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Environmental
Management
Sustainability Report 2006 |
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| Contribution to Environmental Protection through
Products, Technologies and Services (4) |
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| Reducing the Burden on the Environment |
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Integrated Production of Small, Above-Ground
Bulk Gas Vessels |
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Shinko JFE Industrial Co., Ltd. has installed
an integrated production line to manufacture small, above-ground bulk
gas vessels. After legal amendments in 1997, it became possible for
private households in Japan to use bulk gas vessels that can be replenished,
instead of requiring tank replacement. Demand is growing for this
more convenient system. Anticipating this trend, the new production
line, for small bulk gas vessels weighing 150 kg to 300 kg, puts the
company in an excellent position to meet future needs. Several features
differentiate this production line from others. First, it incorporates
a powder paint baking process (including pretreatment) that strengthens
the paint coating and improves corrosion and weather resistance, while
also being able to impart a shine that makes the product more attractive.
Second, no organic solvents are used, so that the air is protected
from contamination from organic substances during the painting process.
Third, the line incorporates all phases of manufacture, from material
input to finished product, which makes it possible to improve productivity
using less energy, while ensuring thorough quality control. |
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Small, Above-Ground Bulk Gas Vessels |
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Technology for Cleaning Contaminated Soil |
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Kobelco Eco-Solutions
Co., Ltd. has developed the RH-SP Process for cleaning contaminated
soil.
The new process is based on the RH (Reduction Heating) Process, which
heats the soil to 350 - 550°C in a reduced (non-oxygenated) atmosphere,
thus separating and decomposing PCBs, dioxins, organic chlorine-based
agricultural chemicals and other toxic substances. The RH-SP Process
combines the RH Process with the SP Process, a PCB treatment technology
also owned by the company that disperses metallic sodium. Because
it generates neither exhaust gas nor wastewater, the RH-SP Process
can be used without the risk of secondary contamination.
Verification tests earned the technology recognition for its effectiveness
from the Ministry of the Environment and the Japan Industrial Waste
Technology Center, opening prospects for commercializing the Process.
Units are now in production, with orders anticipated for such applications
as decontamination of soil and cleaning the bottoms of harbors and
rivers. In Okinawa Prefecture, studies are being done on the effective
use of decontaminated soil in greening projects. |
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RH-SP Process |
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Start-Up of New Transit Systems |
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Two new, automated
rubber-tired transit systems developed by Kobe Steel started operation
in early 2006. The Portliner extension between Kobe Airport and Port
Island started service on February 2, followed on March 27 by the
start up of the extended Yurikamome Line connecting Ariake Station
in Tokyo's Rinkai Fukutoshi district with Toyosu Station on the Yurakucho
Line.
Kobe Steel has been a pioneer in advanced transit systems in Japan,
starting with a business tie-up it formed with The Boeing Company
of the United States in 1972. For more than three decades, we have
provided comprehensive engineering solutions for various automated
systems, including safety signals, automated operation, and schedule
management systems. We have also proposed and executed projects overseas
including the transit shuttle that began operation in 2003, connecting
terminals at the Taiwan Taoyuan International Airport.
Kobe Steel's new transit systems are called automated guide-way transit
(AGT) systems comprised of an elevated track upon which train cars
run on small rubber tires. One of its special features is the fact
that it can be completely automated if desired. Because it does not
generate CO2 emissions, it is an environmentally
friendly transit choice that is effective in easing excessive urban
congestion. |
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New Transit Systems |
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