Disassembly analysis, material composition analysis and environmental impact assessment of computer disk drives

Date

2005-05

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Publisher

Texas Tech University

Abstract

This main objective of this thesis is to do the disassembly analysis of the computer drives such as Hard Disk Drive of Desktop, Floppy Disk Drive of Server, Floppy Disk Drive and CD-ROM drive of Server to identify the components and to determine the Environmental Impact of these components and product as a whole. For the disassembly analysis the computer drives were disassembled to the level where further disassembly is not possible and the time for disassembly was noted down. The best disassembly sequence was selected so that the disassembly is done in minimum possible time. Disassembly tree was generated for the easier understanding of the disassembly and to understand different levels of disassembly. Component relationship was developed based on the mechanical relationship and electrical connection among the components. Disassembly cost was calculated by taking into consideration only labor expenses. Difficulty rate was calculated depending upon the operation performed to disassemble the specific product.

For determining the environmental impact identification of material is necessary. It is known that hazardous materials are present in the Printed Circuit Boards of the computer drives. So the PCB’s from the computer drives were sent to ‘Noranda Recycling Inc.’ for material analysis. The plastic used in the drives was identified by the label present on the plastic components and the data for the metal components was taken from the literature. Environmental Impact Assessment was done by using Eco-Indicator 99 methodology. Environmental impact caused by components of the drive was calculated and environmental impact of the computer drive as a whole was also calculated. If these components are recycled how much eco-indicator will be saved was determined by the Environmentally Weighted Recycling Quotes Methodology. Eco-Indicator 99 methodology is widely used methodology for determining the environmental impact of the electronic products. Also it is very easy to use.

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