LCA AIR SPRING
Before we produce.
To ensure that the disposal of vehicles and spare parts (including air springs) do not endanger the environment, an appropriate data collection system should be established. The international database IMDS (International Material Data System) where we are registered as a manufacturer is used for that reason, confirming that the substances used in production are registered, or in accordance with legal requirements. The basic document that is created in the database by the manufacturer of a given part, component or finished product is MDS - Material data sheet. The card contains information about the full composition and content of all substances that are included in the product. This information may be helpful for recycling.
To process or store?
The fundamental problem of the environmental load caused by worn air springs is related to a very long period of rubber decomposition under natural conditions. Due to the complex chemical structure of the rubber compounds used in the production of the rubber part of air springs together with the internal reinforcement fabric, the degradation process takes years. Along with the development of the automotive industry, the problem of rubber waste disposal was systematically growing, and the effects of their mass storage in landfills turned out to be not neutral to the environment.
Over time, numerous technologies for the processing of rubber products, such as pyrolysis or the production of alternative fuels, have been developed. The pyrolysis process is based on thermal decomposition of rubber waste. This low-waste technology produces three product streams: liquid - in the form of pyrolysis oil, solid - carbonisate (technical carbon black) and gaseous - pyrolysis gas, used to reheat the reactor or generate electricity. Pyrolysis oil and char (soot) are sold directly to customers. They can also be further refined.
In the case of the production of alternative fuels, the waste processing technology starts the process of crushing to granules with a given fraction size. A product with high calorific value is created, used as an alternative fuel for the cement, energy and heating markets.
What to do with generated waste?
We want air springs, which will become waste in the future, not to end up in the landfill, but to be processed. The air spring can be dismantled by separating the metal or plastic parts, which will certainly be a convenience for the waste management company. We follow the principle Apply ○ Replace ○ Recover, therefore in four steps we suggest how to properly handle a worn air spring.
- Find out about the waste management system in your area.
- Look for a recipient who can process the waste.
- Check whether the company dealing with waste management has the appropriate permissions (decisions on waste processing or collection).
- Give the generated waste and set an example.