Project Title:
Regulate the use of fuels in the fabrication of brick.
Contact Person(s):
Mark Rodriguez
Ing. Rene Franco
Lic. Jose Mario Sanchez
Biol. Gerardo Tarin Torres
Victor H. Valenzuela
E-Mail Workgroup
Project Description:
Background information: Currently in Cd. Juarez approximately 167 batch-type brick
kilns operate in 6 regions across the city. This project intends to control
PM emissions from Cd. Juarez brick kilns in 2 phases. Phase 1 follows
a recent effort by local citizens of El Paso, Juarez, and Doña Ana
County in which the construction of an Environmental Brick Kiln (EBK)
succeeded in improving combustion efficiency and reducing air pollution
emissions through installation of hoods and exhaust stacks.
Phase 1 involves continuing this demonstration project through construction of several more
EBKs and the brick makers’ commitment to utilize only clean wood as a fuel
source. Phase 2 involves working with the natural gas fuel suppliers
to install gas lines into the established brickmaking neighborhoods, making
natural gas the primary combustion fuel used in the firing of brick kilns.
In order for a kiln to efficiently operate using natural or LP Gas, modifications
to conventional brick kilns are required.
In 1996, a committee was formed consisting of PROFEPA-Chihuahua, the Cd. Juarez
Urban Development and Ecology Department, CANACINTRA, and representatives of
the various brickmaking groups. The committee’s objective was to implement actions to control
emissions from the brickmaking process and abate environmental problems
associated with the activities of this industrial sector. This committee
implemented a program of Emerging Actions for firing brick and utilization
of appropriate fuels.
The more relevant actions realized were:
-An inventory of brick kiln operators was developed identifying 167 active kilns;
-Permitted and prohibited combustion materials for firing brick were identified;
-A firing calendar was established with clauses stating that in the event environmental
conditions deteriorate, brickmaking operations would cease pending proper notification;
-The maquiladora and national industry were solicited to donate or sell at low prices clean
scrap lumber for use by the brickmakers;
-Monitors were hired to observe compliance with the above mentioned agreements;
The committee agreed to implement this agreement year-round. In 1997
the list of permitted combustion materials were identified and it was agreed
to not fire the kiln on Saturday and Sunday.
Contribution by % of the Brickmaking Microindustry in the Cd. Juarez Emissions
Inventory. (Cd. Juarez Air Quality Management Program, 1996)
As a % of Total emissions.................................0.59%
As a total of Service Sector Industries...................15%
Contaminant HC
NOx CO
SO2 PST
% of total
emissions
2.10 0.07 Insignificant
42.5 0.52
Significance of Impact:
Natural gas shall be used as an example of the impact generated
by changing fuels used for firing brick considering production of 2,119,360
bricks/month. Phase two is estimated to result in the reduction of 239
tons / yr PM; 1,764 tons / yr SO2; 2 tons / yr CO , 12 tons / yr NOx; and
1599 tons / yr HC. Emissions estimates of the EBKhave not been conducted.
Some baseline data of a typical brick kiln is currently available.
Cost / Cost Effectiveness:
Both public and private funding are required for initiation
of Phase1 given the brickmakers’ lack of economic ability to modify their
operation. Phase 1 requires approximately $5,000 dollars per kiln. Phase
2 requires a greater expenditure of funds for installation of fuel lines.
In the previous example we observed an important reduction in SO2 emissions
(42.5%). Emission reductions are not significant for the remaining pollutants.
The brickmakers’ experience in the use of natural gas indicates that the
investment in this infrastructure and the operating cost are high considering
the low prices for brick and the high cost for financing this investment
besides relocation costs to more efficiently distribute natural gas lines
and obtain the benefits of economies of scale for a brickmaking center.
Feasibility:
This project is technologically, regulatory and financially feasible.
Further modifications, field testing and demonstrations of a recently developed
Environmental Brick Kiln (EBK) are required to introduce this technology
to the brickmaking community. This technology, without a doubt, will
be the method accepted by the industry in the future. Installation
of natural gas lines into the various brickmaking neighborhoods may be
a greater challenge given the in-line pressures required by the natural
gas distribution system. Recent studies indicate natural gas pressure
is insufficient at this time to provide service for brickmaking operations.
Brickmakers have chosen to not utilize LP Gas as a fuel source due to its
high cost and a perception that the quality of the product is poor.
Additionally, feasibility of this project depends on the following:
-affordable long-term financing;
-economic incentives which are accessible and advantageous for this operation;
-providing preference for brick fired using alternate fuels and efficient combustion
processes;
-introduction and acceptance of new technologies and the characteristics of the product;
-combining traditional methods with new technology which is simple, efficient and
innovative at low cost.
Is there public resistance/ acceptance associated with this project?
Perhaps the most resistance to this technology is the brickmakers themselves
who have been operating their kilns using the same method for many generations.
Overall there is public acceptance in a venture to reduce emissions from
brickmaking activities.
Are issues of fairness addressed?
Yes.
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