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The quantification of the circular economy and sustainability is a relevant aspect at different levels of applications: (i) the companies need to evaluate and improve the environmental, economic, and social impacts of their products and processes; (ii) the financial bodies must have quantitative information about the potential and risks of different proposed initiatives to select the optimal opportunity; and (iii) the policy-makers must be guided for the coherent definition of strategies at regional, national and international scales, setting realistic targets and measuring their effectiveness. However, the lack of comprehensive and robust approaches to quantify circular economy makes it challenging to apply quantitative methods and indicators in different contexts and compare the results, with the risk of limiting the practical implementation of circular initiatives due to unknown and/or unclear potential and contribution. The ViVACE® tool (Visualization of Value to Assess Circular Economy), developed by the authors, is a promising and effective means to collect data in a systematized manner, helpful to assess sectorial and cross-sectorial indicators about sustainability. It has been applied to different industrial sectors (e.g., plastics, food processing, textile) for different purposes. These applications are described in detail to highlight the potential, versatility, and implications of the proposed tool in boosting the effective transition to a circular economy.
Augusto Bianchini; Jessica Rossi. An Innovative Visualization Tool to Boost and Monitor Circular Economy: An Overview of Its Applications at Different Industrial Sectors. Product Life Cycle - Opportunities for Digital and Sustainable Transformation [Working Title] 2021, 1 .
AMA StyleAugusto Bianchini, Jessica Rossi. An Innovative Visualization Tool to Boost and Monitor Circular Economy: An Overview of Its Applications at Different Industrial Sectors. Product Life Cycle - Opportunities for Digital and Sustainable Transformation [Working Title]. 2021; ():1.
Chicago/Turabian StyleAugusto Bianchini; Jessica Rossi. 2021. "An Innovative Visualization Tool to Boost and Monitor Circular Economy: An Overview of Its Applications at Different Industrial Sectors." Product Life Cycle - Opportunities for Digital and Sustainable Transformation [Working Title] , no. : 1.
The circular economy is a growing and strategic topic and has motivated changes and innovations in several segments of research, businesses, financial sectors and public administration. In this context, the Emilia-Romagna Region (Italy) is considered a pioneer in Italy, due to the efforts taken for the transition towards a circular economy. It was the first Italian region to launch a specific law on the subject besides to have relevant projects. Thus, the objective of this paper is to analyse the efforts aimed at the transition to a circular economy in the Emilia-Romagna Region, Italy, considering technological, legal–regulatory, and financial points of view under a market orientation. Complementary, we pointed out the main initiatives related to the circular economy and the areas of interest. To gather data, we conducted applied, descriptive and qualitative research. The data collection was based on documental analysis, and also considering the results of previous questionnaires and interviews. In addition, we applied a dedicated questionnaire and we consider the outcomes of the project Reinwaste—Remanufacture the food supply chain by testing Innovative solutions for zero inorganic waste. The unit of analysis was the project conducted by ART-ER, entitled “Accelerare la transizione verso l’economia circolare in Emilia-Romagna: Uno studio sullo stato dell’arte, le competenze e i bisogni tecnologici e finanziari”. This paper can be useful for researchers and practitioners acting in this field, which can use the results based on public and private policies, investment decisions and further studies.
Daniela Sani; Sara Picone; Augusto Bianchini; Fabio Fava; Patricia Guarnieri; Jessica Rossi. An Overview of the Transition to a Circular Economy in Emilia-Romagna Region, Italy Considering Technological, Legal–Regulatory and Financial Points of View: A Case Study. Sustainability 2021, 13, 596 .
AMA StyleDaniela Sani, Sara Picone, Augusto Bianchini, Fabio Fava, Patricia Guarnieri, Jessica Rossi. An Overview of the Transition to a Circular Economy in Emilia-Romagna Region, Italy Considering Technological, Legal–Regulatory and Financial Points of View: A Case Study. Sustainability. 2021; 13 (2):596.
Chicago/Turabian StyleDaniela Sani; Sara Picone; Augusto Bianchini; Fabio Fava; Patricia Guarnieri; Jessica Rossi. 2021. "An Overview of the Transition to a Circular Economy in Emilia-Romagna Region, Italy Considering Technological, Legal–Regulatory and Financial Points of View: A Case Study." Sustainability 13, no. 2: 596.
The recovery of phosphorus (P) from waste streams in specific industrial processes could really contribute to a more sustainable P supply chain, which is considered critical due to its high-risk economic relevance and to negative impacts on the environment. Although more than 30 types of P recovery technologies are already available, their full-scale implementation is not widespread. To make solutions for P recovery in the industrial sector mainstream, it is necessary to change the perception of companies that own flows rich in P, often considered an issue. The lack of decision-making tools and methodologies to identify the optimal solution for specific cases limits the diffusion of P recovery technologies. To unlock this situation, this paper proposes an integrated industry-oriented methodology to facilitate knowledge transfer from the scientific community to the industrial sector, supporting companies in the evaluation of technical, economic, environmental and social benefits/risks of P recovery. The methodology, applied to an Italian case study, uses both innovative and consolidated tools to provide quantitative information at the firm level to investigate a closed P loop: starting from mapping P flows in the industrial process, the methodology guides companies in the choice of the most suitable option for its business strategy, providing data to evaluate the economic feasibility of the investment and some Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) to assess and monitor their efficiency in managing P. The methodology can be replicated in other contexts by both companies and consultants to explore and disseminate the opportunity to recover and reuse P from industries. The evaluation of the selected KPIs can be integrated into scientific analyses to compare solutions and to accelerate the shift from pilot to full-scale implementation of promising technologies. Finally, it can be used as an exercise for the training of new professionals in the P management sector.
Augusto Bianchini; Jessica Rossi. An Integrated Industry-Based Methodology to Unlock Full-Scale Implementation of Phosphorus Recovery Technology. Sustainability 2020, 12, 10632 .
AMA StyleAugusto Bianchini, Jessica Rossi. An Integrated Industry-Based Methodology to Unlock Full-Scale Implementation of Phosphorus Recovery Technology. Sustainability. 2020; 12 (24):10632.
Chicago/Turabian StyleAugusto Bianchini; Jessica Rossi. 2020. "An Integrated Industry-Based Methodology to Unlock Full-Scale Implementation of Phosphorus Recovery Technology." Sustainability 12, no. 24: 10632.
The implementation and assessment of sustainable initiatives at sport events has a great importance for researchers and practitioners to improve the effects on the hosting territory. All three pillars of sustainability (environmental, economic and social) must be considered. In running events, such as marathons, one of the main issues is the environmental impact of the great quantity of waste, and particularly of plastic waste. A recent tendency is to shift to a “plastic-free” model. However, some single-use plastic products have unrivalled properties and their replacement with other materials may not be the most sustainable solution, at least in the short term. In this paper, a new model for managing plastic waste at a marathon is proposed. It does not aim to eliminate plastics at sport events, but to better manage waste by increasing collection, and sorting and recycling efficiency, following the circular economy paradigm. To demonstrate the sustainability of the model, a precise and quantitative methodology is applied to an innovative visualisation tool, developed by the University of Bologna, to assess circular initiatives and some key performance indicators (KPIs) to compare the sustainability of the new model to waste management in the previous editions of the same event. With this approach, it is demonstrated that a marathon can be completely sustainable: (i) from an environmental point of view, plastic collection efficiency increased by 120.5%; the recycling rate by 157.0% and the landfill rate decreased by 75.4%; (ii) from an economic point of view, it was demonstrated that, with the technological level of the involved recycling plant, the initiative is cost-effective when the virgin PET price is greater than €776/tonne; and (iii) with regard to the social impact, it was proved that the direct engagement of participants (runners and walkers) and their positive perceptions about the initiative achieved the highest score for the two selected qualitative KPIs (3/3). Moreover, some insights have been derived to improve plastic management, covering different disciplines: technical standardisation of plastics, consumer training and legislative support for technological innovation in the industrial context.
Augusto Bianchini; Jessica Rossi. Design, implementation and assessment of a more sustainable model to manage plastic waste at sport events. Journal of Cleaner Production 2020, 281, 125345 .
AMA StyleAugusto Bianchini, Jessica Rossi. Design, implementation and assessment of a more sustainable model to manage plastic waste at sport events. Journal of Cleaner Production. 2020; 281 ():125345.
Chicago/Turabian StyleAugusto Bianchini; Jessica Rossi. 2020. "Design, implementation and assessment of a more sustainable model to manage plastic waste at sport events." Journal of Cleaner Production 281, no. : 125345.
Although the circular economy (CE) is recognized as a source of value creation, there is a huge gap between the vast concept of CE and its practical applications. Particularly, the lack of information and performance indicators, in terms of economic, environmental and social aspects, does not allow for the assessment of the level of circularity of the products, processes or companies. Further development of other circular activities can be limited for this reason. In addition, intelligent assets arising with the digital transformation within the “Fourth Industrial Revolution (I4.0)” can support CE to provide these lacking aspects. Thus, the objective of this paper is to highlight how and how much the circular business models are enhanced by intelligent assets from I4.0, considering several case studies found in the literature, and through the application of an assessment tool with secondary data from the selected case studies. According to the tool, the CE principles are extended to the entire product lifecycle, from product design to product utilization, within the transition to novel business strategies. Two of the considered case studies are represented in the assessment tool, as examples, to demonstrate how intelligent assets can support circular economy in the design, assessment and comparison of circular initiatives. The visualization of existing innovative business models based on CE and enhanced by intelligent assets allows for the complete and effective evaluation of materials, products, assets and processes, due to the fact that information and indicators can be collected to measure and monitor circular efficiency.
Jessica Rossi; Augusto Bianchini; Patricia Guarnieri. Circular Economy Model Enhanced by Intelligent Assets from Industry 4.0: The Proposition of an Innovative Tool to Analyze Case Studies. Sustainability 2020, 12, 7147 .
AMA StyleJessica Rossi, Augusto Bianchini, Patricia Guarnieri. Circular Economy Model Enhanced by Intelligent Assets from Industry 4.0: The Proposition of an Innovative Tool to Analyze Case Studies. Sustainability. 2020; 12 (17):7147.
Chicago/Turabian StyleJessica Rossi; Augusto Bianchini; Patricia Guarnieri. 2020. "Circular Economy Model Enhanced by Intelligent Assets from Industry 4.0: The Proposition of an Innovative Tool to Analyze Case Studies." Sustainability 12, no. 17: 7147.
Despite the significant reduction of phosphorus (P) discharge in the Baltic Sea in the last decades, obtained through the implementation of some approaches within the Helsinki Convention, eutrophication is still considered the biggest problem for the Baltic Sea environment. Consequently, the reduction of P load is an urgent need to solve, but the complexity of both the environmental and legislative context of the area makes this process difficult (more than in the past). Eutrophication is an intricate issue requiring a proper framework of governance that is not easy to determine in the Baltic Sea Region where the needs of several different countries converge. To identify the most suitable strategy to reduce the eutrophication in the Baltic Sea, the InPhos project (no. 17022, 2018–2019, funded by the European Institute of Innovation & Technology (EIT) Raw Materials) adopted a holistic approach considering technical, political, economic, environmental and social aspects of P management. With the aims to raise awareness about the P challenge, foster the dialogue among all the stakeholders, and find solutions already developed in other countries (such as Germany and Switzerland) to be transferred in the Baltic Sea Region, the InPhos project consortium applied the methodology proposed in this paper, consisting of three main phases: (i) analysis of the available technologies to remove P from waste streams that contribute to eutrophication; (ii) analysis of the main streams involving P in Baltic Sea countries to highlight the potential of more sustainable and circular P management; (iii) study of the current context (e.g., already-existing initiatives and issues). This approach allowed us to identify four categories of recommendations and practical actions proposed to improve P management in the Baltic Sea region. During the project, the consortium mainly addressed social aspects. Following steps beyond the project will be more quantitative to determine the techno-economic feasibility of circular P management in selected demo cases in the region.
Marzena Smol; Michał Preisner; Augusto Bianchini; Jessica Rossi; Ludwig Hermann; Tanja Schaaf; Jolita Kruopienė; Kastytis Pamakštys; Maris Klavins; Ruta Ozola-Davidane; Daina Kalnina; Elina Strade; Viktoria Voronova; Karin Pachel; Xiaosheng Yang; Britt-Marie Steenari; Magdalena Svanström. Strategies for Sustainable and Circular Management of Phosphorus in the Baltic Sea Region: The Holistic Approach of the InPhos Project. Sustainability 2020, 12, 2567 .
AMA StyleMarzena Smol, Michał Preisner, Augusto Bianchini, Jessica Rossi, Ludwig Hermann, Tanja Schaaf, Jolita Kruopienė, Kastytis Pamakštys, Maris Klavins, Ruta Ozola-Davidane, Daina Kalnina, Elina Strade, Viktoria Voronova, Karin Pachel, Xiaosheng Yang, Britt-Marie Steenari, Magdalena Svanström. Strategies for Sustainable and Circular Management of Phosphorus in the Baltic Sea Region: The Holistic Approach of the InPhos Project. Sustainability. 2020; 12 (6):2567.
Chicago/Turabian StyleMarzena Smol; Michał Preisner; Augusto Bianchini; Jessica Rossi; Ludwig Hermann; Tanja Schaaf; Jolita Kruopienė; Kastytis Pamakštys; Maris Klavins; Ruta Ozola-Davidane; Daina Kalnina; Elina Strade; Viktoria Voronova; Karin Pachel; Xiaosheng Yang; Britt-Marie Steenari; Magdalena Svanström. 2020. "Strategies for Sustainable and Circular Management of Phosphorus in the Baltic Sea Region: The Holistic Approach of the InPhos Project." Sustainability 12, no. 6: 2567.
There is a huge gap between the broad concept of circular economy (CE) and its practical implementation in the industrial sector due to several types of barriers, which shall be led back to the lack of consistent and precise information about resources, products, and processes. Without a proper information flow, it is impossible to quantify circular initiatives, both in comparison with the actual linear situation or with circular alternative opportunities. A proper quantification of circular initiatives allows the assessment of economic, environmental and social benefits and the preventative identification of potential barriers and relative solutions, monitoring the risk associated with circular investments and supporting the decision-making process. This paper describes a new tool to ensure the quantification of circular initiatives and the method to define it. It is a new Circular Business Model (CBM) visualization tool, which overcomes the main limitations of the existing models able to explain CE concepts but not to boost its practical implementation in industry. The new CBM visualization tool can be adopted in every industrial sector to highlight circular opportunities that are still hidden or unexploited or to select the best CE strategy. The proposed CBM visualization tool differs from the previous diagrams in two main characteristics: (i) the possibility to quantify resource flows and important indicators representing energy consumption, environmental and social impact, and (ii) the focus, which is not only on the product, but on the whole system, involving also the process, the company and the entire supply chain. The methodology to adopt and adapt the proposed model to different scales is described in detail. To provide a practical example, the model was qualitatively applied to a generic technical product to highlight its potential in the identification and quantification of circular activities.
Augusto Bianchini; Jessica Rossi; Marco Pellegrini. Overcoming the Main Barriers of Circular Economy Implementation through a New Visualization Tool for Circular Business Models. Sustainability 2019, 11, 6614 .
AMA StyleAugusto Bianchini, Jessica Rossi, Marco Pellegrini. Overcoming the Main Barriers of Circular Economy Implementation through a New Visualization Tool for Circular Business Models. Sustainability. 2019; 11 (23):6614.
Chicago/Turabian StyleAugusto Bianchini; Jessica Rossi; Marco Pellegrini. 2019. "Overcoming the Main Barriers of Circular Economy Implementation through a New Visualization Tool for Circular Business Models." Sustainability 11, no. 23: 6614.
The presence of anthropic activity in the coastal or riverine environment modifies the wave as well as the water and sediment current regime. In particular, the body of water around ports is an area where intense currents and sediment transport rates are usually present and can be affected by low water velocities that take place close to the entrance and inside the port basin. Consequently, sediment can be entrained and accumulated in such areas, creating problems to navigation. Ports and moorings are filled with fine sediments due to deposition resulting from solid transport. In particular, silt particles settle because of the weak vertical and lateral shearing of the velocity field. The result is that harbours frequently require ordinary maintenance dredging. The dredging process involves the removal of sediment in its natural deposited condition by using either mechanical or hydraulic equipment. Dredging is a consolidated and proven technology, but involves considerable drawbacks. In particular, dredging has a notable environmental impact on marine flora and fauna, contributes to the mobility and diffusion of contaminants and pollutants already present in the silted sediments, obstructs navigation and is characterized by relatively high and low predictable costs. This paper aims to provide an original structured overview of technologies alternative to dredging that have been tested in the past 50 years. More than 150 articles have been analysed to compare standard dredging technologies with market-ready competitors from techno-economic and environmental perspectives. In particular, the paper focuses on anti-sedimentation infrastructures and on innovative plant solutions characterized by low maintenance costs and by a very limited environmental impact. The final aim of the paper is to describe the currently available technologies that prevent port inlet and channel siltation and to classify them through a techno-economic and environmental impact assessment. The comparison shows that dredging has both the higher costs and environmental impact, while fixed sand by-passing plants are characterized by the lowest environmental impact and operation costs that are competitive with dredging.
A. Bianchini; F. Cento; A. Guzzini; M. Pellegrini; C. Saccani. Sediment management in coastal infrastructures: Techno-economic and environmental impact assessment of alternative technologies to dredging. Journal of Environmental Management 2019, 248, 109332 .
AMA StyleA. Bianchini, F. Cento, A. Guzzini, M. Pellegrini, C. Saccani. Sediment management in coastal infrastructures: Techno-economic and environmental impact assessment of alternative technologies to dredging. Journal of Environmental Management. 2019; 248 ():109332.
Chicago/Turabian StyleA. Bianchini; F. Cento; A. Guzzini; M. Pellegrini; C. Saccani. 2019. "Sediment management in coastal infrastructures: Techno-economic and environmental impact assessment of alternative technologies to dredging." Journal of Environmental Management 248, no. : 109332.
Centrifugal pumps are widely used in industry and their damage can cause time losses and production and service level reduction. Due to varying operating conditions, preventive maintenance is the typical strategy to avoid unexpected failures of pumps, but it may involve unnecessary interventions and costs. The paper aims to develop and apply a Condition-Based Maintenance (CBM) procedure on centrifugal pumps to assist decision-making in scheduling maintenance. Through the monitoring of pump state, it would be possible to plan an optimal scheduling of maintenance actions in terms of time, costs and spare parts procurement. The proposed procedure is based on vibration monitoring. Instrumentation, measurement locations, acquisition parameters and pump operating conditions were defined, according to ISO 10816-7 (2009). The method was previously developed for submersible well pumps and now is applied to horizontal and vertical surface centrifugal pumps. Several vibration tests were carried on centrifugal pumps in the plants of the Italian utility Company: Publiacqua S.p.A. (Italy). Pumps under study were selected with varying size and operation time to provide the vibration trend with pump characteristics and operating time, that is a novelty in literature and in practical application. Contrary to what expected by ISO 10816-7 (2009), the paper shows that vibration is influenced by several parameters (e.g. power, pump orientation and rotational speed), which make the ISO standard approach not quite appropriate for centrifugal pumps. As in the proposed method, monitoring the vibrational trend and its variations with time could ensure a more effective CBM strategy.
Augusto Bianchini; Marco Pellegrini; Jessica Rossi. Maintenance scheduling optimization for industrial centrifugal pumps. International Journal of System Assurance Engineering and Management 2019, 10, 848 -860.
AMA StyleAugusto Bianchini, Marco Pellegrini, Jessica Rossi. Maintenance scheduling optimization for industrial centrifugal pumps. International Journal of System Assurance Engineering and Management. 2019; 10 (4):848-860.
Chicago/Turabian StyleAugusto Bianchini; Marco Pellegrini; Jessica Rossi. 2019. "Maintenance scheduling optimization for industrial centrifugal pumps." International Journal of System Assurance Engineering and Management 10, no. 4: 848-860.
Purpose The purpose of this paper is to provide a flexible and extensible model for the classification of suppliers, within the purchasing guidelines and market trends of an Italian small company, leader in the production of street lamps. The model is applied to identify critical supply chains with the final objective of lead-time reduction. Design/methodology/approach The model is obtained by the application of the purchasing portfolio analysis through the construction of Kraljic matrix. Profit impact and supply risk criteria are selected according to the main company requirements, and then prioritized by the analytical hierarchy process (AHP). Finally, supply chain lead-times are analyzed with Gantt diagrams. Findings The application of the model allows the determination of company criticalities in terms of high lead-times and of the involved suppliers. The analysis of critical suppliers positioning in the Kraljic matrix allows the definition of some possible strategies to implement for lead-time reduction. Research limitations/implications Purchasing portfolio analysis and Kraljic matrix are practical instruments to quickly frame company purchasing situation, but their application is not simple due to the numerous and different factors involved, especially in small and medium enterprises (SMEs), where resource are scarce and several constraints limit operations. The objective of the research is the development of a practical tool for strategic purchasing, simple and robust to be implemented in SMEs, with limited resources and access to quantitative supplier data. Originality/value Evaluation criteria definition is one of the most difficult phases, such as their univocal and quantitative comparison. The problem of selecting and prioritizing both quantitative and qualitative criteria for suppliers classification is overcome with the combined application of Kraljic matrix and AHP. The newly integration of the two methodologies allows the realization of a reliable and robust model for suppliers classification, which can be easily adapted to company business strategy changes.
Augusto Bianchini; Andrea Benci; Marco Pellegrini; Jessica Rossi. Supply chain redesign for lead-time reduction through Kraljic purchasing portfolio and AHP integration. Benchmarking: An International Journal 2019, 26, 1194 -1209.
AMA StyleAugusto Bianchini, Andrea Benci, Marco Pellegrini, Jessica Rossi. Supply chain redesign for lead-time reduction through Kraljic purchasing portfolio and AHP integration. Benchmarking: An International Journal. 2019; 26 (4):1194-1209.
Chicago/Turabian StyleAugusto Bianchini; Andrea Benci; Marco Pellegrini; Jessica Rossi. 2019. "Supply chain redesign for lead-time reduction through Kraljic purchasing portfolio and AHP integration." Benchmarking: An International Journal 26, no. 4: 1194-1209.
Natural Gas (NG) distribution is obtained by a really complex system that must ensure safe conditions and avoid human or economic losses. This paper analyzes accidents that occurred between 2004 and 2015 in the United States distribution systems and were recorded in the Pipeline and Hazardous Material Safety Administration (PHMSA) database. Statistical trends are studied; number of accidents, injuries and fatalities are shown and risk indexes are proposed for different accident causes. An average value of 2.09 × 10−5 accidents/km are found in US distribution systems and it is shown that natural events pose the highest risk to distribution systems. Working conditions, such as pressure, pipe diameter and system age are considered in the study, finding that the low pressure and diameter systems account for the greatest number of injuries and fatalities in the case of failure. On the basis of the results, recommendations are given to sector stakeholders.
Augusto Bianchini; Alessandro Guzzini; Marco Pellegrini; Cesare Saccani. Natural gas distribution system: A statistical analysis of accidents data. International Journal of Pressure Vessels and Piping 2018, 168, 24 -38.
AMA StyleAugusto Bianchini, Alessandro Guzzini, Marco Pellegrini, Cesare Saccani. Natural gas distribution system: A statistical analysis of accidents data. International Journal of Pressure Vessels and Piping. 2018; 168 ():24-38.
Chicago/Turabian StyleAugusto Bianchini; Alessandro Guzzini; Marco Pellegrini; Cesare Saccani. 2018. "Natural gas distribution system: A statistical analysis of accidents data." International Journal of Pressure Vessels and Piping 168, no. : 24-38.
Fine particulate matter (PM) emission from biomass boilers for non-industrial heating represents one of the most important causes (together with the transport sector) of air pollution, in particular during winter. Separation technologies for fine PM are already well-known and adopted on an industrial scale, as a consequence of strict limits set by national and international regulations. On domestic boilers, the same technologies utilized on an industrial scale are not feasible due to high investment costs. Moreover, the emission limits for small size biomass boilers are higher than for industrial boilers, so high efficiency separation technologies are not needed, and are sometimes not present at all. The main goal of the paper is the development and testing of a mathematical model that is able to foresee the PM removal efficiency of a wet scrubber device. After an experimental validation based on several tests, it was possible to approach the preliminary design of an innovative wet scrubber, which is described in the paper. The main characteristics are (i) removal efficiency over 99.9%, (ii) specific energy consumption under 36 kJ m−3, which is an industrial reference, and (iii) relatively low investment, operation and maintenance costs.
Augusto Bianchini; Marco Pellegrini; Jessica Rossi; Cesare Saccani. Theoretical model and preliminary design of an innovative wet scrubber for the separation of fine particulate matter produced by biomass combustion in small size boilers. Biomass and Bioenergy 2018, 116, 60 -71.
AMA StyleAugusto Bianchini, Marco Pellegrini, Jessica Rossi, Cesare Saccani. Theoretical model and preliminary design of an innovative wet scrubber for the separation of fine particulate matter produced by biomass combustion in small size boilers. Biomass and Bioenergy. 2018; 116 ():60-71.
Chicago/Turabian StyleAugusto Bianchini; Marco Pellegrini; Jessica Rossi; Cesare Saccani. 2018. "Theoretical model and preliminary design of an innovative wet scrubber for the separation of fine particulate matter produced by biomass combustion in small size boilers." Biomass and Bioenergy 116, no. : 60-71.
Submersible well pumps, widely used for groundwater, are installed at great depths which make typical maintenance actions unworkable and costly. Condition-based maintenance (CBM) through vibration monitoring could be an effective approach for these critical machines. According to ISO 10816-7 (2009) suggestions, a procedure to measure vibration was established and applied on submersible well pumps both in a test facility and in situ. Instruments and measurement location were selected and a methodology for data processing was applied in order to set maintenance alarms. The procedure was tested on several submersible well pumps directly in the testing room of one of the main producers of pumps. Measurements in a testing room made it possible to avoid problems and costs related to instrument installation in the field. In order to demonstrate the technical feasibility of the procedure also in field, the method was also applied in real groundwater plant with a special design of the measurement system, to overcome strict operational work conditions. This paper shows the experimental campaign results, which are the basis to conduct CBM on pumps, in terms of: (1) definition of the typical vibration values of new pumps, not available even by producers, plant managers and standards, and (2) identification of the parameters which influence pump vibration, fundamental to data processing and the setting of proper alarms. The procedure will also be applied for other categories of pumps, used in several industrial applications, to measure reliable vibration data and set specific alarms for maintenance interventions.
Augusto Bianchini; Jessica Rossi; Lauro Antipodi. A procedure for condition-based maintenance and diagnostics of submersible well pumps through vibration monitoring. International Journal of System Assurance Engineering and Management 2018, 9, 999 -1013.
AMA StyleAugusto Bianchini, Jessica Rossi, Lauro Antipodi. A procedure for condition-based maintenance and diagnostics of submersible well pumps through vibration monitoring. International Journal of System Assurance Engineering and Management. 2018; 9 (5):999-1013.
Chicago/Turabian StyleAugusto Bianchini; Jessica Rossi; Lauro Antipodi. 2018. "A procedure for condition-based maintenance and diagnostics of submersible well pumps through vibration monitoring." International Journal of System Assurance Engineering and Management 9, no. 5: 999-1013.
Purpose The purpose of this paper is to provide a two-phase analytical hierarchy process (AHP) and the technique for order preference by similarity to ideal solution (TOPSIS) approach that is a multi-criteria decision-making methodology (MCDM) in the evaluation of third-party logistics (3PL) providers. Design/methodology/approach After the description of the selection criteria of 3PL providers that are determined by company management, the weights of criteria are calculated by applying the AHP method. The TOPSIS method is then employed to achieve the final ranking results. A sensitivity analysis is developed for a deeper comprehension of results reliability. Findings The paper shows the complexity of a real 3PL provider change. At the same time, a simple MCDM methodology is provided to assure the success of this activity in which many other companies have failed. Research limitations/implications The proposed MCDM methodology represents a very good compromise between a reliable solution and reasonable computational and human effort. 3PL provider selection or change is an extremely complex decision that could be investigated in greater detail with other more complex methodology, with a consequently higher investment, that is not so affordable for all budgets. Originality/value It is the first time that a two-phase AHP and TOPSIS methodology is applied to an Italian biscuit company for a 3PL provider change together with the analysis of logistics performance after two years. The paper shows a detailed methodology application that could be very useful for managers for their specific application.
Augusto Bianchini. 3PL provider selection by AHP and TOPSIS methodology. Benchmarking: An International Journal 2018, 25, 235 -252.
AMA StyleAugusto Bianchini. 3PL provider selection by AHP and TOPSIS methodology. Benchmarking: An International Journal. 2018; 25 (1):235-252.
Chicago/Turabian StyleAugusto Bianchini. 2018. "3PL provider selection by AHP and TOPSIS methodology." Benchmarking: An International Journal 25, no. 1: 235-252.
The development of sustainable and innovative solutions for the production and supply of energy at district level is nowadays one of the main technical challenges. In the past, district heating and cooling networks aimed to achieve greater energy efficiency through the centralization of the energy production process but with relevant losses related to heat transport. Moving towards a higher share of renewables and lower demand of primary energy requires redesign of the energy district networks. The novel concept of cold district heating networks aims to combine the advantages of a centralized energy distribution system with low heat losses in energy supply. This combined effect is achieved through the centralized supply of water at relatively low temperatures (in the range 10–25 °C), which is then heated up by decentralized heat pumps. Moreover, cold district heating networks are also very suitable for cooling delivery, since cold water supplying can be directly used for cooling purposes (i.e., free cooling) or to feed decentralized chillers with very high energy efficiency ratio. This paper provides a preliminary literature review of existing cold district heating networks and then qualitatively analyses benefits and drawbacks in comparison with the alternatives currently used to produce heat and cold at district level, including the evaluation of major barriers to its further development.
Marco Pellegrini; Augusto Bianchini. The Innovative Concept of Cold District Heating Networks: A Literature Review. Energies 2018, 11, 236 .
AMA StyleMarco Pellegrini, Augusto Bianchini. The Innovative Concept of Cold District Heating Networks: A Literature Review. Energies. 2018; 11 (1):236.
Chicago/Turabian StyleMarco Pellegrini; Augusto Bianchini. 2018. "The Innovative Concept of Cold District Heating Networks: A Literature Review." Energies 11, no. 1: 236.
Augusto Bianchini; Alessandro Guzzini; Marco Pellegrini; Cesare Saccani. Photovoltaic/thermal (PV/T) solar system: Experimental measurements, performance analysis and economic assessment. Renewable Energy 2017, 111, 543 -555.
AMA StyleAugusto Bianchini, Alessandro Guzzini, Marco Pellegrini, Cesare Saccani. Photovoltaic/thermal (PV/T) solar system: Experimental measurements, performance analysis and economic assessment. Renewable Energy. 2017; 111 ():543-555.
Chicago/Turabian StyleAugusto Bianchini; Alessandro Guzzini; Marco Pellegrini; Cesare Saccani. 2017. "Photovoltaic/thermal (PV/T) solar system: Experimental measurements, performance analysis and economic assessment." Renewable Energy 111, no. : 543-555.
Augusto Bianchini; Filippo Donini; Marco Pellegrini; Jessica Rossi; Cesare Saccani. Innovative technological solutions moving towards the realization of a stand-alone biomass boiler with near-zero particulate emissions. Energy Procedia 2017, 120, 713 -720.
AMA StyleAugusto Bianchini, Filippo Donini, Marco Pellegrini, Jessica Rossi, Cesare Saccani. Innovative technological solutions moving towards the realization of a stand-alone biomass boiler with near-zero particulate emissions. Energy Procedia. 2017; 120 ():713-720.
Chicago/Turabian StyleAugusto Bianchini; Filippo Donini; Marco Pellegrini; Jessica Rossi; Cesare Saccani. 2017. "Innovative technological solutions moving towards the realization of a stand-alone biomass boiler with near-zero particulate emissions." Energy Procedia 120, no. : 713-720.
Augusto Bianchini; R.J. Farnish; M. Gambuti; C. Saccani. Predictive model for corn flour discharge rates through an aerated hopper. Powder Technology 2016, 298, 84 -89.
AMA StyleAugusto Bianchini, R.J. Farnish, M. Gambuti, C. Saccani. Predictive model for corn flour discharge rates through an aerated hopper. Powder Technology. 2016; 298 ():84-89.
Chicago/Turabian StyleAugusto Bianchini; R.J. Farnish; M. Gambuti; C. Saccani. 2016. "Predictive model for corn flour discharge rates through an aerated hopper." Powder Technology 298, no. : 84-89.
Augusto Bianchini; Francesco Cento; Luca Golfera; Marco Pellegrini; Cesare Saccani. Performance analysis of different scrubber systems for removal of particulate emissions from a small size biomass boiler. Biomass and Bioenergy 2016, 92, 31 -39.
AMA StyleAugusto Bianchini, Francesco Cento, Luca Golfera, Marco Pellegrini, Cesare Saccani. Performance analysis of different scrubber systems for removal of particulate emissions from a small size biomass boiler. Biomass and Bioenergy. 2016; 92 ():31-39.
Chicago/Turabian StyleAugusto Bianchini; Francesco Cento; Luca Golfera; Marco Pellegrini; Cesare Saccani. 2016. "Performance analysis of different scrubber systems for removal of particulate emissions from a small size biomass boiler." Biomass and Bioenergy 92, no. : 31-39.
The paper analyses the way numerical data on sewage sludge quantities are recorded, processed and then reported at EU level. The analysed data are the same used by policy makers as official sources. The paper shows the difficulties found during the comparison of EU member states management systems, starting from lack of homogeneity and the fragmentation of the data. Reliable data about sewage sludge production and disposal are indispensable to make a critical analysis and also to realise adjustments and changes to the existing management models as well as in the implementation of European policies, such as the Sewage Sludge Directive or the Urban Wastewater Treatment Directive. Moreover, starting from a critical analysis of EU data, the paper shows how sewage sludge management is dealt by EU countries. Finally, the paper suggests to policy makers some implementation for the data management system in order to reach a higher data reliability.
Augusto Bianchini; Luca Bonfiglioli; Marco Pellegrini; Cesare Saccani. Sewage sludge management in Europe: a critical analysis of data quality. International Journal of Environment and Waste Management 2016, 18, 226 .
AMA StyleAugusto Bianchini, Luca Bonfiglioli, Marco Pellegrini, Cesare Saccani. Sewage sludge management in Europe: a critical analysis of data quality. International Journal of Environment and Waste Management. 2016; 18 (3):226.
Chicago/Turabian StyleAugusto Bianchini; Luca Bonfiglioli; Marco Pellegrini; Cesare Saccani. 2016. "Sewage sludge management in Europe: a critical analysis of data quality." International Journal of Environment and Waste Management 18, no. 3: 226.