2. Methodology for implementation of cleaner production
2.1. Selection of a case study
Since the size variation of plants can influence their economic
efficiency and environmental profile, eight tapioca starch plants
were selected that cover all size categories. The representative
plants were classified according to their size or investment cost into
three groups as shown in Table 1. A detailed analysis in this study
considered existing data on the production process and environmental
performance of the tapioca starch plants.
2.2. Procedures for implementation of cleaner production
In this study, a systematic methodology to achieve a better environmental
performance of the tapioca starch industry consists of
four steps as follows:
Step 1: Analysis of the existing production process and gathering of
the plant information associated with the use of material
resources, generation of wastes, and production costs; selection
of key factors determining the production efficiency
includes water consumption, electricity consumption, fuel
oil consumption, and starch loss.
Step 2: Detailed evaluations and measurements of the four key
factors; analysis of material mass and water mass balances.
Step 3: Conclusions of the measurements; selection of appropriate
approaches for prevention and minimization of waste
generation.
Step 4: Design and implementation of potential clean technology
options to the tapioca starch plants; evaluation of the
implementation results in terms of resource reductions
and cost savings