category selection in inputs/outputs sheet and flow type selection

Question

Hi,

I have questions regarding category selection. I am wondering if a category in the inputs/outputs sheet affects results.

 Also, do selecting flow types such as elementary flow,  product, and waste affect results? I feel confused about flow type because when I have a look at a case study database, most waste treatment outputs are elementary flow not waste.

Please help me with this. Thank you so much.

Regards,

Answer 1

Yes, the flow type has a specific meaning: product and waste flows can be linked in a product system, elementary flows not. A result is calculated by including the (scaled) processes that provide product inputs and processes that receive waste outputs recursively through the system. Sometimes waste flows are marked as elementary flows to avoid that these are linked accidentally and to make sure that these always appear in the inventory result.