Flat-rolled products of stainless steel, further worked

1. Scope and Applicability

This PCR applies to gate-to-gate production of saleable stainless-steel flat-rolled products whose declared market state has undergone at least one operation beyond the state described merely as hot-rolled or merely as cold-rolled. The foreground boundary begins with receipt of a declared stainless-steel flat-rolled feed and ends with the inspected, further-worked product at the producer gate. The data package shall identify the actual sequence of annealing, pickling, cold reduction, temper or skin-pass rolling, mechanical surface finishing, cutting or slitting, protective-film application, and packing operations at the reporting site, and shall identify the post-rolling operation that establishes the further-worked state. Primary cold reduction by itself does not establish that state.

The PCR does not cover primary stainless-steel melting, casting, or production of the incoming flat-rolled feed unless those processes are separately linked through upstream datasets. It excludes bars, rods, wire, sections, tubes, fabricated articles, non-stainless flat-rolled steel, and stainless-steel flat-rolled products whose declared market state is only hot-rolled or only cold-rolled. Product use and end-of-life are outside this gate-to-gate rule.

2. Product Category Identity

Field	Value
canonical_pcr_id	pcr.metal-products-machinery-and-equipment.basic-metals.flat-rolled-products-of-stainless-steel-further-worked
classification_refs	CPC 3.0: 41232, exact classification context
covered_products	Stainless-steel strip, sheet, plate, or coil sold in a flat-rolled form after at least one declared further-working operation beyond a merely hot-rolled or merely cold-rolled state
excluded_products	Merely hot-rolled or merely cold-rolled stainless-steel flat products; non-stainless steel; silicon-electrical or high-speed steel; long products, tubes, wire, cast products, and fabricated articles
representative_product	Saleable stainless-steel flat-rolled strip, sheet, plate, or coil in the producer-declared grade, dimensions, surface finish, and delivery condition
production_route	Site-specific sequence selected from feed preparation, annealing and descaling, acid pickling and rinsing, cold reduction, temper or skin-pass rolling, mechanical surface finishing, and final conversion and packing; identify at least one operation after the final primary hot or cold rolling step that establishes the further-worked state
market_state	Dry, inspected producer-gate product in the declared coil, sheet, strip, or plate form; packaging is reported separately and is excluded from net product mass

3. Reference Flow

Field	Value
What	Provision of a stainless-steel flat-rolled product in a declared further-worked market state
How much	1,000 kg net saleable product, excluding packaging
How well	Conforming to the declared stainless-steel grade, thickness, width, surface finish, edge condition, dimensional tolerance, and delivery condition
How long or cycle	One production lot at the producer gate; no use-stage duration is assigned
reference_flow_link	output_reference_product

Field	Value
Reference amount	1,000 kg net saleable product
Reference product flow	Flat-rolled products of stainless steel, further worked add37984-82d6-4c91-85e3-9911c0135944
Reference flow property	Mass 93a60a56-a3c8-11da-a746-0800200b9a66
Reference unit group	Units of mass 93a60a57-a4c8-11da-a746-0800200c9a66
Reference unit	kg
Required qualifiers	stainless-steel grade and composition standard; input and output product state; route-defining further-working operations; thickness and width; coil, sheet, strip, or plate form; surface finish; edge condition; annealing atmosphere; pickling chemistry; net product moisture or surface-liquid condition; producer geography; reporting period; allocation approach; packaging configuration

When constructing a foreground data package, every required qualifier shall be declared in dataset metadata, process notes, the reference-flow comment, the product description, or an equivalent field. A missing qualifier makes the reference-flow definition incomplete.

4. Measurement and Unit Rules

rule_id	Applies to	Required property	Required unit	Rule
reference_product_mass	Reference product and all mass-normalized exchanges	Mass 93a60a56-a3c8-11da-a746-0800200b9a66	kg	Determine net saleable product mass after trimming and inspection and before adding packaging; normalize all inventory to 1,000 kg of this product.
intermediate_mass_linking	Internal stainless-steel intermediates	Mass 93a60a56-a3c8-11da-a746-0800200b9a66	kg	Link consecutive unit processes with the same measured or mass-balanced intermediate amount and do not count an internal transfer as an external input or output.
electricity_energy	Electricity inputs	Energy	MJ	Preserve the supplier billing unit in raw records and convert to MJ with the declared exact conversion; disclose voltage, provider, geography, supply technology, delivery boundary, and treatment of line losses.
gas_volume_conditions	Natural-gas input	Volume 93a60a56-a3c8-22da-a746-0800200c9a66	m3	Record supplier-metered gas volume together with temperature, pressure, dry or wet basis, and conversion to the declared reference conditions; do not substitute an energy amount without retaining the conversion basis.
acid_solution_mass	Pickling acids and neutralizer	Mass	kg	Record purchased or make-up solution mass and concentration separately; report the selected-flow amount as solution mass and retain active-substance mass as a calculated field.

5. System Boundary

Boundary Abstraction

Field	Value
declared_starting_condition	Stainless-steel flat-rolled feed at site receipt, with grade, mass, dimensions, surface state, and prior hot-rolled or cold-rolled condition declared
starting_condition_role	Purchased or transferred upstream flat-rolled feed entering the foreground further-working route
product_classification_scope	Stainless-steel flat-rolled products matching the semantic boundary of CPC 3.0 subclass 41232; classification is contextual and does not replace the product-state declaration
recursive_input_rule	When an input is itself a further-worked stainless-steel flat-rolled product, record it once as an upstream product flow and link a separately bounded upstream dataset; do not recursively reproduce this PCR inside the same foreground process
upstream_dataset_requirement	Use supplier-specific data when available; otherwise use a geographically, technologically, grade-, and product-state-representative upstream dataset for the incoming flat-rolled feed
disclosure	Declare included unit operations, combined-line aggregation, outsourced operations, feed state, product state, scrap destinations, acid recovery, water recirculation, air and water abatement, packaging, and exclusions

rule_id	Applies to	Rule	source_ids
boundary_route_definition	foreground_system_boundary	Include every on-site process that changes the received stainless-steel flat-rolled feed into the declared further-worked product, including associated line utilities, recirculation, abatement, and directly generated wastes; identify at least one operation after the final primary hot or cold rolling step that establishes the further-worked state.	eu-jrc-fmp-bref-2022; un-cpc-v3-explanatory-notes-2025
boundary_upstream_separation	upstream_product_system	Model primary steelmaking, casting, and production of purchased feed through linked upstream datasets unless those processes are explicitly inside the reporting organization and separately inventoried without double counting.	eu-jrc-fmp-bref-2022
boundary_outsourced_operations	outsourced_further_working	Include an outsourced route-defining operation through a supplier-specific process dataset or a documented representative dataset, and preserve mass linkage to the returned product.	eu-jrc-fmp-bref-2022
boundary_pollution_control	line_pollution_control	Include electricity, water, reagents, recovered materials, wastes, wastewater, and direct releases from pickling fume control, acid recovery, emulsion treatment, filtration, and wastewater treatment when operated for the declared product route.	eu-jrc-fmp-bref-2022; us-epa-iron-steel-effluent-2002

6. Process Inventory Structure

Process Map

process_id	process_name	inclusion	inclusion_condition	role	quantitative_reference
feed_preparation	Feed receipt and preparation	required	Always included from receipt, inspection, joining, cropping, and routing to the first further-working unit	Foreground preparation and mass reconciliation	Per 1,000 kg net saleable reference product
annealing_and_descaling	Annealing and thermal descaling	conditional	Include when the declared route heats the strip for annealing, scale conditioning, or metallurgical-property control	Foreground heat treatment	Per 1,000 kg net saleable reference product
acid_pickling_and_rinsing	Acid pickling, rinsing, and line treatment	conditional	Include when acid pickling or chemical descaling/passivation occurs on site	Foreground chemical surface treatment and associated abatement	Per 1,000 kg net saleable reference product
cold_rolling_and_temper	Cold reduction and temper rolling	conditional	Include when cold reduction, skin-pass, or temper rolling occurs; declare whether it is primary cold reduction or a post-rolling operation that contributes to the further-worked state	Foreground mechanical reduction	Per 1,000 kg net saleable reference product
mechanical_surface_finishing	Mechanical surface finishing	conditional	Include when grinding, polishing, brushing, or abrasive finishing occurs on site	Foreground surface finishing	Per 1,000 kg net saleable reference product
product_finalization	Final conversion, inspection, and packing	required	Always include final slitting or cutting when performed, inspection, net-mass determination, and actual packing	Foreground product finalization	1,000 kg net saleable reference product

Process: Feed receipt and preparation (feed_preparation)

Inputs

Product flows

Received stainless-steel flat-rolled feed (input_stainless_flat_rolled_feed)

The weighed incoming coil, sheet, strip, or plate crosses the foreground boundary with grade, dimensions, and surface state declared.

• Selected flow: Stainless-steel flat-rolled feed
• Flow property / unit: Mass / kg
• Amount rule: Measured received mass attributable to the production lot
• Value mode: Foreground record (foreground_record)
• Specificity: Product-specific (product_specific)
• Normalization basis: Per 1,000 kg net saleable reference product
• Basis kind: Reference flow (reference_flow)
• Evidence kind: Collected record (collected_record)
• Collection protocol: cp_feed_and_scrap_mass
• Sources:

Preparation-line electricity (input_preparation_electricity)

Electricity used by handling, joining, cropping, inspection, and preparation equipment is recorded as a separate supplied energy flow.

• Selected flow: Alternating-current electricity supplied to feed preparation
• Flow property / unit: Energy / MJ
• Amount rule: Submetered use or allocated feeder-meter use for the preparation line
• Value mode: Foreground record (foreground_record)
• Specificity: Site-specific (site_specific)
• Normalization basis: Per 1,000 kg net saleable reference product
• Basis kind: Reference flow (reference_flow)
• Evidence kind: Collected record (collected_record)
• Collection protocol: cp_preparation_energy
• Sources:

Waste flows

Elementary flows

Outputs

Product flows

Prepared strip intermediate (output_prepared_strip_intermediate)

The prepared material is linked to the next included unit process as a site-specific internal product flow.

• Selected flow: Prepared stainless-steel flat-rolled strip intermediate
• Flow property / unit: Mass / kg
• Amount rule: Calculated from incoming mass minus weighed preparation scrap and documented stock change
• Value mode: Calculated value (calculated_value)
• Specificity: Product-specific (product_specific)
• Normalization basis: Per 1,000 kg net saleable reference product
• Basis kind: Reference flow (reference_flow)
• Evidence kind: Calculated from collection (calculated_from_collection)
• Collection protocol: cp_feed_and_scrap_mass
• Sources:

Waste flows

Preparation stainless-steel scrap (output_preparation_scrap)

Cropping, weld-tab, and preparation losses are weighed as one physically specific stainless-steel scrap stream; destinations are disclosed separately.

• Selected flow: Stainless-steel preparation scrap
• Flow property / unit: Mass / kg
• Amount rule: Weighed scrap leaving feed preparation, net of any documented internal return
• Value mode: Foreground record (foreground_record)
• Specificity: Product-specific (product_specific)
• Normalization basis: Per 1,000 kg net saleable reference product
• Basis kind: Reference flow (reference_flow)
• Evidence kind: Collected record (collected_record)
• Collection protocol: cp_feed_and_scrap_mass
• Sources:

Elementary flows

Process: Annealing and thermal descaling (annealing_and_descaling)

Inputs

Product flows

Strip before annealing (input_strip_before_annealing)

The actual stainless-steel strip state entering the furnace is linked from the preceding included process.

• Selected flow: Stainless-steel strip before annealing
• Flow property / unit: Mass / kg
• Amount rule: Linked measured or mass-balanced intermediate mass
• Value mode: Calculated value (calculated_value)
• Specificity: Product-specific (product_specific)
• Normalization basis: Per 1,000 kg net saleable reference product
• Basis kind: Reference flow (reference_flow)
• Evidence kind: Calculated from collection (calculated_from_collection)
• Collection protocol: cp_annealing_records
• Sources:

Natural gas for furnace firing (input_annealing_natural_gas)

This flow is recorded only for a fuel-fired furnace and uses supplier volume at disclosed reference conditions.

• Selected flow: natural gas in the gaseous state 4f19ca0e-7b3b-11dd-ad8b-0800200c9a66
• Flow property / unit: Volume 93a60a56-a3c8-22da-a746-0800200c9a66 / m3; unit group 93a60a57-a3c8-12da-a746-0800200c9a66
• Amount rule: Supplier-metered or dedicated-submeter volume attributable to included annealing
• Value mode: Foreground record (foreground_record)
• Specificity: Technology-specific (technology_specific)
• Normalization basis: Per 1,000 kg net saleable reference product
• Basis kind: Reference flow (reference_flow)
• Evidence kind: Collected record (collected_record)
• Collection protocol: cp_annealing_records
• Sources:

Annealing-line electricity (input_annealing_electricity)

Electric furnace power, drives, fans, controls, and recirculation electricity are recorded for the included annealing route.

• Selected flow: Alternating-current electricity supplied to annealing
• Flow property / unit: Energy / MJ
• Amount rule: Submetered line use or documented allocation from a common feeder
• Value mode: Foreground record (foreground_record)
• Specificity: Technology-specific (technology_specific)
• Normalization basis: Per 1,000 kg net saleable reference product
• Basis kind: Reference flow (reference_flow)
• Evidence kind: Collected record (collected_record)
• Collection protocol: cp_annealing_records
• Sources:

Nitrogen protective gas (input_nitrogen_protective_gas)

Nitrogen supplied to the furnace is recorded when the declared annealing atmosphere uses it.

• Selected flow: Industrial nitrogen gas
• Flow property / unit: Volume / m3
• Amount rule: Metered purchased or on-site-supplied nitrogen at disclosed pressure and reference conditions
• Value mode: Foreground record (foreground_record)
• Specificity: Technology-specific (technology_specific)
• Normalization basis: Per 1,000 kg net saleable reference product
• Basis kind: Reference flow (reference_flow)
• Evidence kind: Collected record (collected_record)
• Collection protocol: cp_annealing_records
• Sources:

Hydrogen protective gas (input_hydrogen_protective_gas)

Hydrogen supplied to the furnace is recorded when present in the declared protective atmosphere.

• Selected flow: Industrial hydrogen gas
• Flow property / unit: Volume / m3
• Amount rule: Metered purchased or on-site-supplied hydrogen at disclosed pressure and reference conditions
• Value mode: Foreground record (foreground_record)
• Specificity: Technology-specific (technology_specific)
• Normalization basis: Per 1,000 kg net saleable reference product
• Basis kind: Reference flow (reference_flow)
• Evidence kind: Collected record (collected_record)
• Collection protocol: cp_annealing_records
• Sources:

Waste flows

Elementary flows

Outputs

Product flows

Annealed strip intermediate (output_annealed_strip_intermediate)

The annealed strip is linked to the next included operation with its furnace exit state declared.

• Selected flow: Annealed stainless-steel strip intermediate
• Flow property / unit: Mass / kg
• Amount rule: Measured or mass-balanced furnace output mass
• Value mode: Calculated value (calculated_value)
• Specificity: Product-specific (product_specific)
• Normalization basis: Per 1,000 kg net saleable reference product
• Basis kind: Reference flow (reference_flow)
• Evidence kind: Calculated from collection (calculated_from_collection)
• Collection protocol: cp_annealing_records
• Sources:

Waste flows

Elementary flows

Fossil carbon dioxide from furnace combustion (output_fossil_carbon_dioxide_to_air)

Fossil carbon dioxide from on-site fuel combustion is measured or calculated without claiming a more specific air compartment.

• Selected flow: carbon dioxide (fossil) 08a91e70-3ddc-11dd-923d-0050c2490048
• Flow property / unit: Mass 93a60a56-a3c8-11da-a746-0800200b9a66 / kg; unit group 93a60a57-a4c8-11da-a746-0800200c9a66
• Amount rule: Stack measurement or calculation from foreground fuel carbon and documented oxidation assumptions
• Value mode: Calculated value (calculated_value)
• Specificity: Technology-specific (technology_specific)
• Normalization basis: Per 1,000 kg net saleable reference product
• Basis kind: Reference flow (reference_flow)
• Evidence kind: Calculated from collection (calculated_from_collection)
• Collection protocol: cp_annealing_records
• Sources:

Process: Acid pickling, rinsing, and line treatment (acid_pickling_and_rinsing)

Inputs

Product flows

Strip before pickling (input_strip_before_pickling)

The stainless-steel strip entering the actual pickling sequence is linked from the preceding included operation.

• Selected flow: Stainless-steel strip before pickling
• Flow property / unit: Mass / kg
• Amount rule: Linked measured or mass-balanced intermediate mass
• Value mode: Calculated value (calculated_value)
• Specificity: Product-specific (product_specific)
• Normalization basis: Per 1,000 kg net saleable reference product
• Basis kind: Reference flow (reference_flow)
• Evidence kind: Calculated from collection (calculated_from_collection)
• Collection protocol: cp_pickling_records
• Sources:

Nitric acid solution (input_nitric_acid)

Nitric acid make-up is recorded only when it is an actual component of the declared stainless-steel pickling bath.

• Selected flow: Nitric acid solution
• Flow property / unit: Mass / kg
• Amount rule: Purchased or tank-mass-balance solution mass with concentration recorded
• Value mode: Foreground record (foreground_record)
• Specificity: Technology-specific (technology_specific)
• Normalization basis: Per 1,000 kg net saleable reference product
• Basis kind: Reference flow (reference_flow)
• Evidence kind: Collected record (collected_record)
• Collection protocol: cp_pickling_records
• Sources:

Hydrofluoric acid solution (input_hydrofluoric_acid)

Hydrofluoric acid make-up is recorded only when it is an actual component of the declared pickling bath.

• Selected flow: Hydrofluoric acid solution
• Flow property / unit: Mass / kg
• Amount rule: Purchased or tank-mass-balance solution mass with concentration recorded
• Value mode: Foreground record (foreground_record)
• Specificity: Technology-specific (technology_specific)
• Normalization basis: Per 1,000 kg net saleable reference product
• Basis kind: Reference flow (reference_flow)
• Evidence kind: Collected record (collected_record)
• Collection protocol: cp_pickling_records
• Sources:

Pickling process water (input_pickling_process_water)

Fresh or externally supplied water used for bath make-up, rinsing, and fume treatment is recorded net of internal recycle.

• Selected flow: Process Water 94a04f7e-2d5c-41f0-b182-d54a3b373a02
• Flow property / unit: Mass 93a60a56-a3c8-11da-a746-0800200b9a66 / kg; unit group 93a60a57-a4c8-11da-a746-0800200c9a66
• Amount rule: Metered make-up water entering the included pickling and abatement system
• Value mode: Foreground record (foreground_record)
• Specificity: Site-specific (site_specific)
• Normalization basis: Per 1,000 kg net saleable reference product
• Basis kind: Reference flow (reference_flow)
• Evidence kind: Collected record (collected_record)
• Collection protocol: cp_pickling_records
• Sources:

Pickling-line electricity (input_pickling_electricity)

Electricity for strip handling, pumps, ventilation, recovery, and wastewater treatment is recorded for the included system.

• Selected flow: Alternating-current electricity supplied to pickling
• Flow property / unit: Energy / MJ
• Amount rule: Submetered use or documented allocation from the relevant feeder
• Value mode: Foreground record (foreground_record)
• Specificity: Technology-specific (technology_specific)
• Normalization basis: Per 1,000 kg net saleable reference product
• Basis kind: Reference flow (reference_flow)
• Evidence kind: Collected record (collected_record)
• Collection protocol: cp_pickling_records
• Sources:

Calcium hydroxide neutralizer (input_calcium_hydroxide)

Calcium hydroxide is recorded when actually used for treatment of the declared pickling wastewater or spent bath.

• Selected flow: Slaked lime 49bf5000-b2da-4a30-8349-b0bb44171616
• Flow property / unit: Mass 93a60a56-a3c8-11da-a746-0800200b9a66 / kg; unit group 93a60a57-a4c8-11da-a746-0800200c9a66
• Amount rule: Purchased or issued mass attributable to the pickling treatment system
• Value mode: Foreground record (foreground_record)
• Specificity: Technology-specific (technology_specific)
• Normalization basis: Per 1,000 kg net saleable reference product
• Basis kind: Reference flow (reference_flow)
• Evidence kind: Collected record (collected_record)
• Collection protocol: cp_pickling_records
• Sources:

Waste flows

Elementary flows

Outputs

Product flows

Pickled strip intermediate (output_pickled_strip_intermediate)

The rinsed and dried pickled strip is linked to the next included operation.

• Selected flow: Pickled stainless-steel strip intermediate
• Flow property / unit: Mass / kg
• Amount rule: Measured or mass-balanced pickling-line output mass
• Value mode: Calculated value (calculated_value)
• Specificity: Product-specific (product_specific)
• Normalization basis: Per 1,000 kg net saleable reference product
• Basis kind: Reference flow (reference_flow)
• Evidence kind: Calculated from collection (calculated_from_collection)
• Collection protocol: cp_pickling_records
• Sources:

Waste flows

Spent mixed-acid pickle liquor (output_spent_pickle_liquor)

Spent nitric-hydrofluoric pickle liquor leaving the foreground for recovery, treatment, or disposal is recorded separately from rinse water.

• Selected flow: Spent nitric-hydrofluoric pickle liquor
• Flow property / unit: Mass / kg
• Amount rule: Weighed or tank-level mass balance of liquor crossing the site boundary
• Value mode: Calculated value (calculated_value)
• Specificity: Technology-specific (technology_specific)
• Normalization basis: Per 1,000 kg net saleable reference product
• Basis kind: Reference flow (reference_flow)
• Evidence kind: Calculated from collection (calculated_from_collection)
• Collection protocol: cp_pickling_records
• Sources:

Pickling neutralization sludge (output_pickling_sludge)

Wet sludge generated by neutralization and solids separation is reported with dry-solids content and destination.

• Selected flow: Stainless-steel pickling neutralization sludge
• Flow property / unit: Mass / kg
• Amount rule: Weighed wet mass with sampled dry-solids fraction
• Value mode: Foreground record (foreground_record)
• Specificity: Technology-specific (technology_specific)
• Normalization basis: Per 1,000 kg net saleable reference product
• Basis kind: Reference flow (reference_flow)
• Evidence kind: Collected record (collected_record)
• Collection protocol: cp_pickling_records
• Sources:

Acidic pickling rinse wastewater (output_acidic_rinse_wastewater)

Rinse wastewater discharged to on-site or off-site treatment is recorded net of internal countercurrent recycle.

• Selected flow: Acidic stainless-steel pickling rinse wastewater
• Flow property / unit: Mass / kg
• Amount rule: Discharge flow measurement converted to mass at measured density
• Value mode: Calculated value (calculated_value)
• Specificity: Site-specific (site_specific)
• Normalization basis: Per 1,000 kg net saleable reference product
• Basis kind: Reference flow (reference_flow)
• Evidence kind: Calculated from collection (calculated_from_collection)
• Collection protocol: cp_pickling_records
• Sources:

Elementary flows

Hydrogen fluoride released to air (output_hydrogen_fluoride_to_air)

Hydrogen fluoride crossing the air-emission boundary after capture and treatment is recorded when the mixed-acid route is used.

• Selected flow: Hydrogen fluoride to air
• Flow property / unit: Mass / kg
• Amount rule: Measured concentration multiplied by dry standardized exhaust-gas volume for the reporting period
• Value mode: Calculated value (calculated_value)
• Specificity: Technology-specific (technology_specific)
• Normalization basis: Per 1,000 kg net saleable reference product
• Basis kind: Reference flow (reference_flow)
• Evidence kind: Calculated from collection (calculated_from_collection)
• Collection protocol: cp_pickling_records
• Sources:

Process: Cold reduction and temper rolling (cold_rolling_and_temper)

Inputs

Product flows

Pickled strip for rolling (input_pickled_strip_for_rolling)

The cleaned strip entering cold reduction or temper rolling is linked from the preceding operation.

• Selected flow: Pickled stainless-steel strip for cold rolling
• Flow property / unit: Mass / kg
• Amount rule: Linked measured or mass-balanced intermediate mass
• Value mode: Calculated value (calculated_value)
• Specificity: Product-specific (product_specific)
• Normalization basis: Per 1,000 kg net saleable reference product
• Basis kind: Reference flow (reference_flow)
• Evidence kind: Calculated from collection (calculated_from_collection)
• Collection protocol: cp_cold_rolling_records
• Sources:

Cold-rolling electricity (input_cold_rolling_electricity)

Electricity for roll drives, strip transport, hydraulics, filtration, and controls is recorded for the included line.

• Selected flow: Alternating-current electricity supplied to cold rolling
• Flow property / unit: Energy / MJ
• Amount rule: Submetered line use or documented allocation from a common feeder
• Value mode: Foreground record (foreground_record)
• Specificity: Technology-specific (technology_specific)
• Normalization basis: Per 1,000 kg net saleable reference product
• Basis kind: Reference flow (reference_flow)
• Evidence kind: Collected record (collected_record)
• Collection protocol: cp_cold_rolling_records
• Sources:

Cold-rolling oil (input_cold_rolling_oil)

The specific rolling oil or lubricant formulation issued to the line is recorded net of recovered oil returned to the same system.

• Selected flow: cold rolling oil a9417245-6f45-4df3-8f04-227ed8a1be58
• Flow property / unit: Mass 93a60a56-a3c8-11da-a746-0800200b9a66 / kg; unit group 93a60a57-a4c8-11da-a746-0800200c9a66
• Amount rule: Purchase and issue records reconciled with opening stock, closing stock, and recovered oil
• Value mode: Calculated value (calculated_value)
• Specificity: Technology-specific (technology_specific)
• Normalization basis: Per 1,000 kg net saleable reference product
• Basis kind: Reference flow (reference_flow)
• Evidence kind: Calculated from collection (calculated_from_collection)
• Collection protocol: cp_cold_rolling_records
• Sources:

Rolling-emulsion make-up water (input_rolling_emulsion_water)

Externally supplied make-up water is recorded when a water-based rolling emulsion is used.

• Selected flow: Process Water 94a04f7e-2d5c-41f0-b182-d54a3b373a02
• Flow property / unit: Mass 93a60a56-a3c8-11da-a746-0800200b9a66 / kg; unit group 93a60a57-a4c8-11da-a746-0800200c9a66
• Amount rule: Metered make-up water net of recovered water returned to the emulsion system
• Value mode: Foreground record (foreground_record)
• Specificity: Technology-specific (technology_specific)
• Normalization basis: Per 1,000 kg net saleable reference product
• Basis kind: Reference flow (reference_flow)
• Evidence kind: Collected record (collected_record)
• Collection protocol: cp_cold_rolling_records
• Sources:

Waste flows

Elementary flows

Outputs

Product flows

Cold-rolled strip intermediate (output_cold_rolled_strip_intermediate)

The rolled strip is linked to the next included operation with thickness reduction and temper state declared.

• Selected flow: Cold-rolled stainless-steel strip intermediate
• Flow property / unit: Mass / kg
• Amount rule: Measured or mass-balanced rolling-line output mass
• Value mode: Calculated value (calculated_value)
• Specificity: Product-specific (product_specific)
• Normalization basis: Per 1,000 kg net saleable reference product
• Basis kind: Reference flow (reference_flow)
• Evidence kind: Calculated from collection (calculated_from_collection)
• Collection protocol: cp_cold_rolling_records
• Sources:

Waste flows

Spent rolling emulsion (output_spent_rolling_emulsion)

Spent water-oil rolling emulsion leaving the foreground for treatment or disposal is recorded as a distinct waste stream.

• Selected flow: Spent stainless-steel cold-rolling emulsion
• Flow property / unit: Mass / kg
• Amount rule: Weighed transfer or tank mass balance of emulsion leaving the line
• Value mode: Calculated value (calculated_value)
• Specificity: Technology-specific (technology_specific)
• Normalization basis: Per 1,000 kg net saleable reference product
• Basis kind: Reference flow (reference_flow)
• Evidence kind: Calculated from collection (calculated_from_collection)
• Collection protocol: cp_cold_rolling_records
• Sources:

Oily metal-fines sludge (output_oily_metal_fines_sludge)

Sludge removed from rolling-fluid filtration is weighed and characterized for moisture and oil content.

• Selected flow: Oily stainless-steel fines sludge
• Flow property / unit: Mass / kg
• Amount rule: Weighed wet mass leaving the rolling-fluid treatment system
• Value mode: Foreground record (foreground_record)
• Specificity: Technology-specific (technology_specific)
• Normalization basis: Per 1,000 kg net saleable reference product
• Basis kind: Reference flow (reference_flow)
• Evidence kind: Collected record (collected_record)
• Collection protocol: cp_cold_rolling_records
• Sources:

Elementary flows

Process: Mechanical surface finishing (mechanical_surface_finishing)

Inputs

Product flows

Strip before mechanical finishing (input_strip_before_mechanical_finishing)

The strip entering grinding, polishing, brushing, or abrasive finishing is linked from the preceding operation.

• Selected flow: Stainless-steel strip before mechanical surface finishing
• Flow property / unit: Mass / kg
• Amount rule: Linked measured or mass-balanced intermediate mass
• Value mode: Calculated value (calculated_value)
• Specificity: Product-specific (product_specific)
• Normalization basis: Per 1,000 kg net saleable reference product
• Basis kind: Reference flow (reference_flow)
• Evidence kind: Calculated from collection (calculated_from_collection)
• Collection protocol: cp_mechanical_finishing_records
• Sources:

Mechanical-finishing electricity (input_mechanical_finishing_electricity)

Electricity for grinding, polishing, brushing, extraction, filtration, and wet-finishing circulation is recorded.

• Selected flow: Alternating-current electricity supplied to mechanical finishing
• Flow property / unit: Energy / MJ
• Amount rule: Submetered line use or documented allocation from a common feeder
• Value mode: Foreground record (foreground_record)
• Specificity: Technology-specific (technology_specific)
• Normalization basis: Per 1,000 kg net saleable reference product
• Basis kind: Reference flow (reference_flow)
• Evidence kind: Collected record (collected_record)
• Collection protocol: cp_mechanical_finishing_records
• Sources:

Aluminium oxide abrasive (input_aluminium_oxide_abrasive)

Aluminium oxide abrasive issued to the line is recorded when used for the declared finish.

• Selected flow: Aluminium oxide abrasive
• Flow property / unit: Mass / kg
• Amount rule: Issued abrasive mass net of unused material returned to stock
• Value mode: Calculated value (calculated_value)
• Specificity: Technology-specific (technology_specific)
• Normalization basis: Per 1,000 kg net saleable reference product
• Basis kind: Reference flow (reference_flow)
• Evidence kind: Calculated from collection (calculated_from_collection)
• Collection protocol: cp_mechanical_finishing_records
• Sources:

Wet-finishing process water (input_wet_finishing_water)

Externally supplied make-up water is recorded when the actual grinding or polishing route is wet.

• Selected flow: Process Water 94a04f7e-2d5c-41f0-b182-d54a3b373a02
• Flow property / unit: Mass 93a60a56-a3c8-11da-a746-0800200b9a66 / kg; unit group 93a60a57-a4c8-11da-a746-0800200c9a66
• Amount rule: Metered make-up water net of internal recirculation
• Value mode: Foreground record (foreground_record)
• Specificity: Technology-specific (technology_specific)
• Normalization basis: Per 1,000 kg net saleable reference product
• Basis kind: Reference flow (reference_flow)
• Evidence kind: Collected record (collected_record)
• Collection protocol: cp_mechanical_finishing_records
• Sources:

Waste flows

Elementary flows

Outputs

Product flows

Surface-finished strip intermediate (output_surface_finished_strip_intermediate)

The surface-finished strip is linked to final conversion with the finish designation declared.

• Selected flow: Surface-finished stainless-steel strip intermediate
• Flow property / unit: Mass / kg
• Amount rule: Measured or mass-balanced finishing-line output mass
• Value mode: Calculated value (calculated_value)
• Specificity: Product-specific (product_specific)
• Normalization basis: Per 1,000 kg net saleable reference product
• Basis kind: Reference flow (reference_flow)
• Evidence kind: Calculated from collection (calculated_from_collection)
• Collection protocol: cp_mechanical_finishing_records
• Sources:

Waste flows

Collected stainless-steel grinding dust (output_stainless_steel_grinding_dust)

Dry dust captured from stainless-steel grinding or polishing is weighed separately from wet sludge.

• Selected flow: Collected stainless-steel grinding dust
• Flow property / unit: Mass / kg
• Amount rule: Weighed dust removed from extraction and filtration equipment
• Value mode: Foreground record (foreground_record)
• Specificity: Technology-specific (technology_specific)
• Normalization basis: Per 1,000 kg net saleable reference product
• Basis kind: Reference flow (reference_flow)
• Evidence kind: Collected record (collected_record)
• Collection protocol: cp_mechanical_finishing_records
• Sources:

Oily grinding sludge (output_oily_grinding_sludge)

Wet grinding sludge containing stainless-steel solids, water, and oil is weighed and its solids content retained.

• Selected flow: Oily stainless-steel grinding sludge
• Flow property / unit: Mass / kg
• Amount rule: Weighed wet sludge leaving the finishing system
• Value mode: Foreground record (foreground_record)
• Specificity: Technology-specific (technology_specific)
• Normalization basis: Per 1,000 kg net saleable reference product
• Basis kind: Reference flow (reference_flow)
• Evidence kind: Collected record (collected_record)
• Collection protocol: cp_mechanical_finishing_records
• Sources:

Elementary flows

Particulate matter released to air (output_particulate_matter_to_air)

Uncaptured particulate matter crossing the air-emission boundary is reported here only when the monitoring record does not resolve a particle-size fraction; a size-resolved measurement requires a separately audited, more specific elementary flow.

• Selected flow: Particulate matter, particle size unspecified 0ce3dedb-caca-407b-a856-a90470eb8ec0
• Flow property / unit: Mass 93a60a56-a3c8-11da-a746-0800200b9a66 / kg; unit group 93a60a57-a4c8-11da-a746-0800200c9a66
• Amount rule: Measured concentration multiplied by standardized exhaust volume, or validated capture balance
• Value mode: Calculated value (calculated_value)
• Specificity: Technology-specific (technology_specific)
• Normalization basis: Per 1,000 kg net saleable reference product
• Basis kind: Reference flow (reference_flow)
• Evidence kind: Calculated from collection (calculated_from_collection)
• Collection protocol: cp_mechanical_finishing_records
• Sources:

Process: Final conversion, inspection, and packing (product_finalization)

Inputs

Product flows

Finished strip for finalization (input_finished_strip_for_finalization)

The last included further-working intermediate enters slitting, cutting, inspection, and packing.

• Selected flow: Further-worked stainless-steel strip before finalization
• Flow property / unit: Mass / kg
• Amount rule: Linked measured or mass-balanced intermediate mass
• Value mode: Calculated value (calculated_value)
• Specificity: Product-specific (product_specific)
• Normalization basis: Per 1,000 kg net saleable reference product
• Basis kind: Reference flow (reference_flow)
• Evidence kind: Calculated from collection (calculated_from_collection)
• Collection protocol: cp_finalization_records
• Sources:

Finalization electricity (input_finalization_electricity)

Electricity for slitting, cutting, inspection, handling, and packing equipment is recorded for the production lot.

• Selected flow: Alternating-current electricity supplied to product finalization
• Flow property / unit: Energy / MJ
• Amount rule: Submetered use or documented allocation from the relevant feeder
• Value mode: Foreground record (foreground_record)
• Specificity: Site-specific (site_specific)
• Normalization basis: Per 1,000 kg net saleable reference product
• Basis kind: Reference flow (reference_flow)
• Evidence kind: Collected record (collected_record)
• Collection protocol: cp_finalization_records
• Sources:

Polyethylene protective film (input_polyethylene_protective_film)

Protective film remaining with the shipped product is recorded when applied on site.

• Selected flow: Polyethylene protective film
• Flow property / unit: Mass / kg
• Amount rule: Issued roll mass minus unused returned film, cross-checked by area and basis weight
• Value mode: Calculated value (calculated_value)
• Specificity: Product-specific (product_specific)
• Normalization basis: Per 1,000 kg net saleable reference product
• Basis kind: Reference flow (reference_flow)
• Evidence kind: Calculated from collection (calculated_from_collection)
• Collection protocol: cp_finalization_records
• Sources:

Steel strapping (input_steel_strapping)

Steel strapping remaining with the dispatch unit is recorded when used.

• Selected flow: Steel packing strap
• Flow property / unit: Mass / kg
• Amount rule: Issued strap mass or length converted using measured linear mass
• Value mode: Calculated value (calculated_value)
• Specificity: Product-specific (product_specific)
• Normalization basis: Per 1,000 kg net saleable reference product
• Basis kind: Reference flow (reference_flow)
• Evidence kind: Calculated from collection (calculated_from_collection)
• Collection protocol: cp_finalization_records
• Sources:

Wooden pallet (input_wooden_pallet)

The pallet crossing the producer gate with the product is recorded when used, with reuse status declared.

• Selected flow: Pallets, box pallets and other load boards, of wood, pallet collars of wood 4b49871e-95be-4e0c-9223-9902f9eaa763
• Flow property / unit: Mass 93a60a56-a3c8-11da-a746-0800200b9a66 / kg; unit group 93a60a57-a4c8-11da-a746-0800200c9a66
• Amount rule: Count multiplied by measured or supplier-declared pallet mass, adjusted only for documented reuse allocation
• Value mode: Calculated value (calculated_value)
• Specificity: Product-specific (product_specific)
• Normalization basis: Per 1,000 kg net saleable reference product
• Basis kind: Reference flow (reference_flow)
• Evidence kind: Calculated from collection (calculated_from_collection)
• Collection protocol: cp_finalization_records
• Sources:

Waste flows

Elementary flows

Outputs

Product flows

Further-worked stainless-steel flat-rolled reference product (output_reference_product)

This row is the net inspected saleable product linked to the reference-flow definition and the directly audited public Tiangong product flow for CPC 41232.

• Selected flow: Flat-rolled products of stainless steel, further worked add37984-82d6-4c91-85e3-9911c0135944
• Flow property / unit: Mass 93a60a56-a3c8-11da-a746-0800200b9a66 / kg; unit group 93a60a57-a4c8-11da-a746-0800200c9a66
• Amount rule: Normalize certified net saleable product mass to exactly 1,000 kg
• Value mode: Calculated value (calculated_value)
• Specificity: Product-specific (product_specific)
• Normalization basis: 1,000 kg net saleable reference product
• Basis kind: Reference flow (reference_flow)
• Evidence kind: Calculated from collection (calculated_from_collection)
• Collection protocol: cp_final_product_mass
• Sources:

Waste flows

Final stainless-steel edge-trim scrap (output_final_edge_trim_scrap)

Edge trim and off-size cuttings generated during final conversion are weighed as stainless-steel scrap and their destination is declared.

• Selected flow: Stainless-steel final edge-trim scrap
• Flow property / unit: Mass / kg
• Amount rule: Weighed scrap leaving final conversion, net of documented internal return
• Value mode: Foreground record (foreground_record)
• Specificity: Product-specific (product_specific)
• Normalization basis: Per 1,000 kg net saleable reference product
• Basis kind: Reference flow (reference_flow)
• Evidence kind: Collected record (collected_record)
• Collection protocol: cp_finalization_records
• Sources:

Elementary flows

7. Allocation and Co-product Handling

rule_id	Applies to	Rule	source_ids
allocation_subdivision_first	shared_foreground_operations	Subdivide or meter unit processes and product lots before applying allocation; document any combined-line period and reconcile its mass and energy balances.	eu-jrc-fmp-bref-2022
allocation_internal_scrap	internally_recycled_stainless_scrap	Treat scrap returned within the declared foreground boundary as an internal loop: retain the collection and remelting burdens inside their actual processes and do not credit or count the same scrap as an external output.
allocation_exported_scrap	exported_stainless_scrap	Report exported preparation scrap, edge trim, grinding dust, or recoverable metal-bearing residue at the point it leaves the foreground; do not apply an avoided-primary-steel credit inside the foreground inventory unless the downstream study adds a separately declared consequential scenario.
allocation_recovered_acid	recovered_acid_and_by_products	Prefer physical subdivision of acid recovery. If recovered acid returns to the same line, model it as an internal loop; if a saleable by-product leaves the system, disclose the allocation variable, values, period, and sensitivity.	us-epa-iron-steel-effluent-2002
allocation_packaging_reuse	reusable_shipping_items	Allocate reusable pallet or stillage production over documented expected uses and include repair and return burdens only when they are inside the declared boundary; do not assume reuse without records.

8. Foreground Data Collection, Calculation, and Quality Rules

Data Collection Protocols

protocol_id	process_id	flow_role	record_type	raw_fields	collection_method	unit	frequency	temporal_coverage	site_scope	aggregation_rule	quality_evidence
cp_feed_and_scrap_mass	feed_preparation	Incoming feed, prepared intermediate, and preparation scrap	Calibrated scale tickets and production-lot ledger	lot_id; grade; form; dimensions; feed_mass_kg; preparation_scrap_kg; internal_return_kg; stock_change_kg	Reconcile receiving scales, line counters, scrap scales, and stock records	kg	Each lot, aggregated monthly or over the declared reporting period	At least 12 consecutive representative months, or all lots for a shorter campaign with justification	All preparation equipment serving the declared product	Sum attributable masses; reconcile feed = prepared intermediate + exported scrap + internal return + measured stock change	Scale calibration, lot traceability, stock reconciliation, and signed exception log
cp_preparation_energy	feed_preparation	Preparation electricity	Electricity submeter or feeder meter	timestamp; meter_id; opening_MJ; closing_MJ; downtime; shared_throughput_kg	Read dedicated meter; if shared, allocate by documented operating time and power or metered throughput	MJ	Shift or daily	Same reporting period as product mass	Preparation equipment and local extraction only	Sum readings, subtract documented unrelated loads, and divide by reference-product mass	Meter calibration or utility-grade specification and allocation reconciliation
cp_annealing_records	annealing_and_descaling	Annealing intermediates, electricity, gas, atmosphere gases, and fossil CO2	Furnace batch log, utility meters, gas invoices, and emissions calculation or monitoring record	lot_id; input_mass_kg; output_mass_kg; electricity_MJ; gas_m3; gas_reference_conditions; nitrogen_m3; hydrogen_m3; fuel_carbon; stack_CO2_kg	Link furnace logs to dedicated meters or reconciled utility records and retain the emissions method	kg; MJ; m3	Each furnace batch or continuous-line shift	Same reporting period as product mass and representative operating modes	All annealing furnaces, atmosphere supply, fans, and directly associated controls	Sum included batches; normalize to linked net product; prevent overlap between metered gas and derived energy	Meter calibration, invoice reconciliation, furnace recipe, gas certificates, and emissions-method record
cp_pickling_records	acid_pickling_and_rinsing	Pickling intermediates, acids, water, electricity, wastes, and HF release	Bath ledger, tank levels, purchase issues, water and electricity meters, waste manifests, discharge and stack monitoring	lot_id; strip_mass_kg; acid_solution_kg; acid_concentration; water_kg; electricity_MJ; recovered_acid_kg; spent_liquor_kg; sludge_kg; sludge_solids; wastewater_m3; density; HF_concentration; exhaust_Nm3	Reconcile bath make-up and recovery; meter utilities; weigh wastes; sample discharges and exhaust under the site monitoring plan	kg; MJ; m3; Nm3	Each batch or shift for bath and utilities; each waste transfer; permit or campaign frequency for monitoring	Same reporting period as product mass and inclusive of start-up and maintenance events	Pickling tanks, rinses, drying, ventilation, fume treatment, acid recovery, and directly associated wastewater treatment	Calculate net external inputs and outputs after internal recycle; normalize by linked net product mass	Instrument calibration, laboratory QA/QC, chain-of-custody, bath balance closure, and waste manifests
cp_cold_rolling_records	cold_rolling_and_temper	Rolling intermediates, electricity, oil, make-up water, emulsion, and sludge	Coil tracking, electricity meter, stock ledger, tank balance, and waste transfer record	lot_id; input_mass_kg; output_mass_kg; electricity_MJ; oil_opening_kg; oil_purchased_kg; oil_closing_kg; recovered_oil_kg; make_up_water_kg; spent_emulsion_kg; sludge_kg	Link coils to line meters and reconcile rolling-fluid stock and waste transfers	kg; MJ	Each coil or shift; monthly stock reconciliation	Same reporting period as product mass and representative rolling schedules	Included rolling stands, hydraulics, emulsion circulation, filtration, and controls	Sum linked coils; calculate net oil and water input; normalize to net product; avoid counting recirculated emulsion	Meter calibration, coil traceability, inventory reconciliation, and waste manifests
cp_mechanical_finishing_records	mechanical_surface_finishing	Finishing intermediate, electricity, abrasive, water, dust, sludge, and particulate release	Coil or sheet route record, meters, material issues, waste weights, and exhaust monitoring	lot_id; input_mass_kg; output_mass_kg; finish_code; electricity_MJ; abrasive_kg; water_kg; dust_kg; sludge_kg; sludge_solids; particulate_concentration; exhaust_Nm3	Link actual finish route to utility and material records; weigh captured waste; monitor exhaust or validate capture balance	kg; MJ; Nm3	Each lot or shift; each waste transfer; monitoring-plan frequency for air releases	Same reporting period as product mass and representative finish mix	Included grinding, polishing, brushing, extraction, filtration, and wet systems	Sum actual route records and normalize to linked net product; keep dry dust and wet sludge separate	Meter calibration, material ledger, scale checks, finish traceability, and monitoring QA/QC
cp_finalization_records	product_finalization	Finalization intermediate, electricity, packaging, and final scrap	Lot ledger, electricity meter, packaging bill of materials, scale tickets, and reuse log	lot_id; input_mass_kg; saleable_mass_kg; electricity_MJ; film_kg; strap_length_m; strap_linear_mass; pallet_count; pallet_mass; pallet_reuse_count; scrap_kg	Link slitting, cutting, inspection, and dispatch records to meters and packaging issues	kg; MJ; m; count	Each lot, aggregated over reporting period	Same reporting period as product mass	Final conversion, inspection, handling, and packing equipment	Sum only packaging that crosses the gate; calculate strap and pallet mass; normalize to net product	Scale and meter calibration, bill-of-material reconciliation, dispatch records, and reuse evidence
cp_final_product_mass	product_finalization	Net saleable reference product	Certified dispatch scale and inspection release	lot_id; gross_dispatch_mass_kg; packaging_mass_kg; net_product_mass_kg; grade; dimensions; finish; edge_condition; release_status	Determine net product mass from calibrated scale records and release only conforming product	kg	Each saleable lot	Same reporting period as all foreground exchanges	All saleable products covered by the declared data package	Sum net conforming mass and normalize to exactly 1,000 kg; exclude packaging and rejected product	Scale calibration, inspection certificate, dispatch record, and mass reconciliation

Calculation Rules

rule_id	Applies to	Formula or rule	Inputs	Output	source_ids
calc_normalize_reference_mass	Every foreground exchange	normalized_amount = reporting_period_amount / net_saleable_product_mass × 1,000 kg	reporting_period_amount; net_saleable_product_mass	Exchange per 1,000 kg net saleable product
calc_internal_mass_link	Consecutive stainless-steel intermediates	For each linked lot, upstream intermediate output equals downstream intermediate input after separately recorded stock change; investigate any unassigned difference	upstream_output_mass; downstream_input_mass; stock_change	Reconciled intermediate mass and balance exception
calc_acid_active_mass	Nitric acid, hydrofluoric acid, and neutralizer	active_substance_mass = solution_mass × measured_mass_fraction; retain both solution mass and active-substance mass	solution_mass; measured_mass_fraction	Active-substance mass for disclosure	eu-jrc-fmp-bref-2022
calc_gas_reference_volume	Natural gas and protective gases	Convert measured volume to the declared reference temperature and pressure using the site-approved compressibility method; retain measured and converted values	measured_volume; temperature; pressure; moisture_basis; compressibility_factor	Gas volume at declared reference conditions
calc_fossil_co2	Furnace fossil carbon dioxide	Use validated stack measurement or calculate fossil CO2 from foreground fuel carbon and documented oxidation; do not include biogenic carbon in this flow	fuel_amount; fuel_carbon_content; oxidation_factor; stack_measurement	Fossil CO2 to air
calc_wastewater_mass	Acidic pickling rinse wastewater	wastewater_mass = measured_discharge_volume × measured_or_validated_density	discharge_volume; density	Wastewater mass crossing the boundary	us-epa-iron-steel-effluent-2002
calc_air_release	HF and particulate releases	release_mass = validated_concentration × dry standardized exhaust volume, with unit and moisture corrections retained	concentration; exhaust_volume; standard_conditions; moisture_correction	Pollutant mass to air	eu-jrc-fmp-bref-2022
calc_packaging_mass	Steel strap and wooden pallet	strap_mass = strap_length × measured_linear_mass; pallet_mass_allocated = pallet_count × pallet_mass / documented_expected_uses when the pallet is demonstrably reusable	strap_length; strap_linear_mass; pallet_count; pallet_mass; expected_uses	Packaging mass per reference flow

Data Quality Requirements

requirement_id	Applies to	Requirement	Evidence
dq_product_identity	Reference product and feed	Retain grade or composition standard, form, dimensions, finish, edge condition, input state, output state, and the operation establishing further-worked status for every covered product family.	Mill certificates, route cards, inspection release, and classification review
dq_route_completeness	Process map	Demonstrate that at least one operation after the final primary hot or cold rolling step establishes the further-worked state and that every on-site or outsourced operation for the product is represented once.	Route diagram, equipment list, outsourcing records, and mass-linked process ledger
dq_mass_balance	Stainless-steel feed, intermediates, product, and scrap	Reconcile mass over the reporting period and investigate unexplained differences before release; disclose measured stock change and unassigned loss.	Calibrated scale records, stock ledger, scrap manifests, and signed balance review
dq_utility_coverage	Electricity, gas, and water	Cover start-up, shutdown, idle, recirculation, abatement, and directly associated treatment loads attributable to the declared route; disclose shared-meter allocation.	Meter map, calibration, operating log, and allocation workbook
dq_chemical_identity	Pickling and finishing chemicals	Retain product name, concentration or formulation, supplier, density where used, safety data sheet, and batch or reporting-period issue quantities.	Purchase record, SDS, certificate of analysis, tank ledger, and sampling record
dq_emissions_and_wastes	Direct releases and waste outputs	Retain sampling method, standard conditions, detection limits, moisture basis, waste moisture or solids content, destination, and monitoring-period representativeness.	Laboratory QA/QC, monitoring report, chain-of-custody, and waste transfer documentation
dq_temporal_representativeness	Foreground dataset	Prefer at least 12 consecutive representative months; justify shorter campaigns and document production mix, maintenance, abnormal events, and capacity utilization.	Production calendar, maintenance log, event register, and coverage calculation
dq_no_unverified_uuid_proxy	All Tiangong references	Keep a UUID empty when an exact public state-code-100 identity is not directly verified; do not replace a missing route-, state-, geography-, or technology-specific identity with a broader proxy.	UUID audit and unresolved-identity register

9. Validation Rules

rule_id	Applies to	Rule	source_ids
validate_identity_and_state	reference_product	Fail conformance when stainless-steel grade, flat-rolled form, input state, output further-worked state, or route-defining operation is missing or inconsistent with the product boundary.	un-cpc-v3-structure-2025; un-cpc-v3-explanatory-notes-2025
validate_reference_mass	reference_flow	Confirm that the output row output_reference_product equals 1,000 kg net saleable product after normalization and excludes packaging mass.
validate_route_presence	process_inventory	Confirm that feed preparation and product finalization are present and that a declared annealing, pickling, temper or skin-pass rolling, mechanical surface finishing, or other documented operation occurring after the final primary hot or cold rolling step establishes the further-worked status; primary cold reduction alone is insufficient.	eu-jrc-fmp-bref-2022
validate_atomic_flows	process_inventory	Confirm that each row is one atomic material, energy, waste, or elementary exchange and that conditional applicability is declared by process or row rather than by a combined selector label.
validate_mass_reconciliation	foreground_mass_balance	Confirm that feed, linked intermediates, product, scrap, wastes, and measured stock changes reconcile for the reporting period; flag unexplained imbalance for review.
validate_pickling_route	acid_pickling_and_rinsing	When pickling is included, require bath chemistry and concentration, water recycle, acid recovery, fume treatment, wastewater destination, sludge solids, and monitored applicable air releases.	eu-jrc-fmp-bref-2022; us-epa-iron-steel-effluent-2002
validate_energy_identity	electricity_and_gas_inputs	Reject unqualified electricity or gas identities that omit the required supply, geography, technology, delivery-boundary, or reference-condition disclosures.
validate_unresolved_identities	flow_references	Report every UUID-empty inventory row as unresolved and verify that no non-exact or non-public candidate has been promoted.

10. Published Dataset Profile

Field	Value
dataset_role	Foreground production dataset for one declared family of further-worked stainless-steel flat-rolled products
downstream_use	secondary_dataset; background_dataset after methodology review and resolution or explicit acceptance of identity gaps
allowed_use	Attributional gate-to-gate modelling of a declared producer, route, grade family, product state, and reporting period; linking to separately modelled upstream feed production and downstream fabrication
excluded_use	Primary stainless-steel production without linked upstream datasets; generic use-stage claims; consequential scrap-credit claims; products outside the semantic boundary; substitution across undisclosed grade, finish, route, or geography
required_metadata	PCR id and version state; producer and geography; reporting period; grade family; dimensions; finish; edge and delivery condition; feed state; further-working operations; combined-line aggregation; capacity utilization; upstream dataset choices; allocation; packaging; unresolved UUIDs
required_quality_disclosure	Mass-balance closure; meter and scale coverage; shared-utility allocation; chemical concentrations; gas reference conditions; water recycle; acid recovery; abatement boundary; waste moisture and destination; emissions monitoring; temporal and technological representativeness
update_trigger	Change in grade family or product state, route-defining operation, furnace fuel, pickling chemistry, rolling or finishing technology, abatement, supplier mix, geography, allocation, packaging, or a material change in annual mass, energy, water, chemical, waste, or emission performance

11. Data Sources

Source id	Type	Reference	Used for
un-cpc-v3-structure-2025	Official guidance (official_guidance)	United Nations Statistics Division, CPC Version 3.0 Structure, 30 June 2025, https://unstats.un.org/unsd/classifications/Econ/Download/In%20Text/CPC_Ver_3.0_Structure_30Jun2025.csv, retrieved 2026-09-03	Official CPC 41232 classification identity
un-cpc-v3-explanatory-notes-2025	Official guidance (official_guidance)	United Nations Statistics Division, CPC Version 3.0 Explanatory Notes, 30 June 2025, p. 208, https://unstats.un.org/unsd/classifications/Econ/Download/In%20Text/CPC_Ver_3.0_Exp_Notes_30Jun2025.pdf, retrieved 2026-09-03	Class and subclass context, exclusions, and semantic product boundary
eu-jrc-fmp-bref-2022	Official guidance (official_guidance)	European Commission Joint Research Centre, Best Available Techniques Reference Document for the Ferrous Metals Processing Industry, December 2022, especially Chapter 3, https://bureau-industrial-transformation.jrc.ec.europa.eu/sites/default/files/2022-12/FMP%20BREF_Final%20Version.pdf, retrieved 2026-09-03	Stainless-steel cold-rolling route, annealing and pickling sequence, process inputs and outputs, mechanical finishing, utilities, waste, emissions, recirculation, abatement, and monitoring design
us-epa-iron-steel-effluent-2002	Official guidance (official_guidance)	United States Environmental Protection Agency, Development Document for Final Effluent Limitations Guidelines and Standards for the Iron and Steel Manufacturing Point Source Category, EPA-821-R-02-004, April 2002, https://www.epa.gov/sites/default/files/2015-10/documents/ironsteel_dd_2002.pdf, retrieved 2026-09-03	Steel-finishing rinse-water management, fume-scrubber recycle, acid recovery and purification, spent-liquor and sludge treatment, and wastewater collection boundary