Instead of focusing on more production of proven forms of energy and reducing consumption in sensible ways our elected folks tend to focus on new technologies. Granted that technology over the long term is very important, but we need to purchase and use energy over the short term to support our daily activities. Also factor into the equation that large quantities come from the gulf coast region and that the hurricane forecast for this season is about inline with peace in the middle east-not very promising.
Saving energy is much like saving money. A bit here and their add up to significant savings. I would be willing to wager that saving at least 10% energy use in any steam system would be simple. Ditto on compressed air systems. Ditto on vacuum systems. Some simple issues to check include:
Look for and repair leaks on all systems.
Examine active roof vents blowing steam.
Check steam traps twice a year.
Tune boilers twice a year.
Eliminate timer drains on compressed air systems.
Look at boilers over 20 years old as no longer being efficient to operate.
Examine compressed air use and pressures.
Examine vacuum use and requirements.
We could add to the list or you can go to our website at www.control-specialties.com and look under “Tech Tips” for lots of additional information.
We can also provide reviews of steam systems by visiting your plant. Since we do a for real review and not a excuse to make a sales call on your facility, we charge a modest fee for the audit.
If you are spending too much money for fuel to operate your boilers, we can provide a complete engineering economics review of your current boiler with forecast savings and payback on an Excel spreadsheet. If you are considering new boilers, we offer options in boiler types to match your needs along with a complete turn key installation capability.
Although energy prices will rise and fall over the coming year seasonally, they will remain much higher that levels of just two years ago.
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