quarry was stopped in 2015.

Experimental study of the production of resin granite and marble using their solid waste

“…Several factors can interfere in the processing of aggregates with less energy expenditure and less environmental impact, such as equipment, climate, terrain, type of material, and desired particle sizes [20]. Therefore, processing the material for less time, with a grain size that is not as small as possible, can result in a lower environmental impact.…”

“…The resin matrix, in turn, binds the aggregates, also entering their voids, cooperating in supporting the tensile loads in which the aggregates have low resistance. Thus, improving the properties of the composite [18][19][20]. Therefore, the best possible combinations to optimize voids and resin usage are always sought.…”

New Coal Char-Based Building Products: Manufacturing, Engineering Performance, and Techno-Economic Analysis for the USA Market

“…Concrete-based veneers are made with cement and natural aggregates [14]. The natural aggregates are sourced from mines by crushing the large rocks, which requires significant energy consumption (fuels) for operating heavy machinery equipment such as excavators and dumping trucks [16]. The crushed rocks then undergo grading processes to achieve suitable sizes for aggregates using vibratory feeders, conveyor belts, and screens [16].…”

“…The natural aggregates are sourced from mines by crushing the large rocks, which requires significant energy consumption (fuels) for operating heavy machinery equipment such as excavators and dumping trucks [16]. The crushed rocks then undergo grading processes to achieve suitable sizes for aggregates using vibratory feeders, conveyor belts, and screens [16]. This comprehensive procedure not only demands a considerable number of human resources, along with heavy machinery, but also raises concerns about the exploitation of natural resources [17].…”

Case Study on Secondary Building Materials for a Greener Economy

“…Their main use is as aggregates in infrastructure projects and the production of concrete [4]. The natural resources for sand and gravel are not scarce, and the specific energy consumption for the production of aggregates is dependent on the processing route (e.g., higher for the crushing of stone and lower for the extraction of river aggregates) in the range of 11-38 MJ/ton only [5][6][7][8][9][10][11][12]. For comparison, the specific energy consumption figures for the production of steel and cement are 13,400 and 3040 MJ/ton, respectively [9].…”