research institute of science for safety and sustainabilityassessments. standardization of...

Research Institute ofScience for Safety and Sustainability

Introduction to the Institute 2019

Research Institute of Science for Safety and Sustainability

DirectorYuji Ogata

Deputy DirectorYutaka Genchi

Members2 Researchers:

Takehiro Matsunaga,Yuji Wada

2 Administrative Staff:Shoko Ito (Tsukuba West),Yuki Takada (Tsukuba Central 5)

1 Contract Employee

The Research Institute of Science for Safety and Sustainability (RISS) at the National Institute of Advanced Industrial Scienceand Technology (AIST) was founded in 2008. With major focus on the development of evaluation technologies, its mission isto contribute to realizing a safe and sustainable society. For example, we can find chemical substances in the everydayenvironment not only in the form of industrially manufactured products but also as raw materials used in manufacturingplants. The use of chemical substances involves many benefits, such as convenience and effectiveness, but it also involvesrisks. In the plant, combustion of the chemical substances themselves can lead to fires and explosions. Moreover, chemicalsubstances discarded after use or released during accidents at a plant can directly affect the human body and theenvironment. Safety science is about clarifying this relationship and evaluating how we can reduce each type of risk so as tocomprehensively minimize risks while maximizing benefits. The objects of risk evaluation include not only currently existingchemical substances, but also new substances such as nanomaterials and technologies thought to be important in futureindustries.

Outline

Organization

Vision

Risk Assessment Strategy Group

Environmental Exposure Modeling Group

Emission and Exposure Analysis Group

Explosion Safety Research Group

Industrial Safety & Physical Risk Analysis Group

Research Laboratoryfor IDEA

Mission:As a member of the Department of Energy and Environment,which is promoting green innovation to realize an affluent andenvironmentally friendly society, we are in charge of achieving ashift from “risk evaluation” to “risk tradeoff and riskcommunication” for environment and safety science. Togetherwith developing risk evaluation and management methods forappropriate use of chemical substances, materials and energy, wedevelop technologies aimed at preventing industrial accidentsand reducing damages.

Department ofEnergy and Environment RISS

We support decision making byquantifying multi-layered risk tradeoffproblems that arise when newtechnologies appear in society via the useof three methods we have cultivated todate: Chemical Substance RiskAssessment, Physical Hazard Assessment,and Life Cycle Assessment.

Chemical Substance

Risk Assessment

Life Cycle Assessment

Physical Hazard

Assessment

Decision Making

Risk Tradeoff

Human Health

Resource Circulation

GlobalWarming

Explosion Accidents

Energy Systems Analysis and Policy Study Group

Advanced LCA Research Group

Principal Research ManagerMasashi Gamo

Outline and Target

Impacts on Society• Contribution to implementation and revision of Chemical Substances Control Law (CSCL),

High Pressure Gas Safety Act, Act on the Evaluation of Chemical Substances and Regulation oftheir Manufacture, etc.

• Improvement of UN Manual of Tests and Criteria• Promotion of voluntary management of chemical substances by companies• Deregulation of Explosive Safety Quantity Distance (ESQD) etc.• Expansion of effective use of energetic materials and high pressure gases Explosion of TNT explosives

Technical report on the disposal of unexploded ordnance (in Japanese, 2007)

In the area of risk assessment research for chemical substances, in order to meet new needs ofsociety, we are developing risk assessment methods for new materials and mixtures of chemicalsubstances. In addition, we are upgrading assessment tools to include international use.In the area of safety assessment research for explosions, we are developing safety assessmentmethods, technologies for reducing effects of explosions, and techniques for effective utilizationby clarifying the ignition and explosion phenomena of energetic materials and high pressuregases. Through activities such as improving the UN Manual of Tests and Criteria, we contribute tothe formulation of standards for handling international hazardous substances.

To achieve a society harmonizing industry and the environment, it is necessary to reduce environmental and physical risk by appropriate use of chemicalsubstances, materials and energy. To this end, we are working to align development of methods for evaluating and managing environmental andphysical risk with the social and internationalization requirements of the public and private sectors in Japan.

Coordinator：Yuji Ogata (Director)Participating Research Groups:・Risk Assessment Strategy Group ・Environmental Exposure Modeling Group・Emission and Exposure Analysis Group ・Explosion Safety Research Group・Industrial Safety and Physical Risk Analysis Group

Research OutlineResearch Background

Coordinator：Yutaka Genchi (Deputy Director)Participating Research Groups:・Emission and Exposure Analysis Group ・Advanced LCA Research Group・Energy Systems Analysis and Policy Study Group ・Research Laboratory for IDEA・Industrial Safety and Physical Risk Analysis Group Research Outline

Outline and Target

Impacts on Society

Research BackgroundTowards realization of a society harmonizing industry and the environment, we develop assessment technologies targeting industrial safety and riskreduction together with risk assessment and management methods from industry to global scales for supporting innovation in the evaluation ofchemical substances, materials, energy and environment.

Focusing on subjects such as the hydrogen supply chain, we are conducting analyticevaluations related to safety management encompassing topics including probability ofaccident occurrence, assessment of hazards, vulnerabilities, exposure and risk, and industrialsafety and social acceptance.Concerning energy risk reduction and security enhancement, we are evaluating the CO2emissions reduction and energy conservation effects accompanying the development anddissemination of energy technologies such as energy creation, energy storage, energysaving and energy management.We are developing impact methods aimed at multi-criteria assessment, and we areconstructing the IDEA inventory database for supporting multi-criteria analysis.

Comparison of screening risk assessment results with general level of risk tolerance for hydrogen as an energy carrier

Expansion of IDEA in ASIA

• Contributing to realization of a hydrogen-based society• Ensuring stable supply of products, enhancement of business values, and safety of

residents living near the industrial facilities via promotion of the concept of “SafetyCompetency”.

• Contributing to promotion of CO2 emission reduction and energy conservation• Enabling companies to gain international environment response recognition through

multi-criteria evaluation methods

Strategic Theme 1: Risk assessment research contributing to safety management policy

Strategic Theme 2: Development of assessment technologies supporting innovation in industries

Risk evaluation tools for chemical substances

Strategic Research Topics of RISS

Lethal risk 10-3 per year

Lethal risk 10-6 per year

Lightening accident

Vehicle accident

Negligible risk

Risk reduction required

Unacceptable risk

Industrial accidentNatural disaster

Deaths from explosion by hydrogen release

Deaths from acute toxicity by release of energy carriers

Deaths from heat radiation by hydrogen release

We contribute to the mission of achieving a shift from “risk evaluation” to “risk tradeoff and risk communication” for environment and safetytechnology by conducting research on development and application of appropriate evaluation and management methods related to risks fromchemical substances, nanomaterials and radioactive substances.

Research Group Outline

Members7 Researchers:

Masashi Kamo, Katsuhide Fujita, Naohide Shinohara,Jun-ichi Takeshita, Yuichi Iwasaki, Hiroyuki Mano

11 Contract Employees

Group Leader:Wataru NaitoTsukuba West

Research HighlightsMethods for Risk Assessment and Management of

Chemicals

Measurements using a small size personaldosimeter and future predictions based onrealistic assessment of the current situation.⇒ Contribution to management and actiontoward personal exposure by localgovernments and individuals

Measurement of radioactivity in house dustand aerosols.⇒Contribution to assessment of dose foreach exposure route and investigatingmeasures for dose reduction

Development of toxicityprediction methods for humanhealth risk assessment bydeveloping and applyingmathematical techniques.Development of a predictionmethod for Species SensitivityDistribution (SSD) forcontributing to assessment ofhigher-tier ecological risk.

Measurement of Radioactivity in Houses within the Evacuation Areas in Fukushima

Development of an assessmentmodel for impacts of combinedexposure of chemical substancesand verification using toxicitytests. Development andapplication of an assessmentmethod at the population levelusing an ecological model.⇒ Contribution to development and standardization of combined exposureimpact assessment methods and population level assessment methods

⇒ Contribution to faster and more efficient toxicity evaluation for regulatory riskassessments. Standardization of statistical methods (ISO/TC69)

Indoor Exposure Assessment

Risk Assessment and Management Using Bioassays

Personal dosimeter“D-shuttle”

Prediction and evaluation of ecologicalimpacts in natural environments based onresults of field surveys.Performing practical environmental riskassessments considering regionalcharacteristics using field measurements andmodeling techniques.⇒ Providing scientific evidence for betterdecision making on how actual risks shouldbe managed, and voluntary risk assessmentand management by businesses Sampling at rivers and bays

Evaluation of ecological impacts on naturalenvironments from living organism responseto environment water. Investigation ofmethods for reducing impacts of waste waterat workplaces.⇒ Investigation of methods for toxicityassessment in the context of actualenvironments and contribution to riskmanagement of waste water at workplaces

Laboratory experiments of emission and absorption of SVOCs anddetermination of SVOCs in indoor environments.Determination of mold, mite and endotoxins in indoor environments.⇒ Contribution to exposure/risk assessments, and development ofmeasurement.

Devices used forradioactivity measurements

An illustration of population-level impact due to hazardous chemical exposure

Model predicting the presence/absence of hepatotoxicity (serum ALT↑) in rats from

molecular descriptors of chemicals

Test devices and species

Assessment of Individual External Doses in the Affected Areasin Fukushima

Development of Toxicity Prediction Methods for Efficient Risk Assessments

Development of Combined Toxicity and Population-Level Assessment Methods Using Mathematical Models

Pragmatic Risk Assessment of Freshwater and Marine Environments

Measurement and Assessment of Radiation Doses

Risk Assessment Strategy Group

Methods for Testing Toxicity of Nanomaterials(Carbon nanomaterials, Metal nanoparticles, Cellulose Nanofiber)

Standardization and Publication of Simple Safety Testing Methods of Nanomaterials

Preparation and publication of proceduralmanuals aiming for the standardization oftoxicity test methods for simple newtechnologies such as the intratrachealadministration test and other in vitro tests.

⇒ Support for voluntary safety managementof nanotechnology by companies. Contributionto creation of OECD Guidance Book.

Development of methods to analyze thepharmacokinetics of carbon-based materialsand metal-oxide materials for the hazardassessment. Pulmonary clearance ratecoefficient comparison among severalnanomaterials. Measurement of nanomaterialsdistribution in the lung after intratrachealadministration and inhalation exposure.

⇒ Establishment of methods to assess pharmacokinetics

Test procedure manual

Development of Toxicity Assessment Methods of Cellulose Nanofiber

Development of condition for preparation ofcellulose nanofiber (CNF) sample, CNFmeasurement method in animal lung sample,and intratracheal administration test.Development of CNF detection and skinpenetration test method in skin cell model.

TEM image of CNF

Development of Methods to Test and Analyze Pharmacokinetics of Nanomaterials

Distributions of TiO2 in lung after intratracheal administration (left) and

inhalation exposure (right)

We develop exposure assessment technologies as the basis for risk assessment of chemical substances on humans and ecosystems.Specifically, we are developing various models for assessing exposure and risk from chemical substances via different mediums such as atmosphere,rivers, oceans, and indoor environments (ADMER, ADMER-PRO, SHANEL, RAMTB, ICET etc.). These models are released as free software that anyonecan use by downloading from the RISS website or ordering a DVD-ROM. Our goals include not only active use by government for compliance withChemical Substances Control Law and so on, but also active use for compliance with CSR for private companies and responsible care via services suchas technology consulting, technology training and collaborative research.


Product Exposure Model

Research HighlightsDevelopment of Environmental Exposure Software

Atmospheric Models

• With regard to direct exposure from the atmosphere or indoorproducts, our software development focuses mainly on humanimpact and impact on ecosystems such as exposure of aquaticorganisms via the water environment in rivers and ocean regions.

• We are improving the ADMER atmospheric model and the SHANELriver model to handle accidents involving leakage of chemicalsubstances.

Relationships between each software for understanding exposure and risk from chemical substances

ADMER (Atmospheric Dispersion Model for Exposure and Risk assessment)

ICET (Indoor Consumer Exposure assessment Tool)

• These tools can be used in regular practice of risk assessment forindoor products by environment and safety officers of companiesand government entities.

• Specifically the tools can:• evaluate scenarios for realistic (not just excessive) levels of exposure• handle various chemical substances contained in consumer products

(bug repellents, plasticizers, solvents, flame retardants, etc.)

Example of simulated atmospheric concentration

distribution

River and Oceanic Region ModelsSHANEL

(Standardized Hydrology-based Assessment tool for chemical Exposure Load)

• Estimates spatial distributions andtemporal changes of chemicalconcentration for all rivers in thenation

• Assesses exposure of chemicalsubstances discharged into riversvia activities of everyday life and ofindustry, and also as a result ofchemical leakage accidents

• Model contains data of catchmentareas for all rivers in Japan and canbe operated on a standardWindows PC.

• Provides spatial-temporal analysis ofaquatic concentrations of chemicalsubstances in coastal regions

• Model contains physical quantitiesand ecosystem data for targetedocean regions, so risk can becalculated by just enteringemissions amount and simpleproperties.

• Model can assess ecological riskcorresponding to loads from linealand point sources in ocean regions,air and rivers.

RAM-TB (Risk Assessment Model – Tokyo Bay)

Output display of concentrationdistribution in Tokyo Bay

Example of concentration distribution in river water

Example of concentration change and exposure distribution

Example of ozone concentration distribution

• Estimates atmospheric concentrationsand population exposure to chemicalsubstances with high spatial andtemporal resolution

• Because model contains basic datafor weather and population, etc.,estimation is possible by just enteringemissions amount and simplechemical properties.

• In addition to chronical exposure atnational and regional scale, riskassessment for acute exposure byaccidental chemical release is alsopossible.

ADMER-PRO(Atmospheric Dispersion Model applicable for chemical reaction products)

• Estimates concentrations of multiplesubstances, including gasesproduced from atmosphericreactions such as ozone

• Model contains required input datasuch as emissions amounts of eachsubstance, so concentrationdistributions and reductionpotentials can be estimated withlittle time and effort.

• Model can be easily operated on astandard Windows PC.

Concentration

Environmental Exposure Modeling GroupMembers

4 Researchers:Yuriko Ishikawa, Kazuya Inoue, Tomoko Oguri


Group Leader:Hideo KajiharaTsukuba West

• Currently studying applicabilityto products usingCellulose Nanofibers (CNF)

We are advancing evaluation of risk on human health and ecology from new substances as well as substitute substances and mixtures. Towards this, weare conducting emission and exposure analysis that considers the entire life cycle of these substances. Specifically, we are developing methods forestimating their physico-chemical properties, levels of emission into the environment, exposure and risk toward humans and ecosystems, etc.In addition, we are working on assessing the risk of accidents from natural disasters and new technologies, and we are developing risk evaluationmethods for hydrogen energy carriers and risk tradeoff analysis of radiation countermeasures. Finally, our group conducts a wide range of riskassessment studies such as social acceptability surveys, comprehensive risk evaluation and expansion of evaluation methods throughout Asia.


Research Highlights

Emission and Exposure Assessment of Nanomaterials

Exposure Analysis For Complex Mixtures

Risk Assessment of Hydrogen Energy Carriers

Integration of Measurement and Informatics for Exposure Analysis

Assessment of Risk at Hydrogen Stations

Survey of Public Acceptance of Hydrogen Stations

We are developing methods for measuringairborne nanomaterials such as carbonnanotubes and nanocellulose.By creating a guide, we support self-management for safety by businesses.

Development of Methods for Emission and Exposure Assessment

Field Surveys and Emission TestsWe conduct field surveys of plants where nanomaterials and theirproducts are handled, and we perform emission tests to evaluate thepossibility and degree of nanomaterial emission.

Guide to evaluateemission and exposure

Field surveys

Test of dustiness during transfer of

powderGrinding test for

composite material

Substances from a mixture detected by

GC × GC

Instrument for comprehensive

analysis (GC × GC)

We are developing methodsof comprehensive analysis toclarify various substancescontained in mixturesoccurring in the environmentand in products.

We conduct a series of riskassessments, including proposingaccident and exposure scenariosas well as estimating damage andrisk.We aim for social implementationof comprehensive risk-basedmanagement. Our risk assessmentreports facilitate riskcommunication betweenmanufacturers, municipalities andcitizens.

Simulation of blast wave

Human risk contour map（notable discomfort from

toluene ）

We conduct surveys of the publicacceptance towards hydrogenfueling stations and how itcorrelates with characteristics ofhuman risk perception, and weclarify how availability ofinformation on risk, benefit andsafety measures relates toacceptability of new technologies. Relationship between benefit/risk information

and risk perception

Direct estimation of parameters for exposure analysis from a GC × GC

measurement

We are developinginformatics technologies forrapidly evaluating multiplecomponents in a mixture.Using techniques thatcombine measurement andinformatics to directlyestimate parameters forevaluating exposure and riskto detected substances, wesupport risk assessment ofmixtures.

Comprehensive Analysis of Mixtures

Methylcyclo-hexane(MCH)

Toluene

HydrogenMCH

Toluene

Unknown

DreadRisk informed group

Uninformed group

Risk & benefit informed group

Emission and Exposure Analysis GroupMembers

6 Researchers:Bin-Le Lin, Isamu Ogura, Kyoko Ono,Yasuyuki Zushi, Mianqiang Xue


Group Leader:Kiyotaka TsunemiTsukuba West

Developing an Intelligent Tool for Risk Assessment

Advancing AIST-MeRAM as an Intelligent System: Tool Innovation

Supporting the Evaluation of CSCL: Tool DisseminationWe are developing and disseminating therisk assessment tool AIST-MeRAM towardthe following three goals:(1) to provide an easy-to-use tool for

accelerating risk assessment andmanagement of chemicals to meetdomestic and international regulations

(2) to promote the method and value of ERA(Ecological Risk Assessment) withinsociety and to introduce Japanese styleof chemical risk management to otherAsian countries

(3) to provide illustrations of different typesof ERA in order to standardize themethods

We are advancing the intelligent analysisfeatures of AIST-MeRAM by(1) using network analysis methods such as

graph theory to develop a hybridecotoxicity prediction tool and chemicalsimilarity evaluation tool

(2) connecting to other widely used toolssuch as KATE system developed by NIESof MOE and ChemTHEATRE developedby Ehime University

(3) registering AIST-MeRAM to NBDC as atool for open science and open database

IT Solution for Ecological Risk Assessment (ERA)

Advancing AIST-MeRAM as an Intelligent System

We are conducting a wide variety of studies concerning explosion safety - ranging from basic to applied - by advancing the understanding of ignitionand explosion phenomena of high energy substances that are representative of explosives. These studies include safety assessment methods andsafety technologies, techniques for reducing explosion effects, and technologies for effective utilization of energetic materials.In addition, we are actively responding to government needs for explosives by executing large-scale explosion tests in the field. The results obtainedare reflected in both creating standards for safe handling techniques of explosives and establishing the formulation of standards for handlinginternationally hazardous substances through improvement of UN Manual of Tests and Criteria, thereby contributing to the realization of a safe andsecure society.


Evaluation Techniques for Explosion Safetyfor Energetic Materials

Research Highlights

International contributions for explosion safety

Development of Methods and Techniques for Evaluating and Mitigating Explosion Effects

Development of technologies for more effective use of explosives

Explosion Tests in the Field

Contributing to formulation of handlingstandards for internationally designatedhazardous substances through activitiessuch as improving the UN Manual of Testsand Criteria for regulation of chemicalsubstances

Numerical Calculation Techniques

Developing techniques for predicting effects of explosions based onnumerical calculations that are highly precise and computationally fast

Modeling of magazines for explosives

Simulation results of gases produced by explosion High-Efficiency Production Technique for Detonation Nanodiamond

Development of original explosion device.→ Patent of production method at a low-cost and high-efficiency

Synthesis of energetic materials having nanostructures

Synthesis of nano-nitrocellulose.→ Improvement of combustibility and application to new devices

Explosibility Evaluation Based on Exothermic Decomposition Energy

For over 50 samples of explosives (energy substances), we conductedconsistent measurements of the exothermic decomposition energybased on JIS K4834.→ We clarified the relationship between exothermic onset temperatureand exothermic decomposition energy.

Classification of Explosives and Energetic Materials for SafetyDevelopment of Functional Materials by Shock Compression

Light-emitting materials, carbon based materials, etc.

Development of Standard Technique for Stability Test of Explosives

We have determined that NO gas is emitted byexplosives. We are developing a method forperformance trials of iodide potassium starch paperfor stability test of explosives using NO as acalibration gas.

→ Contribution to revision of JIS K 4822(2017), andrevision of notice of MITI 1995 Stability test of

explosives

Detonation of ANFO explosiveRef: Report on technical standard for explosion mitigation of

explosives (2016)

• Assessing the effects occurringat the time of explosion (blastwave, fragment characteristics,ground vibration, radiant heat,explosion sound)

• Developing technologies toreduce the explosion effects

• Reduction of required safetydistance for more effectivespace utilization, etc.

• Obtaining scientific evidenceand basic data for amendmentof Explosives Control Act

→ Contributing to the formulation of standards for techniques forhandling explosives

Development of methodto measure exothermicdecomposition energy forevaluation of explosibilityof chemical substances(JIS K4834)

1.9 2.0 2.1 2.2 2.3 2.4 2.5 2.6 2.7 2.8

2.42.52.62.72.82.93.03.13.23.33.4

TATP

AN Pb(N3)2

Log(

Q DSC)

Log(T-25)

Water gel Dynamites Smokeless powder Primary explosive Explosives mixtures Fireworks composition ANFO Black powder Pyrotechnic articles Explosive compound non-explosive

Explosion Safety Research GroupMembers

6 Researchers:Tomoharu Matsumura, Miyako Akiyoshi,Ken Okada, Yuta Sugiyama, Takahiro Tamba


Group Leader:Kunihiko WakabayashiTsukuba Central No.5

In order to employ the attractive characteristics of energetic materials such combustible gases and explosives, their reaction behaviors must becontrolled in an appropriate manner when they are utilized in order to prevent accidents. The capabilities to understand the combustion and explosionphenomenon and to evaluate the explosive impact to the surroundings are required. Furthermore, it is important to learn from accidents to improvesafety management. Our group is conducting research to meet the needs of government and society with respect to safety application of combustionand explosion, focusing on studies of 1) safe use of high pressure gases, 2) explosive safety and its applications, and 3) industrial safety.


Explosive Safety and its Applications

Research Highlights

Safe Use of High Pressure Gases, etc.

Industrial Safety

Hydrogen Safety

We develop safety assessment techniques to support newtechnologies using high pressure gases and flammable gases such ashydrogen and new refrigerants, and we aim to realize a safe andsecure society through self-managed industrial safety techniques.

Low-GWP Alternative Refrigerants

Evaluation of low-GWPrefrigerants for small and mid-size air-conditioning systems

A2L refrigerants(mildly flammable)

• Combustion test in aclosed spherical vessel

Propane (flammable)• Field test in a full-sized

house

Development of the “Check Points” List for Safety Assurance

Development of Blasting Techniques

Blasting with smaller amounts ofexplosives (gram level) than before Mini-Blasting

Applications• Development of breaching

techniques using explosives toblast open breaches in walls forescape routes

• Because people needing rescueare present, fragmentation mustoccur only on the blasting side

Dispersion simulation of leaking hydrogenin a pipe shaft(Ref: “2015 Survey on construction of technologiesfor secure piping in a hydrogen network” Report) • Development of controlled blasting for low environmental impact

• Explosion hazard assessment :estimation of blast, fragment characteristics, ground vibration

• Clarification of explosion phenomena using CFD code• Full-scale dynamic behavior analysis in the field using Digital Image

Correlation technique

Responding to energy supply risk and the problem of global warming Introduction of hydrogen pipe supply system

Experiment conditions in a mock-upveranda for natural leakage and ignition ofrefrigerants(Ref: 2016 NEDO “Physical hazard analysis ofmedium and small size residential air conditionerusing natural refrigerant” Project Report)

Breaching by mini-blasting

Promoting the use of a diversity ofindustrial gases Predicting combustibility of gases

using a chemical reaction model

• Hydrofluorocarbons• Oxidizing gases• (e.g. cleaning and etching agents)

Evaluation of basic combustioncharacteristics by using numericalsimulation

Chemistry-Based Evaluation of Combustion Properties

Propagation of mixtures ofNF3/flammable gases (left) andtheir flame speeds (right)(Ref: 2011-2012 “Evaluation of Hazardsfrom High Pressure Gases” Project Report)

Industrial safety of chemical, petroleum, and petrochemical plants

Senior engineers analyze 30domestic and internationalchemical disasters, and they extract3000 “check points” for safetyassurance that anyone can easilyapply

• Employment of “Progress FlowAnalysis ®” developed at AISTas an analytic method forchemical disasters

• Development of “Industrialsafety check points retrievalsystem” application for use onsite

• Relations between risk andactual accident cases can beunderstood, which is useful for“Know-Why education”

0 1000 2000 30000

0.05

0.1

H2

conc

entra

tion

/ Vol

％

Time / sec.

Experiment (A23)Position: Roof

Simulation (FDS: Roof of center)

550mL/min heating element 40 ℃

Industrial Safety and Physical Risk Analysis GroupMembers

7 Researchers:Hiroumi Shiina, Tei Saburi, Ryoji Makino, Akira Matsugi, Akifumi Takahashi, Makoto Asahara*

(* Cross Appointment Fellow)


Group Leader:Shiro KubotaTsukuba West

Clean Breaching230 mm RC wall

(1.2×1.2×0.23 m)

45゜ borehole

120 mm in depth

Charge mass:

6 g / hole (Total 90 g)

Average depth : 110 mm

Hand breaker 29 minutesBack Side

Borehole Side

Cloud

Log in

CP Search

Creation of own CP

EncryptionCheck

History management

AnalysisExport

Member management

A manager gives plant operators a list of check

points and receives its

checked results.

Plant operators receive

a list of check points and answer its results via tablet

or smartphone.

• Prediction of concentrationdistribution of hydrogenleakage in pipe shafts

• Assessment of impacts onsurroundings in the case ofignition of leakedhydrogen

When investigating strategies for dissemination of a new technology and systems for its promotion, we need to grasp the various environment andsocio-economic influences and effects accompanying the introduction of that technology.The method for assessing the impact on the environment that considers the activity chain for the product or service from “cradle to grave” is called LifeCycle Assessment (LCA). Based on the application of LCA techniques and life cycle thinking, the Advanced LCA Research Group conducts research ondevelopment of assessment methods for analyzing influences and ripple effects on both the environment and the socio-economic systems as well asthe application of those methods for technology assessment and design of social systems for realizing a sustainable society.


Research Highlights

Designing Sustainable Use of Metals

Achieving the sustainable use ofmetals requires consideration ofboth a stable supply of mineralresources from overseas and asound system of domesticrecycling. For this purpose, weare working on the criticalityassessment for evaluatingsupply risk of metals. We arealso evaluating the domesticrecycling potential with materialflow analysis by estimating thevolume of metals that could berecovered from end-of-lifeproducts.

Resource strategies suggested from criticality assessment and material flow

analysis

AIST has established the Strategic Urban Mining Research Base (SURE),which is comprised of 7 research units. The members of SURE areengaged in developing recycling technologies, product design andsocial systems toward sustainable metal use. The role of our group inSURE is to provide a long-term outlook of the objectives that must beaddressed in recycling.

Evaluation of Technologies for Utilization of Biomass

Biomass is expected to be animportant renewable resourcein addition to the potential forreducing greenhouse gasemissions by absorption andfixation of carbon dioxide in theatmosphere. To understandthese potentials, impactassessments must beconducted from the viewpointof the entire life cycle whileadvancing the developmentand introduction of newbiorefinery technologies.

At our group, we are evaluating how the changes anticipated ifmanufacture of “bio-based” products using woody biomass is widelyintroduced in society might ripple out to the industry whileunderstanding the environmental and socio-economic influences fromthe aspect of sustainability.

Water Footprint− Analyzing Risks of Water Use in the Supply Chain −Products and services produced in other countries are indispensablefor production and consumption in our country. We are developing amethod to calculate the hidden water consumption in these supplychains and analyze the associated environmental and business risks.

Distribution of water consumption hidden in Japanese supply chains

Energy Technology Evaluation

An example of a hydrogen supply chain

Towards the establishment of a sustainable energy system, we areinvolved in research targeting various energy technologies and carriers.We are using energy system models to investigate optimal technologydevelopment pathways considering issues of social implementation. Inaddition, we are developing methods for using AI techniques toanalyze electricity consumption data in order to conserve energy whileassuring comfort in the home, and we are identifying technologicalissues for achieving low carbon societies via analysis of the life cycle ofthe hydrogen supply chain.

Estimation of lifestyle and consumer attributes from power consumption data using deep learning

Advanced LCA Research GroupMembers

8 Researchers:Kenichiro Tsukahara, Shinichiro Morimoto, Masaharu Motoshita,Tomonori Honda, Hiroki Hatayama, Akito Ozawa, Ryosuke Yokoi


Group Leader:Yuki KudohTsukuba West

Low High

Low

High

Critical metal that can be secured through recycling

M2

M1

M3

Criticality

Pot

entia

l of r

ecyc

ling

Critical metal that needs to be saved or substituted

Target for recycling

Life cycle analysis of innovative biomass utilization technologies

Evaluation throughout

the life cycle

Transportationand storage

Planting and logging

Use

Disposal and Recycle

Conversion

Key compounds(Bio-based materials)

Various bio-basedchemical products

Lignin

Woody biomass

Cellulose Hemicellulose

Use

Disposal and Recycle

Mining

Transportationand storage

ConversionCrude oil

Naphtha

Basic chemicals

Various chemical products

H2

Hydrogenproduction

StorageEnergy carrierproduction

End usetechnologies

Primaryenergy

H2

Dehydro-genation

The Energy Systems Analysis and Policy Study Group is engaged in using the approach of energy technology assessment to address the problem ofwhat is the optimal energy system from the viewpoint of the four evaluation axes of Energy Security, Economic Efficiency, Environment, and Safety(3E+S). Major study themes include analysis of long-term energy scenarios using energy economy models, research on promoting effective energyconservation, and research on impacts of new technologies on society.


Analysis and Evaluation of Energy Conservation

Research Highlights

Energy System Analysis

Evaluating Impact on Society from New Technologies

Starting with the MARKAL model for the energy system of Japan, weare developing different kinds of models for Asia and the world, and weare verifying representative future scenarios and evaluations oftechnology effectiveness. We are analyzing and evaluating the effect oflarge scale introduction of revolutionary energy technologies,renewable energy, and energy carriers such as hydrogen in regions ofJapan on mid to long term energy supply structure and CO2 emissionsamounts.In the global arena, using simulation tools incorporating factors such asglobal energy and mineral resources, food and biomass, environmentalimpacts and economic growth, we are involved in developingquantitative estimation methods related to the future dynamic state ofsustainability indices for attaining the 2℃ target, considering the rolesof resource supply and demand together with energy technologiessuch as Biomass Energy and Carbon Capture and Sequestration(BECCS), and various other resource substitutes.

To strengthen energy conservation in the commercial sector,management methods are needed that use data analysis to provideaccurate feedback evaluations of the effect of countermeasuretechnologies with consideration of the conditions of energyconsumption and GHG emissions. Currently, in cooperation withuniversities and regional governments, we are classifying energyconsumption in buildings by industry type and by use type, and weare developing a method for managing energy consumption in eachof those buildings. In addition, we are developing methods forevaluating prioritization based on weighting of technology efficiency,applicability, cost, effect, etc.

For future technologies still at the R&D stage, we are developingmethods using Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) to estimate the reductioneffect on cost and environmental impact when replacing conventionaltechnology. Using this method, it is possible to optimize processes andproduct designs at the R&D stage by visualizing issues that may ariseduring large-scale introduction of a future technology while enablingquantitative evaluation of the potential of the future technology.

Modeling of the Energy System

Knowledge obtainedCost and environmental

impacts when technologiescurrently underdevelopment are put intolarge-scale productionSeveral environmental

impacts can be assessed inaddition to GHGs.From a bird’s eye

perspective, process andmaterial bottlenecks can beunderstood.Future technology

development issues can beunderstood.

Case study of a Super-Growth Method for Carbon Nanotube

It is important to promote the introduction of more effective technologies with low cost.

Consideration of Long-Term Future Energy Supply and Demand when using CO2-Free Hydrogen

Energy Systems Analysis and Policy Study GroupMembers

4 Researchers:Manabu Utagawa, Kotaro Kawajiri, Masahiro Nishio


Group Leader:Yasuhiko KondoTsukuba West

On April 2017, the Research Laboratory for IDEA was established at the Research Institute of Science for Safety and Sustainability. Research projects atthe laboratory are conducted by members across the entire organization of AIST. The Mission of the Research Laboratory for IDEA consists of thedevelopment and implementation of IDEA (Inventory Database for Environmental Analysis), the establishment of methodologies for technologyassessment, and the promotion of international/domestic cooperation. The laboratory was started with 10 researchers, including members fromoutside of the RISS, and 8 contract employees.Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) is a method for quantitatively assessing environmental impact by surveying and aggregating data on materials and energy(inventory data) used throughout the whole lifetime of a product or service from raw material extraction to final disposal. When conducting LCA, aninventory database provides support for the inventory analysis of the product or service being assessed. The inventory database being developed atthe Research Laboratory for IDEA is based on processes for over 3,800 products and services covering economic activities of almost all Japaneseindustries.

Research Laboratory Outline

International and Domestic Cooperation

Research Highlights

Development of the IDEA Inventory Database

Evaluation of New Materials and New Technologies

Outline of IDEAIDEA is being developed to guarantee comprehensiveness, reliability,completeness, and transparency. In particular, regardingcomprehensiveness, IDEA covers almost all of the economic activitiesof businesses in Japan, and all of the data is categorized into “Japanstandard industrial classification” and “Commodity Classification forthe Census of Manufacturers”. Representativeness is assured by usingstatistical averages for the data on manufacturing processes andservices of Japan.

Calculating Environmental Impacts of VehiclesUsing Carbon Fiber

We are conducting evaluations of vehicles that use parts made ofcarbon fiber (CF) in order to reduce the vehicle weight.

Development of Evaluation Method for Chemical Products Derived from Non-Edible Plant Material

We are developing environmental impact assessment methodologiesto evaluate new technologies such as a process for manufacturing bio-based chemical products using wood as a raw material.

Participation in GLADWe are participating in the GLAD (Global LCA Data Access) initiativecoordinated by UN Environment with 14 member countries, and weare engaged in activities aiming at networking and increasing theinteroperability of LCA databases world wide.

We are expanding the database for regions in Asia in order to addressthe global supply chain analysis. We customize the inventory data foreach country based on the process data in IDEA to reflect thesituations of each country in terms of type of fuel and amount ofenergy used during product manufacture.

Consolidation of International Inventory Database

Software distribution forms of IDEA

Distribution of IDEAIDEA v2 is provided as cradle to gate datasets in Excel and gate to gateunit processes for SimaPro, openLCA, and MiLCA.

Expansion of IDEA in Asia

Research Laboratory for IDEAMembers

10 Researchers:Yutaka Genchi, Kenichiro Tsukahara, Kotaro Kawajiri,Tomonori Honda, Hiroki Hatayama, Hiroaki Hatori,Tatsuo Yagishita, Keijiro Masui, Mitsutaka Matsumoto


Director:Kiyotaka TaharaTsukuba West

Japan

Thailand

Malaysia

China

Taiwan

Indonesia

Korea

Vietnam

Number of Datasets in IDEA (comparison with ecoinvent)

Access

As of December 2019

AIST Tsukuba West16-1 Onogawa, Tsukuba, Ibaraki, 305-8569

AIST Tsukuba Central 51-1-1 Higashi, Tsukuba, Ibaraki, 305-8565

E-mail: [email protected]: https://en.aist-riss.jp/

research institute of science for safety and sustainabilityassessments. standardization of...

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