64 - Ductile Iron Energy Use and Greenhouse Gas Emissions Excel Based Parametric Model Development a

Abstract:

This study generates an Excel-based parametric cradle-to-gate Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) tool for ductile iron casting to help the industry reduce its environmental impacts and to help product designers make informed material selection decisions. The model is developed based on input from the literature, physics-based extrapolations, and recent material and energy data from 11 U.S. foundries representing 26% of the U.S. non-pipe ductile iron industry. A mean primary energy consumption of 37 MJ/kgproduct (range: 24-50 MJ/kgproduct) and greenhouse gas emissions of 2.2 kg.CO2eq./kgproduct (range: 1.6-3.0 kg.CO2eq./kgproduct) is calculated. In Part 1 of this study, the approach for developing the Excel-based parametric LCA model and how to use the model are presented. In Part 2, a comparative cradle-to-grave LCA of ductile iron versus other materials for automotive applications is conducted. Case study analyses reveal that ductile iron parts with material utilizations above 50% likely have lower life cycle impacts than steel or aluminum equivalents.

Pair this project with project 64-E.  Project 64 and 64-E will an d64-E will be available to the public for $100.00 in December 2025.  It is currently available to Ductile Iron Society Members for free. Simply log in to your member account, add it to your cart, and 'check out'.  A link will be sent to your email to download the document.