The Development of Remanufacturing Process Model
No Thumbnail Available
Date
2024
Authors
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Cranfield University
Abstract
This thesis investigates the optimisation of remanufacturing processes within the
circular economy framework, focusing on enhancing product functionality and
extending product use while minimising waste production. Central to this study is
the industrial process of remanufacturing, which involves returning used products
to at least their original performance level with a guarantee equivalent to that of
newly manufactured products. This research is grounded in the conceptual
design decisions that account for approximately 80% of the remanufacturing
considerations, highlighting the significant impact of early design choices on the
efficiency of remanufacturing.
Using a detailed case study of the NIRS31 non-invasive road sensor provided by
OTT HydroMet, the thesis captures and analyses the know-how of typical
remanufacturing processes. It introduces a comprehensive remanufacturing
process model that outlines structured activities and knowledge requirements at
various stages, aiming to standardise procedures and enhance knowledge
management across remanufacturing operations.
By implementing different strategies, the study demonstrates practical
applications of circular economy principles, emphasising the reduction of
environmental impact and resource consumption through efficient
remanufacturing practices.
This research contributes to the theoretical and practical understanding of
remanufacturing in a circular economy by providing a detailed model and
empirical evidence of its benefits. The study proposes recommendations for
integrating advanced technologies and further research into broadening the
model's application across various industries to confirm the scalability and
applicability to fully realise the environmental and economic potentials of
remanufacturing.
Description
The circular economy is one of the critical elements in the European Green Deal which aims at renewing the existing production and consumption system. Its goal is to optimise the functionalities of products and materials and maintains them for as long as possible while minimising the production of waste. Remanufacturing is the backbone of the Circular Economy (CE). Remanufacturing is the industrial process of returning a used product (or its components) to at least its original performance with a warranty that is equivalent to that of the newly manufactured product while post-disassembly, restoration of the product involves replacing components.
Remanufacturing is a value-retaining process, which prepares used products for reuse through a controlled industrial process and recaptures inherent product value. Conceptual design impacts around 80% of the remanufacturing considerations. Therefore, is very important to capture the required knowledge (know-How) of the typical remanufacturing processes to support decision taken during design for circular economy. Typical remanufacturing processes are; inspect, clean, disassembly, sort, inspect and discard, replace/repair, clean, re-assembly, store, test, repackage for re-use. This project is going to capture the know-how knowledge and rules of the remanufacturing processes that are needed to formulate the right Circular Economy Design Environment; demonstrated via application on a case study from the company.
Keywords
Design for circular economy, Manufacturing knowledge, Remanufacturing processes, Knowledge management, Design for remanufacturing, Value retention, Product life-extension