Assessing Carbon Capture and Carbonation in Recycled Concrete Aggregates: A Holistic Life Cycle Assessment Perspective with Simulation at Industrial Scale
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Assessing Carbon Capture and Carbonation in Recycled Concrete Aggregates: A Holistic Life Cycle Assessment Perspective with Simulation at Industrial Scale
Assessing Carbon Capture and Carbonation in Recycled Concrete Aggregates: A Holistic Life Cycle Assessment Perspective with Simulation at Industrial Scale
Ang, P., Goh, W., Bu, J., & Cheng, S. (2024). Assessing Carbon Capture and Carbonation in Recycled Concrete Aggregates: A Holistic Life Cycle Assessment Perspective with Simulation at Industrial Scale. Journal of Cleaner Production, 474, 143553. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jclepro.2024.143553
Abstract:
This work explores a life cycle assessment (LCA) concerning carbon capture and carbonation of recycled concrete
aggregates (RCA), addressing the growing challenges posed by increased carbon emissions in power generation
and ecological concerns tied to construction waste. We propose an integrated solution involving the capture of
low-concentration carbon dioxide (CO2) from natural gas combined cycle (NGCC) power plants through aqueous
ammonia absorption and sequestration by mineralization of RCA. The cradle-to-gate LCA focuses on an
industrial-scale scenario for capturing 200 kilotonnes of CO2 annually, with functional unit per tonne of
carbonated RCA output. The findings reveal a net positive carbon abatement of 21.42 kg CO2 eq., with heat
production and electricity consumption being the major contributors to global warming potential (GWP). Within
the spectrum of environmental impact categories under study, Marine Aquatic Ecotoxicity Potential (MAETP)
exhibits a significant impact, primarily influenced by sulfur production. Human Toxicity Potential (HTP) follows
as the second-worst contributor, with 96.80% of its impact attributed to heat and sulfur production. Subsequently,
Acidification Potential (AP) follows, arising from sulfur and sulfuric acid production. Sensitivity analysis
and Monte Carlo simulation introduce a ±20% standard deviation to electricity and thermal energy consumption.
Scenario analysis demonstrates a net carbon-positive abatement potential of 286.66 kg CO2 eq. per tonne of
CO2 input. Employing carbon mineralization for CO2 capture not only reduces emissions but also repurposes
waste materials, providing a comprehensive and sustainable solution for effective CO2 management, contributing
to reduced sand mining, and offering cost advantages through the production of carbonated RCA.
License type:
Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives 4.0 International (CC BY-NC-ND 4.0)
Funding Info:
This research / project is supported by the Science and Engineering Research Council (SERC), Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR), Singapore - Low-Carbon Energy Research Funding Initiative
Grant Reference no. : U2102d2008