Author
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Rosentrater, Kurt |
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Submitted to: Symposium Proceedings
Publication Type: Proceedings Publication Acceptance Date: 9/5/2006 Publication Date: 10/11/2006 Citation: Rosentrater, K.A. 2006. Modeling the economics of blending organic processing waste streams. Symposium Proceedings from Environmentally Conscious Manufacturing VI Conference, Boston, MA, September 30-October 4, 2006. Interpretive Summary: Technical Abstract: As manufacturing industries become more cognizant of the ecological effects that their firms have on the surrounding environment, their waste streams are increasingly becoming viewed not only as materials in need of disposal, but also as resources that can be reused, recycled, or reprocessed into valuable products. Within the food processing sector are many examples of various liquid, sludge, and solid waste streams that require remediation. Alternative disposal methods for food and other organic manufacturing waste streams are increasingly being investigated. Even though extrusion, pelleting, and drying are commonly used to produce finished human foods, animal feeds, industrial products, and components ready for further manufacture, blending and shipping is a commonly used approach to organic waste utilization, especially when these materials are used as animal feeds. This paper discusses the implementation of a computer model that examines the economics of blending organic waste streams with other carrier materials, to improve nutrient content as well as augment storage and handling properties. Not only are these results applicable to food processing operations, but any industrial or manufacturing firm would benefit from examining the trends discussed here. |
