Car load security test ("City Crash") installation

Among the tests that are carried out to the lifting bars system of an automobile, there is one of load security denominated City Crash that consists of an impact at 30 km/h with a controlled deceleration of maximum 12g. The test is made with a load on the bars of the 120% of the nominal, assembled on a body fixed to a sleigh that hits against a deformable barrier. In CT SEAT exists a low speed impact installation which is unapt for this test. The project has consisted of incorporating a compatible system with the existing one for this application. The main problem to solve has been the limitation of mass of the existing pneumatic impelling system. This has forced to replace the usual sleigh in these tests by the own body to which the following is added: a crash device and carts on rails directly coupled to the fixations of the assembly line of the vehicle. Thus it is possible not to exceed the maximum mass that the impeller is able to carry to the required speed and we obtain a guidance system that does not interfere with the existing tests. The assembly is made hit against a deformable barrier in such a controlled way that provides the deceleration prescribed in the test. The installation is complemented with a configuration of speed calibration in which the deformable barrier is replaced by a braking system.Postprint (published version

Applying nanotechnology in easy-to-clean hydrophofic fabrics and its use in automobiles

Upholstery cleaning is one of the main problems regarding the inner maintenance of a vehicle. Finding solutions to the usual brewery spots, grease stains, sausage marks and their smells is complicated due to both the nature of the dirt and the tedious undo of seats. At the forefront of the nowadays use of carbon fluoride based products, we present here the development of a hydrophobic and stain-resistance fabrics by using nanotechnology. Hydrophobic fabrics are water-resistant, self-cleaning and guarantee a long lasting protection against dirt. The addition of nanoparticles into upholstery fabrics result in surfaces which keep the superficial tension of water or dirt drops. Although this method drastically reduces liquid-fabric contacts and enhances the stain-resistance of the upholstery, intrinsic properties of the fabric fibers do not changePostprint (published version

Los costes de la calidad: una herramienta para la gestión de la calidad en la industria química

Los modelos de costes de la calidad representan una herramienta eficaz que permite evaluar el éxito de unprograma de gestión de la calidad en una empresa. Estetrabajo plantea el concepto de los costes de la calidad en la industria química, como una alternativa de gestión de la calidad, destacando los beneficios de su aplicación.Se realizó una revisión bibliográfica de publicaciones recientes, del contexto actual de los modelos de costes de la calidad, resaltando la poca evidencia bibliográfica de su aplicación a la industria química. Se analizaron los modelos genéricos de costes de la calidad, su desarrollo y actualidad. Se observó que el modelo genérico empleado con mayor frecuencia, es el enfoque tradicional de costes de la calidad PEF (prevención, evaluacióny fallos). De esta manera, se plantean las lineas metodológicas de dicho enfoque, como una alternativa a las acciones necesarias para proveer a las organizaciones de herramientas para hacer frente a la competitividad en el mercado de la industria química

El análisis de ciclo de vida como herramienta de sostenibilidad en los proyectos de tratamiento de aguas

El Análisis de Ciclo de Vida (ACV) es una herramienta normalizada de sostenibilidad, reconocida en numerosos foros internacionales, de aplicación en los proyectos de tratamiento de aguas pero que no se aplica habitualmente en este tipo de proyectos. El ACV debería incorporarse a los mismos puesto que permite tomar decisiones estratégicas a partir del estudio de la sostenibilidad de las distintasfases de proyecto, compara tecnologías de depuración de agua y sus fases, permite optimizar procesos y determinar el impacto global del ciclo de vida de la EDAR

La sostenibilidad en los proyectos. Caso de estudio: Depuración de aguas residuales.

¿Son sostenibles los proyectos tal y como se realizan en la actualidad? Utilizando como ejemplo los proyectos de depuración de aguas residuales, se revisa como se incluyen criterios de sostenibilidad en los mismos mediante la revisión del enfoque de estos proyectos, el uso que se hace de las herramientas de sostenibilidad, las garantías de funcionamiento que se exigen a la instalación proyectada, el contenido de las Prescripciones Técnicas, la selección de la tecnología y como se contempla el consumo energético. Con esta información, se analizan los problemas y se proponen soluciones para que los proyectos sean más sosteniblesPostprint (published version

New ceramic technology for catalysis and the reduction of emissions and particulate pollutants into the atmosphere

Accèssit del "Premio Jaume Blasco a la innovación", atorgat per l'Asociación Española de Ingeniería de Proyectos, AEIPROInternal combustion engines have been causing a lot of pollution, as in their combustion process produce harmful gases such as CO, hydrocarbons, NOx and particulate matter. Environmental requirements on polluting aspects of the transport sector and in motor vehicles especially, and the demand for sustainable technology for the planet, lead to the need to improve the devices for depuration of gaseous and particulate matter emissions. On the other hand, we can not forget the costs of implementing these systems in the automotive sector in a scenario of economic crisis, with increasing offer and declining demand. In this context, we have been working on a project called MEDEA, which aims to achieve a new technology that combines the following parameters: simplicity; reduced cost of implementation; reduced emissions (able to meet Euro 6 regulations and reduce CO2 emissions to 130 g/km); and durability. In this paper we present the development and results of the first phase of this project carried out on behalf of the Chair SEAT.Award-winningPostprint (published version

Categorías de evaluación de impacto de ciclo de vida vinculadas con energía: revisión y prospectiva

Postprint (published version

Multicriteria value analysis for polymer composites selection in automotive applications

This study presents a tool for decision making called Multicriteria Value Analysis, used for selection of polymeric materials applied in automotive parts and components. The tool is built from the methodological framework of Analytical Hierarchy Process (AHP), to define a hierarchical structure of criteria based on the concept of value, and then establish the existing preferences among alternatives. Assuming that all possible alternatives should be polymers and composites which meet the preset quality specifications, sure there are differences between these alternatives, like: the rate of weight reduction, mechanical properties, costs material, environmental impacts, etc. Certainly, Multicriteria Decision Analysis methods are the most suitable in this case, because they provide us a holistic point of view of the decision problem. In the present study the methodological framework of Multicriteria Value Analysis is presented. The proposed criteria structure is validated by weighting them for a hypothetical case study.Peer ReviewedPostprint (published version

The Cycle life analysis as a tool for sustainability in water treatment projects

The Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) is a standardised tool for sustainability, recognized in many international forums, applicable to water treatment projects, but not usually applied to this type of projects. The LCA should be included into this type of projects since it allows making strategic decisions from the study of sustainability at different stages of the project, compares water purification technologies and its phases, and allows optimizing processes and determining the overall impact of the WWTP's life cycle.Postprint (published version

Life Cycle Assessment projects by process groups

Abstract The actual consequences analysis derived from the study of a system's life cycle, improving the simplistic approach of the decision making by partial aspects. The LCA has become a powerful and widely-used tool that allows the professionals to take action in a sustainable way. The work group carried out an LCA normally takes advantage of their knowledge and abilities to obtain a more or less reliable result. The working group's efforts haven't been until now systematically and normally guide themselves by experience, logic and intuition. It's pertinent that this effort is oriented by using Project Management. Project Management is the application of knowledge, ability, tools and techniques to the activities of the project to satisfy its requirements. An LCA study can be considered as a project, a temporal effort made for a unique result. With the Project Management vision, the elaboration of an LCA is faster, easier and successful. We have developed a guide for the elaboration of an LCA following the guidelines of ISO 14040 and Project Management, we have named it as: Life Cycle Assessment projects by process groups. Our point of view emerges from relating the matrix of the LCA phases (Goal and scope, Life cycle inventory, Life cycle impact assessment and Interpretation) and the process groups (initiating processes, planning processes, executing processes, controlling processes and closing processes). With that, we provide to the work group some guidelines to make an LCA as a project where we balance the scope, time, costs, quality, resources and risks