Name: Ngai Ying Chan
Group mate: Yanjun Liu
Course: Design 40A-A04
Instructor: Cogdell
Date: 12-1-2016
Raw Material of Dyson Air Multiplier
This paper focuses on Dyson Company product Air Multiplier, which is committed to manufacturing adequate fans by using the digital technology. Dyson is committed to producing fans, which would meet the demands of its customers. It uses environmental friendly raw materials that are free of carbon. It is committed to recycling some of its old products and resells them at relatively low prices.
Due to the new technological advances, there is more innovation on the various functions of the fan on the market today. A lot of improvements have been made based on the original fan technology. The bladeless fan, which resembles a giant ring, can produce a strong cool air. The fact that it lacks blades makes it safer as compared to the traditional electric fans. Besides, it is easier to clean up than the traditional ones. Besides, bladeless fans have become more popular in the world today. Among the most well known bladeless fan is manufactured by the Dyson Company. Dyson refers to this product as "Air Multiplier." This fan uses a lighter, smaller motor, and relatively non-toxic Acrylonitrile butadiene styrene plastic. These environmentally friendly materials are the major focus of most companies, and the modern people should pay more attention to it. Due to the global warming effect, which is getting worse day by day, manufacturing companies should use those raw materials that are friendly to the environment.
Raw Material Acquisition
Dyson Company has put a lot of effort to use environmentally friendly and long-lasting raw materials to manufacture the Air Multiplier. The most special feature of the Dyson Air Multiplier is that it does not have "fan blade." Air multipliers use the jet aircraft engines and automotive turbocharging technology. . "While the tube doesn't have any blades inside it, the pedestal of the fan contains a brushless electric motor that takes in air and feeds it into the circular tube. Air flows along the inside of the device until it reaches a slit inside the tube.” (Strickland and Chandler) It makes people can feel the strong wind when using the Dyson air multiplier. For achieve “no fan blade” goal, Dyson Company uses a digital motor as their air multiplier motor. Dyson complements the digital motor technology to manufacture the motor of the air multipliers. Digital motor has three material characteristics: “high-speed 3D impeller, iron core rotor with no windings, no carbon brushes and no carbon particle emissions.” (Dyson) The digital motor technology is capable of increasing the wind strength of the air multipliers. Besides, people are also able to achieve the quite effect when using this fan model. Dyson also uses the Acrylonitrile butadiene styrene as a casing material since they care for the health of their customers. The material is also environmentally friendly and would protect the environment from pollution.
Manufacturing, Processing, and Formulation
Motors were invented in the 18th Century, but people still cannot live without them in the modern society. However, the old motor is bulky and is often associated with faults that occur within the internal parts of the machine. Besides, the old motor produces a lot of noise, and once any of its parts undergoes a mechanical breakdown, it would affect the operations of the entire motor. Therefore, with the changes in technology, the modern customer will no longer demand the old motor. Dyson's motors manufacturing factory required “to produce more than 4 million motors every year” (Dyson), and it is a huge production in industrial motors. For this reason, Dyson engineers have spent ten years to develop a new model of a motor using the digital technology to manufacture the Impeller, which “is made from PEEK from PEEK™.” (Dyson) PEEK is a material usually made with a carbon fiber usually used in the aerospace engineering. Dyson also uses an iron core rotor to enhance the durability of their motor. If compared to other companies, Dyson Company uses permanent magnetic coils brushes with no traces of carbon to manufacture their motor brushes. The huge progress made by Dyson Company regarding technology has enabled it to manufacture digital motors that are smaller, lighter, and saves a lot of energy. Dyson manufactures its digital motor products in Singapore, which are then transported by ship to the United States of America.
Dyson not only focuses on the motor by using an advanced technology but also uses the same technology to manufacture efficient and effective casing materials from Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene plastic. Dyson chooses this material because “ABS is a tough thermoplastic used to make light, rigid and moulded products.”(Aulia) Dyson also uses a mixture of the Acrylonitrile-styrene copolymer (AS) with Polybutadiene (B) mixture to make the casing material. During the manufacturing process, Dyson adds the Acrylonitrile and styrene monomer graft copolymerization in Polybutadiene latex. The cost of “ABS is roughly twice the cost of producing polystyrene” (Chim) Moreover, according to the European Plastic Trade Association, “industrial production of 1 kg (2.2 lb.) of ABS resin in Europe uses an average of 95.34 MJ (26.48 kWh) which is derived from natural gas and petroleum.” (World) On the surface, it wastes a lot of oil and gas material that is usually costly to most companies. Because of these special materials, Dyson can make much harder and durable fans using electrical insulation casing materials. Besides, the air multipliers have a longer life cycle as compared to other fans manufactured by other companies. The Dyson Company is often obligated to import huge quantities of ABS materials to produce the air multiplier. Currently, the world's largest five manufacturers of ABS materials are Taiwan China CMO Company, Bayer, LG, GE Plastics and BASF. “These five large enterprises account for the world's total production capacity of 55.6%.”(Linn) Dyson's ASB material comes from these five major companies. According to Dyson's official website, most of their products are transported by sea thus reducing cases carbon emission to the environment.
Re-use, maintenance, and Waste Management
Apart from putting a lot of effort to seek better materials, Dyson has also made a tremendous contribution to recycling and waste management. Their primary objective is to "minimize the use of materials to produce an effective product.”(Dyson) Therefore, the company will reduce the use unnecessary materials, and avoid producing any waste. To protect the environment, Dyson is always committed to recycling and reuses most of the raw materials. Dyson always does encourage most of its customers to send the old air multipliers, which can no longer be used to the company for recycling. Moreover, Dyson has so many service workshops; and some of the old Dyson air multipliers can be refurbished there. Thus, Dyson air multipliers only have “0.18% the end of Dyson machines are built to last.” (Dyson) After the refurbishment, the air multipliers are assigned new certificates and are sold at a discount by the company.
Conclusion
Sustainable development and environmental protection are a growing concern, so in product design is also closely related with these issues. From the discussions above, it is evident that most companies are not only committed to producing products that will meet the needs of the customers but also to preserve the environment where they operate. Dyson is also expected to undertake corporate social responsibility by volunteering to give back to the society. Dyson Company has constantly strived to use environmentally friendly raw materials to achieve its long-term objectives. It is committed to using sustainable, innovative technology to recycle its products and later sell them to the customers at discounted rates.
Works cited
Araia, Micheal. "Dyson Fan Review (the Air Multiplier)." Craving Tech Technology and Reviews. Craving Tech, 05 Feb. 2010. Web. 20 Oct. 2016.
"Dyson Digital Motors." Dyson Digital Motor. Dyson, n.d. Web. 26 Oct. 2016.
"Leading Manufacturers and Production Capacity of ABS-Guangdong Linn Industrial Co., Ltd." Leading Manufacturers and Production Capacity of ABS-Guangdong Linn Industrial Co., Ltd. Dongguan Linn Enterprise Ltd, n.d. Web. 27 Nov. 2016.
"Leading Manufacturers and Production Capacity of ABS-Guangdong Linn Industrial Co., Ltd." Leading Manufacturers and Production Capacity of ABS-Guangdong Linn Industrial Co., Ltd. Dongguan Linn Enterprise Ltd, n.d. Web. 27 Nov. 2016.
User, Super. "ABS Plastic." ABS Plastic. CHIM TORH, n.d. Web. 29 Nov. 2016.
World Heritage Encyclopedia. "Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene." Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene | World Public Library - EBooks | Read EBooks Online. World Heritage Encyclopedia, n.d. Web. 29 Nov. 2016.
YANJUN LIU
Christina Cogdell
DES 40A – A04
TA: Alexandra Webster
12/01/2016
Dyson Air Multiplier: Waste and Emission
Introduction
Dyson air multiplier is a bladeless fan that blows air from its ring. The device’s blade are not external but placed or hidden in the base. Air multipliers work by drawing air into the base through a turbine into the base. The fan then directs the air into its ring, which comes out through the openings placed around the ring. The expelled air passes over a shape that resembles that of an aircraft’s wing (Cong 1). The manufacturer of the device notes that the air multiplier is better than traditional fans, which have external blades. According to Dyson, the air multiplier is safer, quieter, and stronger than regular fans (Dyson 1). Dyson air multipliers are made from materials that have a lifecycle. During the manufacture and usage of the device, there will be wastage and emission. Dyson air multipliers are not made from the same materials as traditional fans. Dyson air multiplier is made from high-grade recyclable materials. An exploration of the device’s lifecycle will help in the comprehension of the waste and emission associated with Dyson air multiplier.
It is important to approach the device in its entirety to understand the waste and emissions associated with the Dyson air multiplier. The air multiplier has motors and a high-grade plastic housing. The plastics used in the device are made from acrylonitrile butadiene styrene, which is a stable and non-leaching material. Additionally, approximately 90 percent of the product’s lifecycle is in consumer use. The product does not spend most of its lifecycle in manufacturing, distribution, or end-of-life. 90 percent of the material used to make the device is a stable plastic made by the polymerization of acrylonitrile and styrene in polybutadiene.
Raw Materials Acquisition
The first stage of the device’s lifecycle is the acquisition of raw materials. The primary material in Dyson air multiplier is the plastic used to make the housing of the motor and turbine. Dyson air multiplier uses a unique plastic called acrylonitrile butadiene styrene. The plastic is made by the polymerization of acrylonitrile and styrene in polybutadiene. The raw materials used to make the plastics are natural gasses and oil. Natural gasses or crude oil go through the process of steam cracking to produce the three hydrocarbons. The production of these hydrocarbons is accompanied by the production of monomers such as ethylene glycol, styrene, terephthalic acid, and vinyl chloride (Hansen 21). These monomers are toxic agents and harmful to the environment. Steam cracking leads to the high-level emission of greenhouse gasses because of the burning of fossil fuels.
Manufacturing, Processing, and Formulation
The second stage in the device’s lifecycle is the manufacturing, processing, and formulation stage. The stage is characterized by the polymerization of the acrylonitrile, a synthetic monomer, butadiene, a petroleum hydrocarbon, and styrene, a monomer made through the dehydrogenation of ethylbenzene (Hansen 6). Injection molding is used to make Dyson air multiplier. The step involves steps such as clamping, injection, cooling, and ejection. These steps contribute to the emission of carbon dioxide and nitrate as the molten plastics cool down to the desired molds (Nicholson 1). The melting of the plastics for injection also contributes to the formation of nitrous oxides, sulfur dioxide, and carbon dioxides, which are emitted to the atmosphere (Hansen 14). It is important to note that people involved in molding the plastics wear gas masks. Additionally, the workspace is properly aerated. Wastage occurs during the trimming of the molds to the desired shapes and sizes. The trimmed plastics are usually deposited in landfills (Alicia 1). Dyson air multipliers do not have many components like conventional fans. Conventional fans have external blades, A/C motors, and brushes. The air multiplier only has a plastic housing and a 3D impeller, which does not have copper windings or carbon brushes. As a result, the production of the devices requires less energy compared to conventional fans.
Distribution and transportation
Distribution and transportation is an important stage in the device’s lifecycle. According to Dyson, transportation of its devices is by sea. Delivery to retailers and customers is by road and air. To minimize emission and waste during distribution and transportation, Dyson ensures that the devices spend the shortest time in this stage. Approximately 0.57 percent of the product’s lifecycle is spent in distribution and transportation. The packaging size of the air multiplier ensures that the firm can ship more products using less energy. Aircrafts use approximately 13,000-15,000 jKs per ton-mile of cargo. Additionally, cargo ship uses approximately 369 jKs per ton mile.
Use, Re-Use, and Maintenance
Approximately 90 percent of the device’s lifecycle is spent in consumer use. Dyson air multiplier is used in households and office settings. The air multiplier is a high-performance device because of its high-performance motors. Its power consumption is low compared to high-performing electronic devices. It is assumed that because of its high-performing motors, the air multiplier uses a lot of power. This is not the case because according to the product specification, the device has a brushless motor that needs only 40 watts of direct current. According to the Belkin Conserve Insight, Dyson air multiplier consumes approximately 28.7 Watts of DC (Aulia 1). During use, the device does not heat up leading to the waste of energy. Some of these devices consume up to 40 percent less power because of their design (Dyson 1). These devices have improved airflow paths, which reduce air turbulence and the need to consume power. Less energy consumption translates to less energy demand on the grid. It also translates to fewer emissions of carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gasses during the production of energy. One of the concerns during the use of the device is that the paints and plastics used on the device will emit compounds that affect the user (Foundry 1). The stable nature of the plastics prevents decomposition while the device is in use. Additionally, the device does not release water or other chemicals. The paints do not decompose during this phase of the lifecycle. Dyson air multiplier is a re-usable device. It does not allow dust and molds to accumulate like in the conventional fans. It is a sturdy device made from plastic that has shock absorbing properties. This means that it does not break easily. The air multiplier does not have replaceable parts. In case one part breaks down, the device is replaced or returned to the retailer.
Recycle
When the product reaches the end of its operational life, Dyson recommends that it should be taken to a recycling facility (Dyson 1). The air multiplier is made of plastics, which are made from oil and natural gas derivatives. Additionally, the device is coated with additives such as flame retardants and colorants. Acrylonitrile butadiene styrene is a category seven plastic in the category of recyclable plastics. Category 7 plastics are not easily recyclable (Leigh 1). The mixture of components that makes up the plastic makes it undesirable for recycling. Additionally, recycling the plastic is energy intensive because of its stable nature. As a result, Dyson air multipliers which are no longer applicable in usage are disposed of in landfills. In cases where there is a recycling facility, the plastic can be converted to the constitute compounds. In other instances, the plastics are used for energy recovery through waste incineration.
Waste Management
After their usefulness comes to an end, most Dyson air multipliers find their way into landfills. They are disposed of as the whole or crushed into small pieces. This is an environmental hazard because the plastic is not biodegradable (Gilchrist 13). The plastic and additives added on the plastic contribute to soil pollution. They may also find their way to the oceans and large water bodies and cause pollution. Currently, there is concern over the impact of high-grade plastics on aquatic life. Studies have shown that fish and other aquatic animals mistake the plastics for food. In addition to being disposed of in landfills, the high-grade plastic is managed through waste incineration. Waste incineration is a way of recovering energy by burning substance. High-grade, used plastics have high energy value. The problem with the waste incineration of this type of plastic is its initial high demand for energy (Rogers 1). Additionally, burning down the plastics leads to high levels of carbon dioxide, sulfur dioxide, and nitrogen dioxide emissions, in addition to energy wastage.
Conclusion
The exploration of Dyson air multiplier’s lifecycle provided insights into the waste and emission associated with the device. Dyson air multiplier is an innovative product that uses lighter and energy efficient materials. The lifecycle of the device includes stages such as the acquisition of raw materials, manufacturing and processing, transportation, recycling, and waste management. A large proportion of the device is made of high-grade plastics. These plastics are made from oil and natural gasses based derivatives. The acquisition of raw materials and manufacturing and processing stages of the lifecycle have the highest levels of waste and emissions. These stages are accompanied by the release of toxic gasses such as carbon dioxide, sulfur dioxide, and nitrogen dioxide, in addition to toxic agents such as ethylene glycol, styrene, terephthalic acid, and vinyl chloride.
Works cited
Alicia. Is Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene (ABS) Plastic Toxic? The Soft Landing. 30 Apr. 2014. Web. 26 Oct. 2016.
Aulia, Michael. A Fan with No Blades and Buffeting. Craving Tech. 2010. Web. 30 Oct. 2016.
Cong, Robert. How Does The Dyson Air Multiplier Work? Jameco Electronics. 2016. Web. 11 Nov. 2016.
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Foundry, Hyrule. ABS The Not So Environmentally Friendly Plastic. Hyrule Foundry. 27 May 2013. Web. 26 Oct. 2016
Gilchrist, Brady. Modeling Innovativeness in Consumer Product with the Influence of Environmental Sustainability. OSU Libraries. Scholar Archive at OSU, 7 June 2013. Web. 25 Oct. 2016.
Hansen, Erik. Hazardous Substances in Plastic Materials. Vejle: Danish Technological Institute 2013.
Leigh, Elizah. The Most Difficult Plastics to Recycle. Recycle Nation. 18 Mar. 2011. Web. 20 Oct. 2016
Nicholson, Christie. How Does A Dyson Air Multiplier Work? Core 77. 2013. Web. 26 Oct. 2016.
Rogers, Tony. Everything You Need To Know About ABS. Creative Mechanisms. 2015. Web. 11 Nov. 2016.
