Freshwater is becoming scarcer. How efficient seawater desalination works, how plants improve their energy efficiency and what it offers industry and society.
Continue readingWhy efficient seawater desalination will meet future water needs
A detailed overview on energy efficiency for industry and the future of energy
As the natural resources continue to perish, the need for alternative sources of energy is at an all-time high. The sources leverage the power of renewable sources of energy and make sure that an optimal amount of energy is produced in the process.
Industries consume a significant chunk of energy produced. Thus, the requirement of energy efficiency for industry holds the utmost importance. Here is a complete analysis of the steps that should be taken in the right direction for the production of the highest results.
1. Develop an Energy Management Team
The goal of energy management starts with the very fact that an energy management team needs to be in place for the production or monitoring of energy. Management, consumption, and search for alternatives represent the primary objective of the team, and hence the entire manufacturing unit should be their responsibility. In such a scenario, the team should be responsible for all the significant achievements and losses in the energy consumption of the manufacturing plant.
2. Make Sure To Conduct Audit Frequently
Establishing the team is the first step in the right direction. The achievements and the losses should be audited to keep the entire team on track. To add on top of it, make sure to involve third parties to ensure an unbiased opinion on the same. Regular audits will also help in identifying the key parameters that could be optimized for the best results in the domain.
3. Schedule Machinery Use Strategically
The very first step in the following process is to identify the machines that consume energy and use the most advanced machinery strategically for usage. Find out how much a machine uses electricity. If possible, try to avoid using the device during peak hours. Using tools in the peak hours will cost dear and hence, if possible, try to avoid using machines during the peak hours as much as possible.
Read: Detailing the Various Aspects of Energy Efficiency for Industry
4. Automate the startups and shutdowns
Startups and shutdowns play quite a crucial role in the growth of the industry and hence should not be taken lightly. Turning down the system during the holidays or period between the shifts can help in several ways and therefore, should not be avoided at all costs. This can save a substantial amount and allow manufacturers to lead the way. However, one needs to be cautious about the significant energy hike that follow during the starting up sequence. Use electric components to make sure that the maximum results are achieved by avoiding the spikes.
5. Keep a Tab on the Air Compressors
Air compressors do play an integral part in the development of energy efficiency for industries. The industries cover hectares of land, and setting up the manufacturing unit and the air conditioning systems over such vast areas is a daunting task.
On the other hand, these air compressors make sure that the maximum is achieved and hence consume a lot of energy. So, make sure to set up energy-efficient systems that are free from any faults that may be costing you money.
6. Regularly conduct a HVAC system Audit
Astounding but true, HVAC systems consume nearly 52% of the building’s total bill. The system is equipped to mark comfort and maintain the air quality on the production floor. On the other hand, variables like system performance, system design, maintenance, and method of operation make sure that the maximum results are achieved.
There are three ways to make the energy efficiency for industry smarter. They are as follows:
• Install a programmable thermostat
• In some cases, a simple repair and insulation of ducting are enough to reduce the consumption of HAVC energy by a significant number of 30 percent.
• Invest in demand-controlled ventilation, which regulates the flow of fresh air in the room.
The Next Generation Sources of Energy
The growing need of energy highlights several challenges that the entire university that it presents. These energy sources are bound to make significant changes and hence could not be avoided at all costs.
Here are some of the significant new sources of energy.
• Next Gen Nuclear Power
The Nuclear disaster during the Fukushima incident is incomparable. The following event highlights the principal strength and weaknesses of the human structures and what necessary steps should be taken to gain the maximum benefits without compromising the security.
In such a scenario, new models have been designed. One concept highlights the use of mini nuclear plants that are spread all across the continent to power cities and factories.
In such a case, energy efficiency for industries gets the maximum benefit. Another idea is to construct floating structures like that in petroleum. This will ensure safety while the cold water would be used to cool down the reactors.
• Offshore Wind
The latest advancements in the design technology make sure that each gust of wind is given paramount importance. Wind power represents a massive technology and could not be ignored at all costs.
Demark has already shown the path. The country draws one-third of its power from wind farms and is expected to increase dependency to 50% by the year 2020. The technology costs less, and unlike other sources, does not pose a threat to human life.
• Geothermal
Geothermal energy holds great potential and could represent the next paradigm of energy production. Access to the earth’s core and the enormous power is still a distant dream. However, with technology evolving every other day, the industry is expected to see a significant boom in the next few decades.
Recent developments show that the scientists have been successful in meeting the standards and have been trying to utilize dead or semi-active volcanoes to derive heat. However, that’s not the end of it. Recent research by the team of scientists ensures that just 1,000 meters below the surface of the ocean, there exists a vast amount of untapped potential.
• Space-based technologies
Space-based technologies like harvesting hydrogen is still a distant dream. However, efforts are being led on the use of materials that last long and provide sustainable solutions to the industry.
A lot many private companies have pooped up in this regarding and countries like the United States have been betting heavily on the growth of the sector.
• Solar Fuels
Solar fuels are the next biggest hit that the world will eventually work on. Breaking down water for the production of the hydrogen, which further reacts with carbon is proved to be an effective way to produce hydrocarbon.
Hydrocarbon is found extensively in fossil fuels and hence could not be ignored. By synthesizing hydrocarbons, the dependency on natural fossil fuels reduces exponentially.
• Nuclear Fusion
The most stable and the purest form of energy that can be obtained in the process is to conduct nuclear fusion to get the maximum power obtained in the process.
However, we are still decades behind the commercial use of energy. To give a major idea of how the industry is proliferating, the defense contractor Lockheed Martin has introduced a small fusion reactor design that is capable of producing 100 megawatts of power.
When it comes to energy efficiency for industry, there is a ton of factors that come into play. Modern sources of energy show a silver lining while the traditional methodologies need to show some major changes to be able to survive the rapid competition.
Want an energy audit for your company? Get the best industry reports customized for your company and learn how and where you can save money only from Keiken Engineering.
Detailing the various aspects of energy efficiency for industry
With the depleting natural resources, coupled with stringent environmental laws imposed by the government, the need for energy efficiency for industry is higher than ever before.
While a lot may argue that the industries have not taken appropriate steps, the efforts still fall far behind. However, on the other hand, small ventures fail to provide concrete results on account of small scale operations and the focus on the manufacturing process and the cost of production.
However, the lack of effort is not only limited to smaller businesses alone. As per the latest reports from the U.K. government, there exist severe flaws in the larger enterprises as well.
Here is what they found
• There is insufficient awareness in the senior management levels as well. The notable higher authorities are unaware of the cause and the effect. Most enterprises even know about alternate solutions and hence failed to provide the required solutions.
• On the other hand, these “big shots” are indifferent to the alternatives and their cost-saving features. This thus costs them a combines value of 2 billion euros.
However, discussions about these studies have been promoting the spread of energy efficiency for industry, and companies like Keiken Engineering have been providing better solutions to companies all across the globe.
Exploring the Unknown Benefits of Energy Efficiency
Industrial energy efficiencies have a ton of other advantages. However, most analysts gauge the impact on cost-saving techniques and the lower greenhouse gas reduction.
Some of the significant indirect advantages of the industry include the following benefits.
• Job and wealth creation
• Compliance cost avoidance
• Operation and maintenance savings
• Increase in competitiveness
• Capital cost avoidance
… and so on.
No matter what kind of manufacturing company it is, several things come into play. A company can avail all these services only if it decides to hire some of the best consultants in the industry.
The Opportunities from a Wider Lens
The opportunities in energy efficiency in the industry are not limited to the minute savings and better cost savings. The bigger picture entails better opportunities.
Here are some of them.
• An active and dynamic energy management system, if used actively, will enable companies to tap the maximum of the source of energy. To add on top of it, these systems should work in tandem with the existing systems to monitor and measure progress in the entire process. This will reduce the energy bills exponentially.
• A 7% average – Regular energy audits offer streamlined solutions and help companies reach sustainable energy goals by modifying the energy infrastructure and hence plays a crucial role.
• The rise of data analysis and the age of big data is what will drive growth all across the globe. The usage of both technologies is not unknown to the companies as well. Hence, companies have been working hard to leverage the power of the data to draw insights from various parts of the industry and thus derive meaningful conclusions from implementing.
• Creating an Energy Culture – The energy-saving schemes are not related to one particular department in the company. Different teams need to work together to achieve the energy efficiency for industry. This can reduce costs by 10%-15%.
Capital cost avoidance
… and so on.
Identifying the Weak Points
The next essential step in the process is to identify the weak points that cannot be ignored. From the leakage in the systems to outdated machinery, there can be a ton of factors that might be affecting the energy efficiency of your company.
This can lead to severe challenges like inefficiency and wastage of money. If such a scenario exists, make sure to call a significant company that comes with years of experience. Companies like Keiken Engineering have been leading the way and hence could not be ignored at all costs.
A thorough audit would reveal a ton of factors, fixing which a lot many advantages can be achieved.
The State Of The Art Solutions
Optimization of the existing machinery practices can be achieved by the use of the latest industrial software and hardware. On the other hand, here are some of the solutions that are celebrated by consumers all across the globe.
Some of the significant solutions followed by the house include
• Assessment of needs – instrumentation and control
• Process modification
• Minimizing pressure and temperature losses.
• Maintaining energy efficiency standards
• Selecting efficient equipment like pumps, motors, and drivers.
If these processes are followed right, the rest is smooth sailing. However, the complete range of solutions is not limited to it. The in-house experts entail a comprehensive plan of action to make sure that no single element is left out.
Achieving Industrial Energy Efficiency
No matter where do you live, the primary reason for energy wastage is often a result of poor process control. However, with the right methodologies and a thorough energy audit, the process could reduce by almost 15%.
Despite the stress on the process utilities, the fundamental step that accounts for most of the problems is the compressor costs. A simple leak can pump out all the air, and that’s why leak tests play such a crucial role.
On the other hand, there is an innovation in the leak detection technique as well and hence could not be ignored at all costs. Modern-day solutions can be used for other purposes as well. Here are some of the processes that use these advanced machineries.
• Managing industrial gases.
• Minimizing cooling water flow
• Cooling water to appropriate temperatures
Other major components include motors and drivers. These elements facilitate momentum in savings and hence are a massive hit across the globe. For example, most companies have turned to the variable speed drive or VSD on the motor to control electrical supply. This has a major impact on the energy consumption rates and the longevity of the products.
As per an estimate, the VSD can decrease the bills up to 50! The increasing use of automatic sensors and timers to control the pumps and manage the operations has been a great hit as well and hence could not be ignored at all costs.
The next item on the list is the boiler and steam management. These devices can save as much as 30% of the energy and hence has been adopted by the industries quite easily.
Some of the major factors to focus on include improving heat recovery and enhancing the maintenance of the device. This can elongate the life expectancy of the item by a considerable amount.
However, a lot of the steam can be reduced on account of leaks. If such a scenario exists, the companies should use best practices to detect leaks and repair them accordingly.
One can also enhance their efficiency through the effective use of the furnace. To attain this, first, check how much energy is consumed and drained in the process.
The Best Practices for Your Needs
The diverse range of solutions differ on various parameters and hence needs special attention. However, here are some of the simple steps that one can leverage the gain maximum.
• Thermal Energy Storage
• Turbine Inlet Air Cooling
• Industrial Refrigeration
• District Cooling
• Compression and Absorption Systems
The world of industries is enormous, while a simple leak or any other inefficiency can destroy the entire process and hence requires special attention. It is the companies like Keiken Engineering that help large scale manufacturing industries and therefore, could not be ignored at all costs. Their approach to energy efficiency for industry represents a set of unique tricks and materials and hence could not be ignored at all costs.
Want to have an energy audit for your company? Find us online as Keiken Engineering or give us a call at +34 91 057 72 54.
Activated carbon for water filtration: how does it work?
With drinkable water decreasing amount given the adverse effects of global warming, more and more organizations are investing in the desalination processes for seawater. The future of planet Earth is in crisis and water war could surely be a thing in the future. In order to avoid such a destructive future, desalination methodologies are being opted to keep up with the water needs. However, the process of efficient seawater desalination or efficient desalination of seawater can be a hectic task.
This requires the help of a proficient team or service provider who has mastered the intricacies involved in efficient seawater desalination. But, before you hire a service provider for your desalination needs, let us take a look at the entire process in depth.
What is the Desalination of Seawater?
Desalination is the process that removes the mineral components present within saline water. In general terms, desalination or efficient seawater desalination is a process that involves the removal of minerals and salts from seawater.
Saltwater filtered through the desalination process is fit for irrigation or human consumption. The normal by-product that comes from the desalination process is known as brine. This by-product is a solution of water and salt with the highest mineral concentration. To describe the context, freshwater has 0.05 percent of mineral or salt content. On the other hand, brackish water’s mineral content can vary between 0.05 and 3 percent. The seawater generally consists of 3 to 5 percent of mineral content. Lastly, brine is a water-mineral solution with the highest concentration going as high as 28 percent from a minimum of 5 percent.
Uses of Desalination
Desalination is an old concept where people used to boil the saltwater & collected the resulting steam with the use of sponges. The basics are still the same with a major change in technology used which makes the process faster and highly efficient.
In essence, efficient seawater desalination is the process that tends to mimic the evaporation and condensation process that is a part of nature. The distillation or desalination plants tend to refine & speed up the process with the application of artificial cooling and heating equipment. Given the fact that desalination requires a chunk of energy, most distillation plants can be seen working alongside the power plants. This is where the desalination can be done with the use of waste heat that helps create a volatile temperature for water. In simple terms, this helps bring down the overall cost involved in the desalination process.
So, where is this desalinated water needed?
Desalinated water is something of a boon in times where global warming is significantly drying up our natural water reservoirs. In years to come, this could be the potential method for obtaining drinking water. Today though, it is still popular with uses in:
• Manufacturing Processes
• Cruise Ships
• Submarines
• War Ships
• Industrial Cleaning Needs
• Packaged Drinking
Given its high energy consumption rate, efficient seawater desalination can be costlier as opposed to freshwater obtained directly from groundwater, water conservation, or water recycling. However, all these alternatives aren’t accessible at all times. Plus, the rapid depletion of the water reserves all over the world has led to scientists and technical geniuses trying to figure out cheaper methodologies for desalination.
At present, approximately 1 percent of the total world’s population depends on the desalinated water in order to meet their daily needs. However, the United Nations believes that 14 percent of the globe’s total population shall be affected by water scarcity issues as we approach the year 2025.
The methodology used for efficient seawater desalination
When it comes to the efficient desalination of seawater, there are multiple methods in place. Each of these methods come with their pros and cons.
• Solar Distillation
This particular process for efficient seawater desalination tends to mimic nature’s water cycle where the primary source of heat is sun and evaporation occurs from the seawater due to this heat. The first kind of solar distillation process uses photovoltaic cells for the conversion of solar energy to its electrical counterpart. On the other hand, the second process uses heat from the sun for desalination that is powered via solar thermal energy.
• Vacuum Distillation
In the case of vacuum distillation, the atmospheric pressure in the area is reduced. This helps lower the overall temperature required for the evaporation of water. Liquid starts boiling at the instance when the overall vapor pressure becomes equal to the place’s ambient pressure. With the gradual increase in temperature, the vapor pressure also increases.
Multi-Stage Flash Distillation:In this method, water from the seawater is evaporated & separated via multiple stages of flash distillation. This is actually a series comprised of flash evaporations. Each of these subsequent processes utilizes the energy which is released from water vapor condensation.
• Multiple-Effect Distillation
MED or Multiple-Effect Distillation works via a line of steps termed as effects. The incoming water from the sea is sprayed on the pipes that are heated up in order to create steam. This particular steam is then used for heating up the next batch of water.
• Vapor-Compression Distillation
The Vapor-Compression Evaporation process involved the use of jet stream or mechanical compressor for compressing the vapors that are present just above the water. This compressed variant of vapor is later used for provisioning the heating needs for efficient seawater desalination. Given the fact that this system requires a high amount of power, it is cost-effective only if the desalination process is conducted at a smaller level.
• Reverse Osmosis
The best process opted for desalination with regards to yearly growth and installed capacity is RO or Reverse Osmosis. The Reverse Osmosis process uses semipermeable membranes & applied pressure for preferential induction of water permeation via the membrane. This helps reject the minerals and salts present in the seawater. The Reverse Osmosis process uses less energy as compared to the thermal desalination process.
Apart from these popular processes, there are several other processes that are being tried and tested in the real world. This includes processes such as Freeze-Thaw, Electrodialysis Membrane, Membrane Distillation, as well as Wave-Powered Desalination.
Conclusion
Even though the process of desalination has been criticized for its high energy consumption, there is a need for desalination in the current world scenario. Things are already in place for the reduction of this intense rate of energy consumption with technical junkies and scientists perfecting things as they go. While this happens, current desalination methodologies are being adopted in factories, manufacturing units, and several other places to help with the freshwater depletion issues. So, if you are a factory owner in need of desalination for your plant, make sure you look for a reliable service provider that has been in the field with proper experience.
In need of a professional team for efficient seawater desalination? At Keiken Engineering, we bring innovation and experience to the table with advanced solutions for industrial project management. Founded in the year 2015, we have provided our cost-effective services to clients from various industries. To know more about the services we provide, get in touch with us at +34910577254. You can also mail us at info@keiken.es.
How does efficient seawater desalination work?
With drinkable water decreasing amount given the adverse effects of global warming, more and more organizations are investing in the desalination processes for seawater. The future of planet Earth is in crisis and water war could surely be a thing in the future. In order to avoid such a destructive future, desalination methodologies are being opted to keep up with the water needs. However, the process of efficient seawater desalination or efficient desalination of seawater can be a hectic task.
This requires the help of a proficient team or service provider who has mastered the intricacies involved in efficient seawater desalination. But, before you hire a service provider for your desalination needs, let us take a look at the entire process in depth.
What is the Desalination of Seawater?
Desalination is the process that removes the mineral components present within saline water. In general terms, desalination or efficient seawater desalination is a process that involves the removal of minerals and salts from seawater.
Saltwater filtered through the desalination process is fit for irrigation or human consumption. The normal by-product that comes from the desalination process is known as brine. This by-product is a solution of water and salt with the highest mineral concentration. To describe the context, freshwater has 0.05 percent of mineral or salt content. On the other hand, brackish water’s mineral content can vary between 0.05 and 3 percent. The seawater generally consists of 3 to 5 percent of mineral content. Lastly, brine is a water-mineral solution with the highest concentration going as high as 28 percent from a minimum of 5 percent.
Uses of Desalination
Desalination is an old concept where people used to boil the saltwater & collected the resulting steam with the use of sponges. The basics are still the same with a major change in technology used which makes the process faster and highly efficient.
In essence, efficient seawater desalination is the process that tends to mimic the evaporation and condensation process that is a part of nature. The distillation or desalination plants tend to refine & speed up the process with the application of artificial cooling and heating equipment. Given the fact that desalination requires a chunk of energy, most distillation plants can be seen working alongside the power plants. This is where the desalination can be done with the use of waste heat that helps create a volatile temperature for water. In simple terms, this helps bring down the overall cost involved in the desalination process.
So, where is this desalinated water needed?
Desalinated water is something of a boon in times where global warming is significantly drying up our natural water reservoirs. In years to come, this could be the potential method for obtaining drinking water. Today though, it is still popular with uses in:
• Manufacturing Processes
• Cruise Ships
• Submarines
•War Ships
• Industrial Cleaning Needs
• Packaged Drinking
Given its high energy consumption rate, efficient seawater desalination can be costlier as opposed to freshwater obtained directly from groundwater, water conservation, or water recycling. However, all these alternatives aren’t accessible at all times. Plus, the rapid depletion of the water reserves all over the world has led to scientists and technical geniuses trying to figure out cheaper methodologies for desalination.
At present, approximately 1 percent of the total world’s population depends on the desalinated water in order to meet their daily needs. However, the United Nations believes that 14 percent of the globe’s total population shall be affected by water scarcity issues as we approach the year 2025.
The methodology used for efficient seawater desalination
When it comes to the efficient desalination of seawater, there are multiple methods in place. Each of these methods come with their pros and cons.
Solar Distillation:
This particular process for efficient seawater desalination tends to mimic nature’s water cycle where the primary source of heat is sun and evaporation occurs from the seawater due to this heat. The first kind of solar distillation process uses photovoltaic cells for the conversion of solar energy to its electrical counterpart. On the other hand, the second process uses heat from the sun for desalination that is powered via solar thermal energy.
Vacuum Distillation:
In the case of vacuum distillation, the atmospheric pressure in the area is reduced. This helps lower the overall temperature required for the evaporation of water. Liquid starts boiling at the instance when the overall vapor pressure becomes equal to the place’s ambient pressure. With the gradual increase in temperature, the vapor pressure also increases.
Multi-Stage Flash Distillation:In this method, water from the seawater is evaporated & separated via multiple stages of flash distillation. This is actually a series comprised of flash evaporations. Each of these subsequent processes utilizes the energy which is released from water vapor condensation.
Multiple-Effect Distillation:
MED or Multiple-Effect Distillation works via a line of steps termed as effects. The incoming water from the sea is sprayed on the pipes that are heated up in order to create steam. This particular steam is then used for heating up the next batch of water.
Vapor-Compression Distillation:
The Vapor-Compression Evaporation process involved the use of jet stream or mechanical compressor for compressing the vapors that are present just above the water. This compressed variant of vapor is later used for provisioning the heating needs for efficient seawater desalination. Given the fact that this system requires a high amount of power, it is cost-effective only if the desalination process is conducted at a smaller level.
Reverse Osmosis:
The best process opted for desalination with regards to yearly growth and installed capacity is RO or Reverse Osmosis. The Reverse Osmosis process uses semipermeable membranes & applied pressure for preferential induction of water permeation via the membrane. This helps reject the minerals and salts present in the seawater. The Reverse Osmosis process uses less energy as compared to the thermal desalination process.
Apart from these popular processes, there are several other processes that are being tried and tested in the real world. This includes processes such as Freeze-Thaw, Electrodialysis Membrane, Membrane Distillation, as well as Wave-Powered Desalination.
Conclusion
Even though the process of desalination has been criticized for its high energy consumption, there is a need for desalination in the current world scenario. Things are already in place for the reduction of this intense rate of energy consumption with technical junkies and scientists perfecting things as they go. While this happens, current desalination methodologies are being adopted in factories, manufacturing units, and several other places to help with the freshwater depletion issues. So, if you are a factory owner in need of desalination for your plant, make sure you look for a reliable service provider that has been in the field with proper experience.
In need of a professional team for efficient seawater desalination? At Keiken Engineering, we bring innovation and experience to the table with advanced solutions for industrial project management. Founded in the year 2015, we have provided our cost-effective services to clients from various industries. To know more about the services we provide, get in touch with us at +34910577254. You can also mail us at info@keiken.es.