Background lectures (B1, Flashcards
What is the definition of MFA? (Brunner and Rechberger 2004)
Material flow analysis (MFA) is the systematic assessment of the flows and stocks of materials within a system defined in space and time.
What is the Law of conversion of Mass?
1) The mass of a closed system of substances will remain contant, regardless of the processes acting inside the system.
2) Mass can be rearranged, but it can neither be created nor destroyed.
What lessons did we learn from Santorios experiment of the flows in the human body
1) It is impossible to evaluate and optimize anthropogenic systems without knowing its material flows and stocks (metabolism)
2) If the mass balance does not close reasonably, it can be and indication that the system is not understood properly.
3) A non-closure of mass balance can also indicate data uncertainties. Analytical tools are often not appropriate or precise enough to measure stocks and flows with the necessary accuracy.
What 3 uses of MFA was listed during course introduction?
1)Early recognition of problems and opportunities
2) Priority setting (what is important? what comes first?)
3) Design of products, processes, systems.
(ALL 3 in regards to resource conservation, environmental management and waste management on global, national, regional, local, company or process level)
