Life Cycle Assessment in automotive sector: A case study for engine valves towards cleaner production

摘要: Abstract Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) is a well-established tool to analyze environmental aspects and impacts of products processes. However, there are few studies available regarding LCA automotive components such as the small parts used by vehicle engines, e.g., intake exhaust valves. This paper showed cradle-to-grave valves produced in Brazil for use. Based on hotspots case study, cleaner production scenarios were developed reduce burdens improve manufacturing eco-efficiency. Thirteen midpoint impact categories evaluated more than 90% all due fuel consumption into internal combustion engine during use phase. Regarding phase, machining processes applied valve stem represented 63% impacts, they strongly influenced electric energy, raw materials cutting fluid. For this reason, tested centerless grinding process stem. The best scenario potential reduction up 72% stand-by mode followed 44% less dressing mode. Simple changes parameters huge minimizing life cycle perspective, especially terms resources (fossil minerals) depletion (RD). A comparison between profiles before after adopting proposed measures significant 27% RD impacts. Therefore, improvements valve's can generate better performance towards production.