Manpower cost calculation

Fig. 14.3 Process costs for three different cultivation systems based on a 10-L culture scale. Fixed costs, consumables and manpower costs were calculated on a typical industry cost basis. 

Whitestone did evaluate many alternatives prior to choosing RO. They decided to use RO because the initial cost was low, maintenance requirements were low and operator attention was minimal compared to the alternatives. Whitestone also calculated that the operating costs, both in manpower needs and in actual chemicals and membrane replacement, was less than other alternatives. Since the RO system would be operating on biologically active materials it was decided that cleaning every 8 hours would be appropriate. Therefore, an automatic Clean-In-Place (CIP) system was developed and installed with the RO unit. There is typically a 1 01 reduction in permeate rate due to fouling prior to the time that Whitestone cleans the RO unit. 

The base case of the aqueous Kolbe-Schmitt synthesis of 2,4-dihydroxybenzoic add is calculated with a five-tube reactor allowing a theoretical production rate of 4.41 p.a. (assuming 8000 h p.a.). The product-related fixed cost of about 1 per kilogram of product, derived from the investment cost by dividing by the amortization time of 7 years, are very small compared with the operational costs of 91 kg . The main and approximatdy equal portions of the operational costs are the raw material cost and operator salary when a quarter of the hourly wage rate of manpower is assumed (Figure 13.7). 

To calculate the costs of the cathode, anode, separator and electrolyte, we analyzed the manufacturing processes for these materials, including process steps, investments, utilities, electricity and direct manpower. Figure 24.4 shows the continuous manufacturing process used for NCM and nickel cobalt aluminium (NCA) [1]. The main steps in a continuous process for mixed metal cathodes are precipitation, blending, heat treatment and milling. 

The equipment that we have used has lasted for over 7 years, without breakage or need for repair. Concerning the manpower required for installation of the equipment, the cost is trivial approximately 300-350 US for seven years of activity and for 13,000 inhabitants the cost per year and per inhibitant is extremely low. The cost of iodine has been calculated on the basis of 40 US per kg of elemental iodine. For maintenance, the cost is again extremely low. It can be done by the same person who carries out the control of water chlorination. One has to check the stability of iodine distribution, perhaps two or three times a year. Lastly, the point regarding communication is a real issue, since one has to inform the population that water has been modified by the addition of iodine. This is a real cost to be included in the financial calculation. 

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