Manufacturing plants have equipment operating at different temperatures and pressures. Ensuring all pieces of equipment are operating at optimal conditions saves energy. For example:
- operating air compressors at their lowest possible settings (e.g. 690 kPa/100 psi instead of 830 kPa/120 psi) could reduce energy requirements for that equipment by 10% 1
- reviewing air-conditioner or cool room settings and widening the temperature band where feasible, can reduce energy consumption, reduce loads on refrigeration plant and lower the probability of equipment failure .
- assessing pressure requirements could identify opportunities to reduce energy use without impacting on core manufacturing processes. Qenos reported through the EEO program – ‘The boiler feed water pumps produce a higher pressure than is needed to supply water to the furnace waste heat boilers. One of the boiler feedwater pumps is a steam turbine. Slowing the pump down will reduce steam usage by approximately 500 kg/hr while still having adequate supply pressure for boiler feedwater. ’ 2
- Other opportunities should also be explored such as operating extraction fans only when equipment is in use, providing make-up air close to the equipment, and ensuring that the make-up air inlet is closed when equipment is not in use.
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