ETHICS ENVIRONMENTAL SAFETY (ENB6909) UTOR KEALAN … · 2015-05-31 · Do not need qualifications;...

11/29/2014

Bachelor of Engineering Technology | By: Yahya Saif - ID:201001047

ASSIGNMENT 3

(ENB6909)

ETHICS, ENVIRONMENTAL & SAFETY

TUTOR: KEALAN ALLEN

Abstract: The main objective of this assignment is to analyse the professional codes of practice, analysing an incident related to engineering and analysing the life cycle assessment for a catalytic converter. This report consist of three parts; the first part shows the eligibility criteria and the code of ethics for Bahrain society of engineering and the institution of professional engineers in New Zealand; then it shows the similarities and differences between the codes. The second section analyses an incident about collapsing of two suspended walkways in Hyatt Regency Hotel through showing the direct and indirect causes with using Swiss cheese model and also it shows the direct and indirect consequences; this section shows also, the engineering mitigation of future risks through using hierarchical control diagram. The last section, defines the life cycle assessment, it explains what the catalytic converter is and analyses its life cycle and finally justifies why we should use the catalytic converters in cars.

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Contents Professional Codes of Practice: ............................................................................................................................................... 3

Eligibility criteria for Bahrain society of engineering (BSE) for each membership - Bahrain: ................................................ 3

The basic requirements to be a member in “BSE”: ............................................................................................................ 3

1. Fellow Members: ........................................................................................................................................................ 3

2. Active Members: ......................................................................................................................................................... 3

3. Graduate Members: .................................................................................................................................................... 4

4. Affiliate Members: ...................................................................................................................................................... 4

5. Student Members: ...................................................................................................................................................... 4

Eligibility criteria for the institution of professional engineers New Zealand (IPENZ) - New Zealand: .................................. 4

1. Professional Member: ................................................................................................................................................. 4

2. An Associate Member ................................................................................................................................................. 4

3. Graduate Member: ..................................................................................................................................................... 4

4. Affiliate Membership: ................................................................................................................................................. 5

5. Student Member: ........................................................................................................................................................ 5

Code of ethics for Bahrain society of engineering (BSE) - Bahrain: ........................................................................................ 5

Code of ethics for institution of professional engineers New Zealand (IPENZ) - New Zealand: ............................................. 8

Comparison about the code of practice between Bahrain and New Zealand: ..................................................................... 10

The priority of human life: ................................................................................................................................................ 10

Ethics of engineers (Professionalism, integrity and honesty): .......................................................................................... 10

Working in competency areas: ......................................................................................................................................... 10

Continuous improvement: ................................................................................................................................................ 10

Environmental aspects: ..................................................................................................................................................... 10

Case study about the collapse of two suspended walkways in Hyatt Regency hotel: ......................................................... 11

Synopsis: ............................................................................................................................................................................... 11

Project history: .................................................................................................................................................................. 12

Accident analysis: .................................................................................................................................................................. 12

Indirect causes: ................................................................................................................................................................. 12

Direct cause:...................................................................................................................................................................... 14

Direct consequences: ........................................................................................................................................................ 15

Indirect consequences: ..................................................................................................................................................... 15

Synthesis: .............................................................................................................................................................................. 15

Controlling hazards (government and hotel reaction): .................................................................................................... 15

Corrective actions (my point of view): .............................................................................................................................. 15

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Environmental management: ............................................................................................................................................... 18

Life cycle assessment (LCA): .................................................................................................................................................. 18

Life cycle of catalytic converters: .......................................................................................................................................... 19

Life cycle of catalytic converters (analysis): .......................................................................................................................... 22

Justification: .......................................................................................................................................................................... 26

Table of figures: Figure 1, Hyatt Regency hotel. .............................................................................................................................................. 11 Figure 2, the third floor suspended walkway. ...................................................................................................................... 11 Figure 3, Collapsed Walkways ............................................................................................................................................... 11 Figure 4, Collapsed Walkways second and fourth Floors .................................................................................................... 11 Figure 5, (A) Original design – (B) Actual design ................................................................................................................... 14 Figure 6, (A) Original design – (B) Actual design – (C) Actual failed beam ........................................................................... 14 Figure 7, Direct and indirect causes diagram ........................................................................................................................ 14 Figure 8, Product Life Cycle ................................................................................................................................................... 18 Figure 9, Life cycle analysis ................................................................................................................................................... 18 Figure 5, the effectiveness of catalytic converters ............................................................................................................... 20 Figure 11, Parts of catalytic converter .................................................................................................................................. 21 Figure 12, Embodied energy ................................................................................................................................................. 23 Figure 13, Processing Alumina .............................................................................................................................................. 24 Figure 14, emissions for cars with\without Catalytic converter ........................................................................................... 26 Figure 15, emissions for cars with\without Catalytic converter ........................................................................................... 26 Figure 16, effect of using the Catalytic converter on human health, ecosystem & environment ....................................... 27

Table of Tables: Table 1, Project history ......................................................................................................................................................... 12 Table 2, Engine emissions types & effects ............................................................................................................................ 19 Table 3, Parts of catalytic converter ..................................................................................................................................... 21 Table 4, the raw materials used to create cordierite ........................................................................................................... 23 Table 5, energy consumption for each process .................................................................................................................... 24 Table 6, emission with/without catalytic converter for a Gasoline passenger car............................................................... 25 Table 7 Processing versus recycling energies for stainless steel .......................................................................................... 25 Table 8 Processing versus recycling energies for Platinum .................................................................................................. 25 Table 9, change in emissions when using Catalytic converter .............................................................................................. 26 Table 10, damage assessment for a car with and without a catalytic converter ................................................................. 26

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Professional Codes of Practice:

Code of practice is documents/rules that specify the professional standards and ethical values that all registered members should commit to them as a sign of their professionalism and a condition for registration; the code of practice is adopted by a profession or by a governmental or nongovernmental organization in order to regulate the profession. (code of Professional Responsibility, 2014) They are guidelines that issued by an official professional or body association to the registered members in order to help them comply with the ethical standards; for instance, when the codes of practice are used in the engineering field they regulate the engineering profession. Thus, the code of ethics for engineering profession is rules and conditions that should be followed by the engineers in order to achieve the well-being of the human beings and for saving the human life and the environment. (Ethical code, 2014)

Eligibility criteria for Bahrain society of engineering (BSE) for each membership - Bahrain:

The basic requirements to be a member in “BSE”:

Minimum age is 18 years.

Must be chosen (nominated) by the board of directors in order to be a member for the required membership.

The applicant must be reputed in good conduct and behavior, and not be convicted for any crime affecting

honour or integrity. (mohandis, 2014)

The membership of the Bahrain society of engineering is divided into 5 categories:

1. Fellow Members: In order to be accepted as a fellow member in BSE you need to satisfy the following conditions:


Requires 4 recommendations 2 from fellow members and 2 from active members.

The applicant must be an active member for at least 3 years; or have a fellowship degree in one of the

recognized engineering institutions.

A minimum of 5 years working experience in engineering. (mohandis, 2014)

2. Active Members: In order to be accepted as an active member in BSE you need to satisfy the following conditions:


Requires 2 recommendations from fellow members or active members.

Having a Bachelor of Science or any equivalent academic degree in one of the recognized by BSE.

The applicant must be a holder of “an-engineer” title in the country that his certificate was issued.

If the applicant does not have a Bachelor of Science degree; it must be a member of any world reputable

institutes that are recognized by BSE.

If the applicant has a master since degree or doctor of philosophy (PhD) in an engineering degree; it must have

also, a Bachelor of Science degree in one of the disciplines related to BSE.

The applicant must have undergone training for a certain period of time; the training must cover all of BSE

requirements.

Minimum 3 years of experience in the engineering practice.

The applicant must have engineering academic qualifications, and trained in engineering for a minimum of 6

years. (mohandis, 2014)

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3. Graduate Members: In order to be accepted as a graduate member in BSE you need to satisfy the following conditions:


Requires 2 recommendations from fellow members or active members.

Having a Bachelor of Science or any equivalent academic degree in one of the recognized by BSE.

The applicant must be a holder of “an-engineer” title in the country that his certificate was issued.

The applicant does not have a Bachelor of Science degree; it must be a member of any world reputable

institutes recognized by BSE.

If the applicant has a master since degree or doctor of philosophy (PhD) in an engineering degree; it must have

also, a Bachelor of Science degree in one of the disciplines related to BSE. (mohandis, 2014)

4. Affiliate Members: In order to be accepted as an affiliate member in BSE you need to satisfy the following conditions:


Have an academic qualifications from one of the engineering disciplines for a period of at least 2 years (full-time

education), or for a period at least 3 years (part-time teaching) from one of the academic institutions recognized

by BSE.

Or having a Bachelor of Science degree or any equivalent academic degree in one of the recognized by BSE.

(mohandis, 2014)

5. Student Members: In order to be accepted as a student member in BSE you need to satisfy the following conditions:


Need to be a full time student in any engineering discipline (must be a recognized university or institution by the

Society). (mohandis, 2014)

Eligibility criteria for the institution of professional engineers New Zealand (IPENZ) - New Zealand:

The membership of IPENZ is divided into 6 categories:

1. Professional Member: In order to be accepted as a professional member in (IPENZ) you need:

Demonstrating the competence for independent practice against the competency standard for professional

engineers.

Industrial experience (requires working 4 to 5 years in industry). (ipenz, 1996-2014)

2. An Associate Member In order to be accepted as an associate member in (IPENZ) you need:

Demonstrating the competence for independent practice against the competency standard for Engineering

Technicians. This can be achieved through doing IPENZ competence assessment or through getting the New

Zealand Diploma in Engineering Practice (NZDEP).

A minimum of 4 to 5 years working experience. (ipenz, 1996-2014)

3. Graduate Member: In order to be accepted as a graduate member in (IPENZ) you need to:

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Have a tertiary engineering qualification or any certificate with an equivalent standard. It’s available also, for

final year engineering students.

4. Affiliate Membership: In order to be accepted as an affiliate member in (IPENZ) you:

Do not need qualifications; it's available for people who have obtained a position of significant responsibility

related to the profession. (ipenz, 1996-2014)

5. Student Member:

It’s available for tertiary level engineering qualification in New Zealand. (ipenz, 1996-2014)

Code of ethics for Bahrain society of engineering (BSE) - Bahrain:

The engineers should uphold and strive to achieve the integrity, honour and dignity of the engineering profession;

this can be achieved through applying the code of ethics of Bahrain society of engineering (BSE). The following points are

my demonstration of the code of ethics:

The engineers should use their knowledge and skills in order to enhance the human welfare. This point is split

into two parts; the first part is the engineers must take into account the human life is the first priority when

using their knowledge and expertise. In the second part, the engineers should strive to continuously improving

within their area of expertise and knowledge. (mohandis, 2014)

The engineers must be honest, impartial, and serve with fidelity (with public, employers and clients). This

means that the engineers should serve everybody (within or outside the work) with honesty, loyalty,

impartiality and never think about the personal achievements in order to achieve the well-being for

community and gain good reputation for engineers. (mohandis, 2014)

The engineers should continuously strive to improve the competence and good reputation of the

engineering profession. This means, to increase the competency of the engineering profession

(continuous improving); the engineers should be hard worker and continuously enhance their

knowledge. Practicing the engineering works with a high level of efficacy, reliability and quality is the

way for gaining the good reputation. (mohandis, 2014).

Note: The first three points are values and guidelines for the engineers.

The fourth point that must be considered while doing the engineering professional works is thinking

about the safety, health and welfare of human. This can be achieved through (Guidelines):

a) The engineers should know that the life, safety, health and welfare of the people are depending on

the engineering judgments, decisions and also, the actual practices. (mohandis, 2014)

b) The engineers can approve only the design documents that are prepared by engineers, classified as

a safe design for human health and welfare and they are approved by the engineering standards.

c) The engineers should be committed in improving the environment (through applying the principles

of sustainable development), and therefore to enhance the quality of human life.

d) The engineers should do not sign or seal on any engineering document if there is a lack of

competence by virtue of education or experience. (mohandis, 2014)

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(In short, the engineers should follow a clear rule where if there is a lack of safety for human and

environment the work must be stopped); Ignoring this point means breaking the law.

The engineers should perform services in the areas of their competence only. This can be achieved

through (Guidelines):

a) The engineers must be committed to do not do any of the engineering works until getting qualified

by education for the required major or experience in the required technical field of engineering.

(In short, it is not allowed to do any work before getting the required certificates and being competent to

do the desired work); ignoring this point means breaking the law. (mohandis, 2014).

It’s essential for engineers to continue their professional and ethical development during their careers.

This can be achieved through (Guidelines):

a) The engineers should participate in professional practice, continue studying and attending the

seminars and professional meetings.

b) The engineers should encourage the technicians to attend and present papers at professional and

technical meetings. (mohandis, 2014)

(This means, getting the engineering certificates do not mean stop learning where practicing the engineering

works requires continuous learning (this includes scientific, expertise and ethical parts)). This point is a

guideline for engineers.

The engineers should act professionally with employer and clients as faithful agents or trustees; the

engineers need to avoid the interest conflicts, and do not breach confidentiality. This can be achieved

through (Guidelines):

a) The engineers must avoid the known or possible conflicts of interest with anybody; the engineers

should inform their employers or clients about any problems (conflicts) that could influence on

their judgments or the quality of their services.

b) The engineers shall not accept compensation from more than one party for services on the same

project, or for services pertaining to the same project, unless the circumstances are fully disclosed

to and agreed to, by all interested parties.

c) The engineers must not accept any gratuities (directly or indirectly) from the contractors, agents,

clients or employers or anybody that is related to the work.

d) The engineers must not use any of the confidential information about the work in order to get any

extra personal profit when this action is adverse to the interests of their clients or employers.

e) The engineers must not accept professional employment outside of their regular work or any

interest without telling the employers.

f) The engineers should satisfy the employers and employees with respect to terms of employment

(salary ranges, professional grade descriptions and fringe benefits). (mohandis, 2014)

(This means, the engineers should act professionally through acting with others without conflicts, do not

take extra compensation or gratuities and do not disclose the confidential information of the work);

Ignoring this point means breaking the law.

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The engineers should compete fairly with others; also, they should build their professional reputation based on

their competencies. This can be achieved through (Guidelines):

a) The engineers should not contribute in any political, give gratuities, or unlawful consideration in

order to secure work or to get anything related to profession of engineering.

b) The engineers must not falsify their academic qualifications or experience.

c) The engineers should recognize the proprietary interests of others where they should name the

person that is responsible for designs, inventions or other accomplishments. (mohandis, 2014)

(This means, the competition in securing the jobs and gaining the good reputation should be based on the

competencies of the engineer without using any unethical approach or falsifying the qualifications);

ignoring this point means breaking the law.

The engineers should avoid the deceptive acts, and do not abuse to public or private for gaining personal

benefits. This can be achieved through (Guidelines):

a) The brochures or presentations that are created by engineers should not misrepresent the facts

related to employers, employees or previous accomplishments.

b) The engineers should describe their professional services without using a misleading language.

c) The engineers should not misrepresent or exaggerate of their responsibility for prior assignments.

d) The engineers should not use equipment, office facilities and laboratories of their employers for an

outside work without telling the employers. (mohandis, 2014)

(This means, it is not allowed for engineers to do any of the deceptive acts like showing or documenting false

information, using misleading language, etc.); ignoring this point means breaking the law.

The public statements must be issued by the engineers in an objective and truthful manner. This can be

achieved through (Guidelines):

a) The engineers should not participate in the dissemination of unreal or unfair information that is

related to engineering.

b) The engineers should be objective and truthful while writing professional reports or statements.

c) Engineers can express an engineering opinion based on adequate knowledge of the facts, having a

background of technical competence, and through honest conviction. (mohandis, 2014)

(For example, when writing a report about an incident; the opinions must be written based on enough

and correct information, and also through doing full inspection without emotions or misrepresentation);

Ignoring this point means breaking the law.

The environmental aspects and sustainable development should be considered by engineers during performing

of their professional duties. This can be achieved through(Guidelines):

a) The engineers should be committed in improving the environment through following the principles

of sustainable development.

b) The engineers should refuse any action that may involve damages to human surroundings and

nature.

c) The engineers should use the lowest possible quantity of raw materials, energy and strive to

minimise the waste and any kind of pollution.

d) Engineers should use current or invent new environment friendly methods for, production,

construction and practice. (mohandis, 2014)

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(This means, one of the responsibilities of engineers is saving the environment through do not do any work

that could damage the nature, apply environment friendly methods and decrease the use of material and also

the waste). This point is a guideline for engineers.

Code of ethics for institution of professional engineers New Zealand (IPENZ) - New Zealand: The following points are my demonstration of the code of ethics for IPENZ:

Safeguarding people and protection of the life where the engineers shall know the demand to protect life and to

safeguard people so all the engineering activities will address this need. This can be achieved through

(Guidelines):

a) Making the safety and the community well-being the first priority; therefore, the engineers should

assess obligations to clients and employers based on this principle.

b) The engineers should make sure that safety procedures are applied in order to decrease the risks of

losing life, injuries that are induced as a result of doing engineering activities (either directly or

indirectly).

c) The engineers should continuously explain to the employees the level of risks associated with the

work.

d) The engineers should take reasonable steps in order to decrease potential dangers involved within

engineering activities. (IPENZ Code of Ethics, 1996-2014)

(This means, protecting people\workers can be achieved through applying safety procedures, explaining

and warning about the level of risk and striving to decrease the risks); ignoring this point means breaking

the law.

The engineers should do the engineering activities with professionalism, integrity and work within their levels of

competence. This can be achieved through(Guidelines):

a) The engineers should improve their initiative, skill and judgement to the best of their abilities for

the benefit of the employer or the client.

b) The engineers should give only honest, objective and factual decisions, recommendations or

opinions.

c) The engineers should accept the personal responsibility for work done by them or under their

supervision. Also, the engineers must make sure that anyone doing the works under their authority

is competent to do the required tasks, and accepts the personal responsibility for doing the work.

d) The engineers should make sure that they do not falsify their levels of experience or competence.

e) The engineers should not disclose the confidential information about the work of the employer or

client without getting the agreement.

f) The engineers should explain any financial or other interest that may, or may be seen to it.

g) The engineers should not promise to, give to, or accept from any third party anything.

h) The engineers should inform the others before reviewing their works, and should not criticize the

work of others without any cause.

i) The engineers should strive to uphold reputation of the Institution, and support the other members

that are seeking to comply with the code of ethics. (IPENZ Code of Ethics, 1996-2014)

(In short, the engineers should follow the ethical approach during practicing the engineering profession such

as, the honesty and integrity; the engineers should use their competencies for securing jobs without using any

unethical approach or falsifying the qualifications); ignoring this point means breaking the law.

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The engineers should know that the responsibility of the engineering profession is contributing in achieving the

society Well-being (Commitment to Community Well-being). This can be achieved through(Guidelines):

a) The engineers should apply their engineering skill, judgment and initiative for positive contribution

to the society well-being.

b) The engineers should strive to identify, inform and consult parties affected by the engineering

activities.

c) The engineers should recognize all their engineering activities to avoid any possible conflicts.

d) The engineers should deal with people dignity; so they should consider cultural sensitivities of the

community.

e) The engineers should strive to know the community needs, and perceptions, that affect their work.

(IPENZ Code of Ethics, 1996-2014).

(This means, the well-being of the community is one of the responsibilities of engineers where the

engineering works should satisfy the community needs, perceptions, sensitivities and trends and also

should avoid any possible conflicts). This point is a guideline for engineers.

The engineers should identify and respect the demand for a sustainable management of the earth resources,

and strive to decrease the environmental impacts of the engineering activities (sustainable management and

care of the Environment). This can be achieved through(Guidelines):

a) The engineers should use the resources efficiently.

b) The engineers should strive to decrease the generation of waste and encourage recycling.

c) The engineers should know the influences of the engineering activities on the environment, and they

should seek to avoid them. (IPENZ Code of Ethics, 1996-2014)

(This means, one of the responsibilities of engineers is saving the environment through applying

sustainable management; this can be achieved by using resources efficiently, decrease the waste and

encourage recycling and also try to reduce the effect of engineering activities on the environment). This

point is a guideline for engineers.

The engineers should strive to contribute in the development of their own and the engineering profession's

knowledge, skill and expertise (Sustaining engineering knowledge). This can be achieved through(Guidelines):

a) The engineers should share their knowledge with other engineers; so this knowledge can be used for the

benefit of society.

b) The engineers should seek and encourage the excellence in practice engineering.

c) The engineers should improve and update their understanding of the engineering, also, encouraging the

exchange of information with the professional colleagues.

d) If possible the engineers should share information about their experiences (about successes and failures).

(IPENZ Code of Ethics, 1996-2014)

(This means, getting the engineering certificates do not mean stop learning where practicing the

engineering works requires continuous learning (this includes scientific and ethical parts), and also sharing

the information with others). This point is a guideline for engineers.

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Comparison about the code of practice between Bahrain and New Zealand:

As we can see the codes of practice that the engineers must follow them for Bahrain and New Zealand are very similar to each other; typically these codes are similar across the world. In this section, the common codes will be discussed, and also if there are any differences they will be explained. In my point of view the common features can be summarized and classified into five categories which they are:

The priority of human life: For both Bahrain and New-Zealand codes of practice; the codes consider to the human life and safeguarding

people as the first priority for the engineer; these codes explain clearly that the aim of doing the activities of the engineering profession is achieving the well-being for the community without neglecting the importance of the life (safe guarding people).

Ethics of engineers (Professionalism, integrity and honesty): The second important category after the human life is the ethics of engineers. Both Bahrain and new-Zealand

codes cover many ethical aspects; for instance, the integrity and honesty are required from the engineers during dealing with employer, employees, clients or community in order to enhance the reputation and prestige of the engineering profession; also, they should deal with community with dignity. The engineers should save the confidential information of the work. The engineers must avoid the conflicts of interest, do not accept any gratuities and do not use equipment, office facilities and laboratories of their employers for an outside work without telling the employers. Furthermore, the

engineers must not falsify their academic qualifications or experience, do not promise to, give to, or accept from any third party anything, and do not contribute in any political in order to secure work or to get anything related to profession of engineering.

Working in competency areas: In this category, the codes specify the authorities of engineers where they can work or provide services in the

areas of their competence only. It’s not allowed to do any of engineering works until getting qualified by education and getting the required experience. Furthermore, the engineers should approve only the design documents that are prepared by engineers, classified as a safe design for both human health and welfare, and also the documents should be accepted by the engineering standards.

Continuous improvement: The codes tell the engineers that one of their responsibilities is to continuously improve and update of the

engineering profession knowledge, skill and expertise. (Improving, knowledge and expertise)

Environmental aspects: The codes tell the engineers that while doing any engineering activity the engineers should take into account all

of the environmental aspects where the engineers should decrease the use of the raw material, decrease the generation of waste and therefore saving the planet and enhance the quality of life of human. The engineers should know also, the influences of the engineering activities on the environment where they needs to avoid them, and refuse any action that may involve damages to human surroundings and nature.

In my opinion, there is a small difference between Bahrain and New-Zealand code of ethics in the responsibility

of the engineers toward employees. In both codes the engineers must make sure anyone that doing the works under their authority is competent to do the required tasks. The difference between the codes that New-Zealand codes request from the engineers continuously explain to the employees the level of risks associated with the work; since Bahrain codes request from the engineers get only the personal approval of the employees in order to do the work.

The second small difference is in the continuous learning part. Both code of ethics request from the engineers

improving their knowledge, skill and expertise; the New-Zealand code of ethics request from the engineers sharing the information with others as well. Since, Bahrain code of ethics asks the engineers continuously improve their ethical knowledge.

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Case study about the collapse of two suspended walkways in Hyatt Regency hotel: Synopsis:

Hyatt Regency is a 40-story hotel that was officially opened on july 1st, 1980; it is located in Kansas City, Missouri,

United States. This hotel is famous in that it has three interior suspended walkways located directly above the lobby atrium. The third and the fourth levels suspended walkways were held by ceiling rods and bolted connections; whereas the fourth level walkway holds the second level walkway through other rods (they are vertically connected). (Hyatt Regency Walkway Collapse, 2006). The purpose of the walkways is to connect the bedrooms on one side of the hotel to the conference rooms to improve the interior space of the hotel, and also to provide some unique features to the hotel.

(Hyatt Regency walkway collapse, 2013). On friday, july 17th, 1981 the hotel organized a videotaped tea dance competition in the atrium lobby with approximately 1600 of attendees; this includes the guests and the competition participates. During the competition the two connected walkways (second level and forth level) carried approximately 56 to 60 of dancing and standing people with an estimated load of 1000 kilogram; after short time the connections (among bolts (in the hollow rectangular beam) and ceiling rods) that held up the second and fourth floor walkways above the atrium failed, consequently both walkways fell on the atrium lobby. To clarify, the accident began when the fourth floor walkway collapsed on the second floor walkway; then both walkways fell on the atrium lobby floor leading to 114 deaths and 219 injuries; however the third floor walkway remained intact. (Hyatt Regency walkway collapse, 2013).

Figure 4, Collapsed Walkways (Guyer, n.d.)

Figure 4, Collapsed Walkways second and fourth Floors (Guyer, n.d.)

Figure 2, Hyatt Regency hotel. (Guyer, n.d.) Figure 2, the third floor suspended

walkway. (Guyer, n.d.)

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Project history:

Table 1, Project history (William, n.d.)

Accident analysis:

To begin with, the hotel was constructed by two companies; the first one is Gillum-Colaco Company (a consulting structural engineers Company); it designed and built the entire structure. The second is Havens Steel Company; it oversaw the production of all required materials for the project including the materials used for the walkways. (Wiki, n.d.). After completing the investigations the failure occurred because of design mistakes (direct cause) which is induced due to several indirect causes, so before analysing the direct cause let us explain the indirect causes; in my perception the indirect causes are classified into two categories which they indirect causes because of organizational influences and precondition for unsafe act, and indirect causes because of unsafe acts and unsafe super vision:

Indirect causes:

Organizational influences\ precondition for unsafe act:

A) Gillum-Colaco construction method:

During 1980’s the required time to build a 40-story building is approximately four to six years; whereas Gillum-Colaco Company constructed the entire hotel in two years and half only through following the fast construction method. This method may decrease the quality of the work, or it may lead to a high probability of errors occurrence (will be explained later). (Hyatt Regency Walkways Collapse, 2008)

Date: Event:

𝐄𝐚𝐫𝐥𝐲 𝟏𝟗𝟕𝟔 The owner Crown Centre Redevelopment Corporation (CCRC) started the project which is building the Hyatt Regency Hotel.

𝐉𝐮𝐥𝐲 𝟏𝟗𝟕𝟔 Gillum-Colaco Company was selected to be the consulting structural engineer.

𝐉𝐮𝐥𝐲 𝟏𝟗𝟕𝟔 Starting the schematic design stage of the project.

𝐋𝐚𝐭𝐞 𝟏𝟗𝟕𝟕 Collections of structural drawings were accomplished.

𝐒𝐩𝐫𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝟏𝟗𝟕𝟖 Starting the construction process.

𝐀𝐮𝐠𝐮𝐬𝐭 𝟏𝟗𝟕𝟖 The project specifications were issued by the American Institute of Steel Construction (AISC).

𝐃𝐞𝐜𝐞𝐦𝐛𝐞𝐫 𝟏𝟗𝟕𝟖 The owner (CCRC) contracted with Havens Steel Company. Havens Steel Company agreed to fabricate and erect the atrium steel for the Hyatt project.

𝐃𝐞𝐜𝐞𝐦𝐛𝐞𝐫 𝟏𝟗𝟕𝟖 Changing the rods design by Havens steel Company from a single to a double hanger rod beam. Gillum-Colaco Company approved the new design.

𝐅𝐞𝐛𝐫𝐮𝐚𝐫𝐲 𝟏𝟗𝟕𝟗 The atrium roof collapsed during the manufacturing process.

𝐎𝐜𝐭𝐨𝐛𝐞𝐫 𝟏𝟗𝟕𝟗 An individual engineering inspection company was recruited by the owner to inspect the accident.

𝐍𝐨𝐯𝐞𝐦𝐛𝐞𝐫 𝟏𝟗𝟕𝟗 The hotel construction process accomplished.

𝐉𝐮𝐥𝐲 𝟏𝟗𝟖𝟏 Second floor walkway and fourth floor collapsed.

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Unsafe acts\ unsafe supervision:

B) Engineering design based on Gillum-Colaco construction method:

The engineers of Gillum-Colaco Company selected a hollow rectangular beam to carry out the three walkways where the beam type was selected to be compatible with the fast construction method because the hollow rectangular beam was the easiest beam type that could be hiding inside the walkways; so it will be the fastest in construction. However, there are other types of beams that can provide more strength than the selected one. (Hyatt Regency Walkways Collapse, 2008)

C) Change the fabrication method (Havens Steel fabrication Company):

The selected beam by Gillum-Colaco Company was a hollow rectangular beam, whereas the actual manufactured beam by Havens Steel Company was two C channel beams welded together to create a hollow rectangular beam; the purpose for using two C channel beams is the inability of Havens Steel Company to manufacture the hollow design directly. This led to reduce the design strength especially a nut will be fitted on the welded area which will expose to high amount of stress. It is responsibly of the Gillum-Colaco Company to find another fabrication company to manufacture the approved design exactly. (Dozier, Holden, Drab, & Neustadter, n.d.).

D) Design change:

The first approved design by Gillum-Colaco Company consists of the following: (one long steel rod, a nut and a hollow rectangular beam) since the fabrication company (Havens Steel) provided a suggestion to alter the design by using two short steel rods instead of using one long steel rod in order to make the assembly process much easier. The new design was approved by Gillum-Colaco Company (without testing it), thus the new design consists of, two short steel rods (one connects the beam with the ceiling and the second connects the bottom walkway with the beam), a hollow rectangular beam and two nuts. (hyattregencywalkways, 2011)

E) The gross negligence:

This point is divided into two points:

1. Changing the design without testing:

As mentioned the engineers of Gillum-Colaco Company made and approved many changes in the design (changing beam manufacturing method and steel rods design) without testing the new stresses that the beam will expose to (they did not do any failure test). After design failure; the investigators determined that the design withstands only 60 % of the minimum load required by Kansas City building codes. (Hyatt Regency walkway collapse, 2013).

2. Useless inspection team:

During the construction process the atrium roof collapsed because of failure of one of the connections; this was a sign

that there was an error in the design. Despite that the owner of the hotel recruited an individual engineering inspection company to inspect the accident; the inspection team focused on the roof collapse only without considering any possible design mistakes, and they give one recommendation that all steel connections should be checked. (Guyer, n.d.).

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Direct cause: Design mistake (failure analysis):

As stated previously, one steel rod carries the second level walkway and the forth level walkway together. As shown on figure 5 (which represents the original design) the load on the steel rod is equal to 2P; this load is the sum of weight of the two walkways (upper and lower). For the nut part, it exposes to the weight (load) of the fourth floor walkway only (upper one); this load acts toward downward (push the nut downward); in this cause the total load on the nut is equal to 1P.

For the actual design (modified design) the first steel rod (upper one) caries the two walkways (2P), and the second rod carries the bottom walkway (lower one) only (1P). The error of the actual design appears on the bottom nut where it experiences to the load of the fourth floor walkway 1P (this load acts toward downward (push the nut downward)), and the load of the bottom walkway 1P in the same direction with. Thus, the total load on the bottom nut is equal to (2P) (push the nut toward downward). Thus, changing the steel rods led to double the loads on the bottom nut; this led to decrease the design strength (capacity) into half. (Guyer, n.d.)

As shown on figure 6, part A and B show the distribution of the load on both designs original and actual designs respectively; part C shows the beam after failure. It is obvious that the failure started from the bottom nut position (the gap between the two welded C channel beams). From this analysis it was a preventable accident happened due to an engineering design mistake.

Direct and indirect causes diagram:

Figure 5, (A) Original design – (B) Actual design (Hyatt Regency walkway collapse, 2013)

Figure 6, (A) Original design – (B) Actual design – (C) Actual failed beam (Jack, 2004)

Figure 7, Direct and indirect causes diagram

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As shown on figure 7, the sequence of reasons is very similar to the Swiss cheese model where when all of the indirect causes met together and they led to one direct cause which is manufacturing a weak design (design mistake) 1 + 2 +3 + 4 + 5 → 6 , then a weak design with big load led to the accident 6 + 7 → 8, and finally the accident led to injuries and deaths 8 → 9.

Direct consequences:

Two suspended walkways collapsed.

114 innocent people died.

219 injured people. (William, n.d.)

Indirect consequences:

The hotel closed for a long period for investigations and for fixing it which causes losses ($$).

The costs of fixing the hotel ($$).

Losing the good reputation of the hotel.

Losing the integrity, honour and dignity of the engineering profession in Texas and Missouri in United State.

140 million dollar was paid out to the families that are involved in this accident.

After the investigations two engineers from Gillum-Colaco Company were found guilty of, unprofessional conduct,

gross negligence and misconduct; thus, they lost their licenses to practice engineering in Texas and Missouri in

United State.

The certificate of authority as an engineering Company of Gillum-Colaco Company was revoked.

The industry was forced to apply new designing methods, and the suspended skywalks would no longer be an

option. (Hyatt Regency walkway collapse, 2013).

Synthesis:

Controlling hazards (government and hotel reaction): A set of very strict rules was put by the American Society of Civil Engineers has:

The responsibility lies with the engineers seal. That is, that whoever places their seal of approval upon a set of plans carries the responsibility for the building and the outcome. "While the engineer may properly delegate the work of performing engineering design functions, he cannot delegate his responsibility for the structural engineering design (this responsibility is not delegable).” (Nasa, 2008)

It is now also required that all load bearing calculations must be checked by a city appointed engineer and that checks be formal and not “spot checks”. (Neust, Holden, Drab, & Dozier, 2014)

Hotel management reaction:

Eliminate: the third floor and forth floor suspended walk way removed from the hotel.

Substitute: the suspended walk way of the second floor was replaced by a normal bridge; the new bridge is held by several columns underneath it instead of being suspended from the ceiling rods. (Texas A&M University, n.d.)

Corrective actions (my point of view): In order to apply the codes of ethics for the engineering profession for Bahrain or international; the human life and

safeguarding people must be the first priority for the engineers. Also, the engineers should strive to achieve the integrity, honour and dignity of the engineering profession. So, as a corrective actions for preventing any similar accident in the future while doing any project, and in order to apply the codes of ethics; the following corrective actions are my recommendation:

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Engineering:

In order to eliminate (or reduce) the probability of occurrence of design mistake; the engineers shall consider the

following:

Safety:

1. The most important thing while doing a project is the importance of safety; this involve the safety of the

workers within the project and the safety of people that will be related to the project, and also, do not

forgetting saving the environment. So during designing the engineers must consider all of these aspects.

2. The engineers should refuse working or resign when the project management do not care about the safety

because if the engineers of Hyatt regency hotel had spent more time in the project, this accident could

have been avoided.

Engineer responsibility:

1. The responsibility of the engineers is to inspect everything included in the project. If the project is large,

there should be an inspection team that check everything.

2. The engineers should spend enough time to check their works, and they should know that the final check

is their responsibility not the others.

Standards /Engineer seal:

1. The engineers must approve only the design documents that are prepared by engineers, classified as a

safe design for human health and welfare and they are accepted by the engineering standards. The

engineers should do not seal on any engineering document if there is a lack of competence by virtue of

education, experience or any document which do not follow the required working standards of the

country.

Engineer relation:

1. With everybody: the engineers should explain the project to all parties that are involved in the project; so

all parties must understand their responsibilities in order to perform the duties competently.

2. With experts: The reliance must be only on experienced engineers or qualified and authorised people in

order to do the designing works.

Training:

Training the fabricators (technicians):

1. The fabricators should have good background about engineering designing aspects; so they can warn the

engineers when there is a risk or refuse doing the works when there is a possible error in the design.

Encouragement:

1. The engineers should impose on management that attention to safety pays off.

Enforcement:

Standards:

1. Make sure that all internal and external rules, regulations, and standard design or operating procedures

are followed by the workers and project management.

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Controlling hazards (collapse of suspended walkways): The “hierarchy of control” method is used for controlling the hazard; its systematic approach used to manage safety in

the workplaces (manage hazard for the employees). However, my situation is a little bit different which is about the hazards of collapsing the suspended bridges on people.

As shown on the above diagram the best way to control the hazards of collapse of suspended bridges is to stop using them (eliminate the phenomenon using (suspended/sky) bridges). The second option is substituting the suspended bridges with normal types; the risk is also exist but much lower than using the suspended types. The third option is to isolate the hazard which is not possible; because there should be people under or walking on the bridge. The fourth option is applying engineering control through modifying and enhancing the designs, applying checking systems like using strain gauges double checking, and testing them before approving, and also, learning from previous accidents. The fifth pint is administrative control which is related to the previous point; the management should change the way of doing the projects through timing of projects correctly and sufficiently, applying strict policies and rules, and following the country or the international standards. The last thing is to use the personal protective equipment (PPE) which is not possible because none of the PPE will protect you from the huge weight of concrete, or if you fall from the fourth floor you will not survive.

1. Eliminate: do not build any suspended walkways.

2. substitute: using normal bridges instead of suspended types.

3. Isolation : Not Possible .

4. Engineering control: through modifying the designs (change design), double check, and test them then approve it. learning from previous incidents .

5. Administrative Control: Changing the way the projects is done (timing of work, applying strict policies and rules, and following the standards).

6. Personal protective equipment (PPE): Not Possible .

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Environmental management: Life cycle assessment (LCA):

The life cycle assessment (LCA) is a technique for analysing, and determining the environmental impact along a product complete life cycle from the raw materials to the final disposal of the product. To expand, the (LCA) is a system for measuring the environmental aspects and potential impacts associated with the product through listing relevant inputs and outputs of a product (inventory) then assessing the potential environmental impacts associated with those inputs and outputs. (LifeCycleAssessment, n.d.)

The major stages of the product life are determined by life cycle analysis; which they are:

Raw material acquisition: This stage involves the materials extraction + transportation to the manufacturing sites.

Processing: This stage includes the materials processing + transportation to the production sites.

Manufacturing: This involves product manufacture, assembly, packaging, and transportation to final distribution.

Product life: This includes energy and emissions throughout the product life, required maintenance, and product.

Disposal or waste management: This involves recycling, solid waste, gas emissions, etc. (Williams, 2009).

Where: M, E: Material and Energy inputs to process and distribution - W: Waste (gas, liquid, or solid) output from product, process, or distribution.

As shown on figure 8 and 9, the products life cycle consist of several stages where the cycle is considered as a closed if the product will be recycled or open when the product will be disposed after the completion of using it. In order, to analyse the impact of using catalytic converters on the environment; let us know first what the catalytic converter is, and which materials are required to manufacture it.

Figure 8, Product Life Cycle (Life Cycle Assessment, 2007)

Figure 9, Life cycle analysis (sustainable-graphic-design, n.d.)

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Life cycle of catalytic converters: Engines emissions:

When you drive a car a power will be generated in the engine as a consequence of burning the fuel; the fuel combustion will produces emissions. About 98 % of the normal cars use Gasoline as the fuel source which is a mixture of hydrocarbons (HC is a compound that contains hydrogen and carbon atoms). For perfect engines all of the hydrogen and carbon in the fuel will be converted to water vapour and carbon dioxide through the combustion with the oxygen from the air, and the nitrogen from the air will not be affected during the combustion process. In actual the engines are not perfect where the combustion process generates other chemical as shown on equation (B): (E. Clark, McGinnis, Pickrell, & Holbrook, 2012): For perfect engines:

Fuel (hydrocarbons) + Air (O2 + N2) → Carbon dioxide (CO2) + Water Vapor (H2O) + unchanged Nitrogen (N2) → (A)

For typical engines:

Fuel (hydrocarbons) + Air (O2 + N2) → Unburned hydrocarbons (gas and solid particulate matter) + Carbon dioxide (CO2) + Water Vapor (H2O) + Nitrogen oxides 𝑁𝑂𝑥 + Carbon Monoxide (CO) → (B)

Emissions effects: From the above equations there are six various gases are generated from the engine emissions; the table below show the effects of these emissions:

Elements Effects on human and environment:

1 Nitrogen (N2) Do not cause damage to the atmosphere.

2 Water Vapor (H2O) Do not cause damage to the atmosphere, but they are greenhouse gases which they cause global warming (will be explained later). (catalytic converter for cars, 2010) 3 Carbon dioxide (CO2)

4 Nitrogen oxides 𝑁𝑂𝑥

It combines with the atmospheric oxygen to form nitrogen dioxide. This reacts with sunlight and other exhaust gases; then creating localized low level ozone.

Ozone is toxic to the environment (damages plants directly).

Nitrogen dioxide can combine with hydrogen creating nitric acid, which either forms acid rain, settles directly on land (dissolving buildings/monuments), or settles on soil leading to leeching of nutrients and hence poor plant growth.

Nitric acid attacks plants directly.

Nitrogen dioxide contributes to the depletion of ozone in the upper stratosphere. As a consequence more UV light enters the earth's atmosphere and is trapped leading to climate change.

Also, it causes irritate lungs, and cause respiratory infections. (En Management sustainability, 2014)

5 Carbon Monoxide (CO)

Carbon monoxide is toxic to humans; it works synergistically with nitric oxide to impair the respiratory blood transport system; this gas can kill you if too much is inhaled.

Carbon monoxide readily reacts with the hydroxyl radical (OH); and generates a much stronger greenhouse gas (carbon dioxide CO2). (essea, 2014)

6 Hydrocarbons

In general the Hydrocarbons can be toxic, potentially carcinogenic; two common types of hazardous hydrocarbon are Benzene (C6H6) and Toluene (C7H8). The Benzene prevents proper production of red blood cells and the loss of white blood cells. Since, Toluene can cause to asthma.

The hydrocarbons can be broken down by the sun, creating ground level Ozone known as smog. (E. Clark, McGinnis, Pickrell, & Holbrook, 2012).

Table 2, Engine emissions types & effects (E. Clark, McGinnis, Pickrell, & Holbrook, 2012)

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Catalytic converters:

The Catalytic convertors are used to reduce the last three emissions on the above table (NOx − CO − Hydrocarbons ). They are designed to convert harmful emissions to less harmful elements which they are Nitrogen (N2), Water Vapour (H2O) and Carbon dioxide (CO2). The catalytic converter is a large metal box that has two pipes coming out of it. The first one called the converter (input) which is connected to the engine and brings in hot, polluted fumes from the cylinders of the engine. The second pipe called the converter (output) which is connected to the exhaust. As the gases from the engine fumes blow over the catalyst, chemical reactions will take place on its surface, breaking apart the pollutant gases and converting them into other gases. (catalyticconverters, 2014). There are different types of catalytic converter; in my analysis I will explain the three way catalytic converter which it has three simultaneous functions as shown below: 1. Reduction of nitrogen oxides into elemental nitrogen and oxygen (reduction catalysts):

NOx → Nx + Ox 2. Oxidation of carbon monoxide to carbon dioxide:

CO + O2 → CO2 3. Oxidation of hydrocarbons into carbon dioxide and water (oxidation catalysts):

CxH4x + 2xO2 → xCO2 + 2xH2O (Case Studies Catalytic Converters, n. d. )� As shown above, step 1 is called the reduction catalysts; it’s the first stage in the purification process where the

converter utilizes a catalyst (typically a precious metal such as, platinum or rhodium). So, the precious metal will break apart the chemical bonds of nitric oxides (NOx), and therefore, the nitrogen will leaves its bond with oxygen. Then, the left over oxygen atoms will bond with each other to form O2; also, the nitrogen atoms form N2. Step 2 and 3 are called the oxidation catalyst where the remaining emissions (typically carbon monoxide and hydrocarbons) are burned to encourage bonding among the carbon and hydrogen atoms of the emissions and the oxygen in the environment to produce carbon dioxide (xCO2) and water (2xH2O). (Catalytic Converters environmental concerns , 2014)

As we can see the emissions that generated by the catalytic converter are Nitrogen, Water Vapour, and Carbon

dioxide (equation 3). The figure above shows the effectiveness of catalytic converters; it is clear that with using the three way catalytic converter we can decrease the most hazardous emissions to more than 10 times less than cars without the converter:

Global warming:

To begin with, the greenhouse gas is a gas in the atmosphere that can absorb and emit radiation within the thermal infrared range. This process is the reason for the greenhouse effect. (Greenhouse gas, 2014). As we know the catalytic converter helps in reducing the toxic emissions from car engines. However, it has environmental effects where using the catalytic converter produces the carbon dioxide. Carbon dioxide (CO2) is one of the most common greenhouse gases and therefore increases to global warming. To explain this, most of the light energy from the sun is emitted in

Figure 10, the effectiveness of catalytic converters (Explainthatstuff , n.d.)

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gas

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Emission_(electromagnetic_radiation)

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thermal_infrared

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thermal_infrared

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Greenhouse_effect

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wavelengths less than 0.000004 m. The heat energy released from the earth in wavelengths longer than 0.000004 m. Carbon dioxide (CO2) does not absorb the energy from the sun, since it absorbs some of the heat energy that released from the earth. Thus, the molecule of carbon dioxide that absorbed heat energy becomes in an unstable state; it returns stable again through releasing the absorbed energy. Therefore, part of the released energy will go back to the earth and part will go out into space. (How does carbon dioxide cause global warming?, 1994). Sometimes the catalytic converters produce nitrogen-oxygen compounds to form nitrous oxide where the nitrous oxide is three hundred times more potent than carbon dioxide, so it contributes to global warming. When adding a catalytic converter to the engine; the engine must run at stoichiometric point (which is the mass ratio of air to the fuel present in a combustion process). Thus, more fuel will be consumed than the cars that do not contain a catalytic converter (around 10% extra CO2 emissions from the car), and therefore increasing the global warming. Material used for manufacturing catalytic converter:

The above figure shows the parts of catalytic converter; the table below lists the general and main parts, and also shoes the material used to manufacture the main parts of catalytic converter:

General parts:

Inlet and outlet pipes/flanges, insulation material (expanding mat), seals, inlet/outlet cones, and sensor boss.

Catalytic converter main parts:

Stainless steel housing Manufactured from stainless steel (combination of iron ore, chromium, silicon,

nickel, carbon, nitrogen and manganese). It provides protection and structure support for the substrate. (catalyticconverters, 2011)

Catalyst core (substrate)

For automotive catalytic converters, the core is usually a ceramic monolith with a honeycomb structure(2MgO − 2Al2O3 − 5SiO2). Metallic foil monoliths made of FeCrAl are used in some applications. Metallic foil monoliths are made of Iron − Chromium −Aluminium combination.

Used to provide a high surface area to support the catalyst washcoat. (Substrate, 2014)

Washcoat

Can be manufactured from Aluminium oxide, titanium dioxide, silicon dioxide, or a mixture of silica and alumina (typically used).

The washcoat is used to make converters more efficient; it is added to the substrate, it forms a rough, irregular surface, which has a far greater surface area than the flat core surfaces. (Substrate, 2014)

Catalyst

Platinum is the most active catalyst and is widely used. Due to, the unwanted extra reactions + the high cost, Palladium and rhodium are two other metals that can be used.

Platinum and rhodium are used as a reduction catalyst.

Platinum and palladium are used as an oxidization catalyst. (CatalyticConverter, n.d.) Table 3, Parts of catalytic converter

As shown on the above table, several materials are used to manufacture the entire catalytic converter; in the analysis of the life cycle for car catalytic converters I will explain the materials used to manufacture the main parts.

Figure 11, Parts of catalytic converter (catalytic converter, n.d.)

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Life cycle of catalytic converters (analysis):

Assumptions:

Assuming that the steel housing is manufactured from stainless steel, the Substrate is manufactured from ceramic monolith, the Washcoat is manufactured from Aluminium oxide (Alumina) and the Catalyst is manufactured from Platinum.

Raw material acquisition:

In this stage I will explain the input and output energy related to the extraction process of the each material. Then, I will show the impact of extracting these materials on the environment. But first of all, after completing the extraction process; the materials need to be moved (shipped) to a new destination (processor then manufacturer) which means using energy for shipping, and therefore, polluting the environment. The impact of the shipping process on the environment is small comparing to other impacts (will be explained later).

Extraction Platinum (big impact):

To get the ores that contain the platinum; the companies use drills and explosives for making holes in the mountains. The produced waste rock can cause mine tailings and contaminate the ecosystem. "Mine tailings contaminate watersheds as erosion brings toxic sediments like lead or arsenic from the waste into rivers and streams." (Catalytic Converters environmental concerns, 2014). In addition, heavy machines and trucks will be used during the extraction process; where again using energy and polluting the environment, and also generating greenhouse gases.

Mechanized drills and explosives → holes in the mountains → mine tailings and contaminate the ecosystem

Extraction Stainless steel (big impact):

Stainless steels consists of seven different elements which they are, (iron ore, chromium, silicon, nickel, carbon, nitrogen, and manganese; the properties of the final alloy is based on the ratio of these elements (Stainless Steel, 2014). The ores have to be processed to extract useful metal. “This typically includes energy-intensive heating which requires huge amounts of (fossil fuel), and therefore, releases greenhouse gases, carcinogens, particulates and toxic materials into the air, water and soil.” (The Sustainable Business , 2009).

Extraction Aluminium oxide (Alumina) - (big impact):

The ore material that used to manufacture Alumina is bauxite; mining the bauxite is achieved through collecting samples by drilling a series of holes to a depth of 3.5 m to 75 m apart in a grid formation. When the area is determined; the vegetation will be removed and the topsoil will be stripped; this lead to damage the environment and lead to climate change. The bauxite exists in free flowing form; this makes it relatively easy to dig out of the ground. (making aluminium, 2014). In addition this process requires using machines for the extraction, so also using much energy.

Extraction Ceramic monolith (Cordierite) - (big impact):

The table below shows the materials that are used to create the Cordierite (five different elements); each element requires using different extracting techniques. In general, the mining and extracting process requires using drills or explosives for making holes which leads to mine tailings and contaminate the ecosystem. Also, it is required to use heavy machines and trucks; where again using energy (typically foils foil) pollutes the environment like generating greenhouse gases (lead to global warming). The amount of energy required will be explained in the processing and manufacturing stage. (E. Clark, McGinnis, Pickrell, & Holbrook, 2012)

𝐑𝐚𝐰 𝐌𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐢𝐚𝐥 𝐀𝐦𝐨𝐮𝐧𝐭 𝐢𝐧 𝐜𝐨𝐦𝐩𝐨𝐬𝐢𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 (𝐰𝐭%) Kaolin, Al2(Si2O5)(OH)4 21.74

Talc, raw, Mg3(Si2O5)(OH)2 39.24 Alumina, Al2O3 11.23

Aluminium hydroxide, Al(OH)3 17.80

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Silica, SiO2 9.99 Totals 100.0

Table 4, the raw materials used to create cordierite (E. Clark, McGinnis, Pickrell, & Holbrook, 2012)

Al2(Si2O5)(OH)4 + Mg3(Si2O5)(OH)2 + Al2O3 + Al(OH)3 + SiO2 → 2MgO − 2Al2O3 − 5SiO2 (Cordierite) + water ↑

Processing and manufacturing: In this stage I will explain the input and output energy related to the processing and manufacturing process of the

each material. After processing the material will be shipped to the manufacturer that will manufacture the parts of converter; then it will be shipped to an automotive factory for assembling it. The shipping process requires using trains, ships, or planes then using trucks; this means using much energy and therefore polluting the air. The packaging process, requires using cartoons, paper, plastic, etc.; to get cartoon and paper we need to cut trees (lead to increase carbon dioxide), and also we need energy; since plastic don't decompose which leads to pollution. The assembly process requires using machines (sometimes), and tools like drills which means using energy and pollution (the impact is small due the amount of used energy is not high). All of these impacts are considered as minor impacts comparing to the impact of processing and manufacturing the materials (components of catalytic).

Platinum processing (big impact):

The Platinum requires being “concentrated, smelted, and refined” to the desired product; however, it has a high melting point. One technique of refining the ore can be achieved through melting all the other impurities; it requires temperatures greater than 1000 ℃. To get these temperatures it’s required to use high amount of energy; typically this energy is created through burning fossil fuels; this lead to air pollution and climate change. In the manufacturing process, the platinum will be formed, cut and finished which requires using machines and thus using energy and polluting the environment. The total amount of energy required for extracting and processing the Platinum is

1.13 × 105 MJ/Kg which is huge amount of energy required. Platinum → refining → high temperatures → energy use → air pollution and climate change

The second problem of the smelting process is that it melts or evaporates the toxic elements. This could contaminate the soil, air, water, etc. (Catalytic Converters environmental concerns , 2014)

Stainless steel processing (big impact):

Processing stainless steel is accomplished in six steps; first the raw materials are melted together in an electric furnace in about 8 to 12 hours of intense heat (melting and casting). Then, the semi-finished steel goes through forming operations, beginning with hot rolling where the steel is heated and passed through huge rolls (forming). Then, the steel is heated and cooled under controlled conditions (heat treatment). The required temperature at this process is (815 to 817 ℃). All of these steps require using much energy, and therefore polluting the air; there are more processing steps which they are descaling, cutting and finishing which they have minor impact on the environment. (Stainless Steel, 2014).

Making stainless steel requires processing of the nickel and the chromium ores; this generates about 10 times more pollution than regular steel. (The Sustainable Business , 2009) .As shown on the figure below, the required energy for common stainless steel per metre cubic is about 700 GJ which is high comparing to other materials.

Figure 12, Embodied energy (LCA data, 2014)

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Aluminium oxide (Alumina) processing:

The process of refining the Alumina starts with separating the bauxite through using sodium hydroxide and calcium oxide. Then, the mixture will be pumped through high pressure containers, and heated. The caustic soda dissolves the alumina, and then the alumina will be washed and heated to drive off water; the final material is a dry alumina. Then the alumina will be shipped to manufacturer to make the entire catalytic converter (this requires using energy for melting and finishing). This process requires much energy for making the alumina and washcoat about 450 GJ for the alumina only as shown on figure 12. Furthermore, the process of extracting Alumina from the bauxite produces about an equal quantity of bauxite residue that known as red mud which pollute the environment. (Alumina refining, 2014).

Ceramic monolith processing:

First the raw materials of ceramic are measured and mixed together; after that, the raw materials are extruded into long continuous logs. The wet ceramic is cut into small parts; and then it microwave dried for removing the moisture. After that, the dried ceramic is cut into the required size for the catalytic converter, and through using a progressive kiln the ceramic pieces are fired. Finally, the ceramic piece after firing goes through inspection and packaging. The table below shows the amount of the energy consumed for each process, and the total amount of energy required is about 5.4 MJ/kg; so again the need to use high amount of energy; and the effects of these fuels on the environment. (E. Clark, McGinnis, Pickrell, & Holbrook, 2012)

Process: 𝐌𝐉/𝐤𝐠 Preparation, screening 0.425

Weighing, dosing, mixing 0.0575

Shaping 0.165

Conventional drying and firing 4.65

Subsequent treatment, packaging 0.08

Total: 5.3775 Table 5, energy consumption for each process (E. Clark, McGinnis, Pickrell, & Holbrook, 2012)

Product life:

The benefits of the catalytic converter appears clearly during the usage stage; as shown on the table below using the catalytic converter for passenger cars reduces the Carbon monoxide, Hydrocarbon and Nitrogen oxides to much lower levels comparing to the cars without it. These emissions are very dangerous which they have direct bad impact on the human and the environment (see emission effect section, table2). However, using the catalytic

Figure 13, Processing Alumina (Alumina refining, 2014)

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converter increases the carbon dioxide which leads to climate change (will be discussed later in the justification section).

Car Type Carbon monoxide

(𝐠𝐫𝐚𝐦/𝐦𝐢𝐥𝐞) Hydrocarbon

(𝐠𝐫𝐚𝐦/𝐦𝐢𝐥𝐞) Nitrogen oxides (𝐠𝐫𝐚𝐦/𝐦𝐢𝐥𝐞)

Gasoline car without a catalytic converter

43.5 4.51 2.74

Gasoline car with a catalytic converter

3.22 0.322 0.644

Converted emission (reduction)

40.28 4.188 2.096

Table 6, emission with/without catalytic converter for a Gasoline passenger car (E. Clark, McGinnis, Pickrell, & Holbrook, 2012)

On the other hand, using catalytic converter requires burning more fuel; approximately generating 10% more carbon dioxide emissions from the car (leads to global warming). Furthermore, due to the catalytic process is based on the exposure of the reactants; the reaction can be stopped if a physical barrier is produced between the reactants due to sedimentation build up. This means, it may require some maintenance to remove the sedimentation; change the material and using tools which means using energy again; since this impact is small on the environment.

Disposal and recycling:

Most of the materials that are used for manufacturing the catalytic converter can be recycled; currently about 50% of the catalytic converters are recycled. Alumina can be recycled and theoretically stainless steel is 100% recyclable. For the precious metals about 80% to 94 % of the platinum can be recovered; (sectors, n.d.), and the ceramic is landfilled. These materials do not break down fast into dangerous materials at the landfill. The main impact of the recycling process is in the transportation of the used parts to the landfill; the environmental impact of the transportation process is the emissions that are generated; this impact is small comparing to the functional unit of the vehicle. The two tables below show the energy required for manufacturing and recycling stainless steel and platinum respectively; through recycling stainless steel we can save energy up to 61.4.4 MJ/Kg, and up to

1.13 × 105 MJ/Kg. Through recycling the converter we can reduce the amount of energy use, and therefore decrease the amount of emissions, also, we decrease the use of the natural resources; so decrease the mining process and save the environment and workers as well. (E. Clark, McGinnis, Pickrell, & Holbrook, 2012)

Type of energy Energy (𝐌𝐉/𝐤𝐠)

Embodied energy, primary production 77.2 – 85.3

Embodied energy, recycling 21.6 – 23.9

Energy savings 55.6 – 61.4 Table 7 Processing versus recycling energies for stainless steel (E. Clark, McGinnis, Pickrell, & Holbrook, 2012)

Type of energy Energy (𝐌𝐉/𝐤𝐠)

Embodied energy, primary production 1.14 × 105 Embodied energy, recycling 1.08 × 103

Energy savings 1.13 × 105 Table 8 Processing versus recycling energies for Platinum (E. Clark, McGinnis, Pickrell, & Holbrook, 2012)

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Justification: Emissions, global warming & human health:

Emissions Change in the emissions (Kg) Percentage of change

Carbon monoxide −222 ↓ −46.25% ↓

Hydrocarbons −334.2 ↓ −92.83% ↓

Nitrogen oxides −167.4 ↓ −76.44 % ↓

Carbon dioxide 6210 ↑ 20.89 % ↑ Table 9, change in emissions when using Catalytic converter (E. Clark, McGinnis, Pickrell, & Holbrook, 2012)

As shown on figure 14 and table 9 the most dangerous emissions (Carbon monoxide, Hydrocarbons, and Nitrogen oxides) are reduced through using the catalytic converter. As shown on figure 15 carbon dioxide is increased by 20.89% when using the converter.

The comparison is very complicated where the converter uses more fuel, and generates more carbon dioxide, and therefore more greenhouse gases which lead to climate change (global warming). On the other hand the dangerous emissions have bad impacts in both human and health; Nitrogen oxides (which can be reduced by 76.44%) reacts with atmospheric oxygen and creates nitrogen dioxide which causes localized low level ozone (its toxic to the environment), also it creates acid rain (leads to poor plant growth) and it causes irritate lungs, and cause respiratory infections (nitrous oxide is three hundred times more potent than carbon dioxide). Hydrocarbons (which can be reduced by 92.83 %) create ground level ozone (smog); they can be toxic, may prevent proper production of red blood cells and the loss of white blood cells or it may cause asthma. Carbon monoxide (which can be reduced by 46.25 %) is toxic to humans (it can kill human), also, it readily reacts with the hydroxyl radical (OH) to generate carbon dioxide (again generating a greenhouse gas). In my point of view, and as shown below the total advantages of using the converter on the human health and environment is higher than the disadvantages.

Table 10 and figure 16 illustrate the impacts of catalytic converter on the human health, ecosystem quality and recourses. The unit (daily) represents the daily ratio of the probability disease to a human being (the higher ratio is the bigger risk on human health), PDF. m2. yr is the ratio of loss species, multiplied by the area and multiplied by the time increment (the higher ratio is the bigger risk on ecosystem quality) and finally the MJ surplus is the energy required for extractions of minerals and fossil fuels. So as we can see, by using the catalytic converter the human health issues (diseases) becomes lower and the risks on ecosystem quality is reduced; however a big amount of energy will be used for extracting the resources (see next point “resources”)

Damage category Car with a catalytic converter Car without a catalytic converter

Human health (Daily) 0.0125 0.0273

Ecosystem quality (𝑃𝐷𝐹. 𝑚2. 𝑦𝑟) 304 1250

Resources (MJ surplus) 19.6 0 Table 10, damage assessment for a car with and without a catalytic converter (E. Clark, McGinnis, Pickrell, & Holbrook, 2012)

Figure 15, emissions for cars with\without Catalytic converter (E. Clark, McGinnis, Pickrell, & Holbrook, 2012)

Figure 15, emissions for cars with\without Catalytic converter (E. Clark, McGinnis, Pickrell, & Holbrook, 2012)

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Resources:

Figure (16) shows, the bad side of using the catalytic converter; it uses non-recyclable resources. The impact of using resources:

The demand for making holes in the mountains especially for precious materials this lead to mine tailings and contaminate the ecosystem (Mine tailings contaminate watersheds as erosion brings toxic sediments like lead or arsenic from the waste into rivers and streams.)

The demand for energy to operate heavy machines and trucks during raw materials extraction process; where again using energy and polluting the environment, and also generating greenhouse gases. Typically, the fossil fuel is used which releases greenhouse gases, carcinogens, particulates and toxic materials into the air, water and soil.”

Sometimes the vegetation is removed and the topsoil is stripped in order to start the ore materials extraction process (lead to damage the environment and lead to climate change).

The demand of using energy for the transportation process: from extractor to the processor to manufacturer.

The demand of using huge energy for processing and manufacturing (this include the using energy for melting, casting, forming, heat treatment, descaling, cutting, finishing, Etc.).

And also, the energy used for packaging and assembly process.

Also, the ore extraction processes could have high hazards on the workers especially while drilling or exploding the mines.

All of these bad impacts and energy used can be avoided through manufacturing cars without a catalytic converter.

Recycling:

First of all, the materials that are used in manufacturing the converter can be used for a long time; also they do not break down fast into dangerous materials at the landfill. All of the used materials are recyclable expect the ceramic which is landfilled. Through the recycling process huge amount of energy can be saved comparing to extracting new material, also we reduce the use of natural resources which they are non-renewable. Thus, by recycling the converter we reduce the use of energy, and therefore reduce the emissions especially (greenhouse gases), and also decrease the mining process which helps in saving the environment.

Final decision:

The catalytic converters have good impact on the human health and ecosystem quality; but, they use natural resources; this has bad direct impact on the environment. Due to, most of the materials used are recyclable, and the human health and safety should be the first priority for the engineers as mentioned in the code of ethics; based on my research and my point of view, the advantages of saving the human health and protecting the ecosystem during using period, and the ability of recycling after using are more than the disadvantages (producing more carbon dioxide and using much resources); so, I am with using the catalytic converter in cars.

Recommendations:

As the catalytic converters are used to eliminate the hazardous emissions that generated from automobiles; it’s recommended to improve the catalytic converter through finding alternative materials that should have lower impact on the environment, enhancing the generated emissions by decreasing the carbon dioxide or by inventing new techniques for eliminating the hazardous emissions. It is recommended also, to expand the use of the converter; so it includes smaller applications of engines like “lawn mowers” because the smaller powered devices are responsible for producing much higher quantities of pollutants comparing to cars or trucks per unit of fuel.

Figure 16, effect of using the Catalytic converter on human health, ecosystem & environment (E. Clark, McGinnis, Pickrell, & Holbrook, 2012)

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