Energy efficiency for industries: trending solutions and productivity benefits

El aire comprimido, el consumo más caro de una planta industrial

In the current scenario, the world is in such a situation that the problems related to population growth are perpetually increasing. Along with several other industries, the gas and oil industries are at the receiving end of all the adverse effects caused due to global demand for energy resources. The increasing challenges of the world are vividly characterized by stringent regulations, volatile prices, and the insatiable desire. Fortunately, by adopting methods of energy efficiency for industry, the waste product is being minimized while checking the consumption of energy.

This background is essential because energy efficiency solutions are one of the best ways in which the industries will be able to meet the demands of the people without exhausting natural resources and creating further problems for the future generation. Read on the subsequent sections of this article, to have an in-depth view of the concept.

Benefits of Energy Efficiency

The solution developed in favor of energy efficiency for industry seems to have a widespread impact even though it is more often than not measured in terms of energy savings and reduction in the level of greenhouse gas produced. Some of the indirect benefits that energy efficiency has on productivity are:

• Maintenance and operational savings
• Avoidance of capital cost (both immediate and for the future scenario)
• Competitiveness in increased
• Avoidance of compliance costs
• Employee productivity is enhanced
• Creation of job sections
• Preservation of wealth

As a matter of fact, while working in the industrial sector, you will come across several types of clients that range from large-scale industrial processes to the ones operating at a small-scale base. However, one thing that can be considered common among them is the potential to realize the essentiality of energy efficiency and how it positively affects the bottom-line.

How can you identify the weak points? 

Most of the industries today are facing almost the same situation: how to enhance productivity even while reducing the level of energy consumption. As governments all across the world are enforcing stricter laws concerning efficiency and emission, the cost imposed on energy is skyrocketing. If the industries did not take proper measures in the time in order to counter the effects, they could run into severe losses in no time.

The good part among all the bad news is that industries that have low productivity levels could be able to do better if they are successful in managing the counter reasons that could be significant factors in stalling their progress. When you are able to identify the technical or engineering reasons which could affect the productivity level of your firm, you can decipher enhanced solutions that will fetch you higher returns.

Several companies are functioning, which will help you with a wide range of solutions that will not only enhance energy efficiency for industry but also promote better productivity. Some of the perfect examples are variable speed drives and electric motors. The motor-driven applications are typically designed in a way that operates at optimum speeds, thereby enhancing the levels of productivity and also saving energy.

For example, let us consider a situation where you are using outdated equipment and systems. Therefore, the work required in the completion of a task becomes a lot, however unnecessary. Therefore, talk to one of the specialists in the sector of energy efficiency to conduct an audit of the facility that you might be using.

Solutions offered by State-of-the-art Efficiency Services

The optimization of any manufacturing process can be achieved through the adequate installation of trending technologies, which are effectively coupled with efficient management systems of the same type. To this end, several activities offered include:

• Minimizing the pressure losses and temperature levels
• Assessment of the essential requirements: control and instrumentation
• Modification of the processes
• Maintaining standards of energy efficiency for industry
• Selection of efficient equipment –pumps, motors, drives, and more

What are the various approaches that can be taken to enhance energy efficiency for industries?

Typically, the wastage of energy in an industry is the result of poor control of the processes carried out. Ask any of the specialists in the sector: with an enhanced level of process control, the industry will be able to reduce their energy bills by at least 15%. When it comes to processing the utilities, one area that the modern solutions will help you check is the cost expended on compressors.

Read: Energy Efficiency for Industry: Why is it the need of the hour?

Even a simple leakage can translate into higher costs. That is why conducting leakage tests on the network is considered to be crucial. The modern leak detection equipment available today is often used to make the process as thorough as it is possible. These solutions can be further applied to the following processing activities:

• Cooling water to obtain appropriate temperature levels
• Managing industrial gases
• Minimizing the flow of cooling water

The drives and motors offer an outstanding opportunity for the facilities to realize the monumental energy efficiency for industry. For instance, the trend nowadays can be used for a VSD (variable speed drive) on a motor to control the supply of electricity. Also, the factories are working towards reducing the levels of power requirement for the motor by 50% by making use of the energy efficiency techniques. The use of automatic timers or sensors to control the operation of the pump is also gaining rapid popularity.

Steam and boiler management can also help you save up to 30% of the energy that was otherwise consumed. Enhancing maintenance and improving insulation can further go a long way in achieving success. Also, adjusting the heat recovery process can be considered as a commendable approach. A large amount of steam is lost through leakage; therefore, it is imperative to make use of the best leak detection methods and repair the equipment accordingly.
Industries can further enhance their productivity by using the furnace effectively.

Bottom Line

The different solution categories of energy efficiency for industry could be listed as –Thermal energy storage, taking care of industrial refrigeration solutions, turbine inlet air cooling, district cooling, industrial heat pumps, set up of the absorption and compression systems as well. The customized, along with advanced industrial solutions for cooling, are offered by several companies, can cater to your needs. The population is rising every day, and the prices of energy are fluctuating every day. Therefore, it is high time that your industry adopted an efficient means of energy conservation.

At Keiken Engineering, we are committed to promoting energy efficiency for industry in order to reduce the operating costs and improve the level of productivity. Several sectors, including –electricity production, gas & oil, and petrochemical, are being positioned in the best way by taking advantage of the solutions that we have to offer. We have the capability to introduce you to efficient energy practices that will help you in the long run. To know more about us and the solutions that we offer, you can contact us at +34 91 057 72 54, or you can also send us an email at info@keiken.es.

Efficient seawater desalination: risk management strategies for dedicated industries

Finding an alternative source of fresh water is the most important concern for the world. Since humans cannot stop the drying up of freshwater sources, however, there’s a possibility that we can find a replacement to it. It seems that the desalination of seawater is the future of our generation. Therefore, nowadays, industries can look up to efficient seawater desalination instead of using up all the freshwater sources. Right from agriculture and personal consumption, to industrial use, the desalinated water can be used anywhere without a second thought.

However, before initiating the desalination process, the industry should properly analyze the situation and should be ready to face any issue. Also, you can hire various agencies that will analyze your situation and provide an efficient solution to avoid any trouble.

What is the desalination of seawater?

The desalination of seawater is a very interesting and latest way to cover up the shortage of freshwater sources. Nanofiltration and reverse osmosis are the leading desalination solutions at present. Mostly, minerals and salts are removed from the saline water. In the absence of salt, the seawater gets converted into freshwater. Several industries are getting a supply of freshwater directly from the desalination plants. Both private, as well as government entities, have shown their preference for desalination water.

The only issue is, a product called brine is left behind after the process of desalination. It’s very dangerous for the environment. Therefore, various agencies have come up with numerous techniques that could be used for a efficient seawater desalination, without affecting the environment.

What are the risks? How to manage them?

Since desalination is a risky and complicated process, here are some of the risks associated with it, along with its solution. If you want to get efficient seawater desalination, read on.

1. Brine disposal

While the industry is installing a desalination plant, the most important concern is the disposal of the brine output. Brine is potentially dangerous for our environment because of the high content of salt in it. Apart from the salt, it also carries a lot of chemicals that were used to treat the seawater. Such a huge amount of salt threatens the existence of plants and aquatic life. Also, due to a large amount of soluble salt, it adversely affects the soil in different ways. It restricts the plants from absorbing water and nutrients from the soil.

However, there are various ways to stop environmental degradation as well as brine disposal possible at the same time. For example, the industry can dilute the brine output before discharging it. You can hire agencies that provide easy solutions for segregated brine disposal. This will ensure that your efficient seawater desalination process runs properly. Such service providers can also provide a plan which guarantees success.

2. Establish a strict agreement

If you are installing a desalination plant to cater to the needs of private or government entities, there are certain rules that you both need to adhere to. Both the lender and the sponsor need to consider some essential issues, such as the transfer of desalination water to the lender’s system.

Also, for the efficient seawater desalination, they should plan out who will operate, construct, and maintain the pipelines or connected facilities. It also needs to be clearly mentioned who will be at fault when there’s a delay in the operation of the desalination plant.

The contract signed between the parties must address whether the cost will be adjusted in the future or not. One can hire an agency to look into the matter and recommend the best ways to build a desalination plant.

3. Proper supply of electricity

The cost of electricity can take up about 55% of the total establishment costs of the desalination plant. For a efficient seawater desalination, the supply of power remains critical. Larger the desalination plant more will be the requirement of electricity supply, and vice-versa.

For instance, if you are planning to set up the desalination industry in an urban area, you have to procure power supply from the power grid. However, on the other hand, if a rural area is on your mind, then you can extract electricity from sources such as solar power, wind, or wave power.

If there’s not a regular power supply to the plant, the plant will prove to be an extreme failure as it won’t be able to function at all. If the project doesn’t go as planned, the desalination plant has to suffer losses. Therefore, before beginning with the project, one should make sure there’s a proper power supply nearby. Operators of the electric project should possess the optimum expertise and experience.

4. Choose the correct model

Currently, there are two models in front of everyone to choose from, for the process of efficient seawater desalination. However, except for the Middle East countries, all the countries use a technology known as reverse osmosis, whereas the Middle East uses thermal technology.

What makes reverse osmosis an expensive choice is a fact that, if the membrane is not replaced at the correct time, it will adversely affect the amount of consumption of energy and the plant’s efficiency.

So, when it comes to replacing the membrane, you should take the advice of professionals. Decide whether you should directly contract with the supplier of the membrane or leave it to the operator of the desalination plant. Make sure the operator guarantees good functioning and customer satisfaction.

Conclusion

Challenges and complexities that come along with the establishment of a desalination plant, only makes it more interesting and unique. However, the challenges that are listed above can be met with the help of an adviser. You can hire professionals to analyze your plan and recommend what’s best for you. Therefore, efficient seawater desalination is possible without any hindrance. The desalination of seawater proves to be the best escape plan. Now with this alternative source of freshwater, industries will no more deplete the freshwater sources for industrial use. Indirectly, it will save water, which will be used for day to day activities at home.

Different clients have different issues that should be dealt with separately, right? Well, that is what Keiken Engineering offers. It offers customized solutions and products, depending on the needs of the clients. With the recommendation of our experts, you are going to achieve great savings and significant improvements. When it comes to efficient seawater desalination, our team holds great experience both in compact plants and in large plants. If you need further clarification or want to hire us, then contact us at +34910577254. You can also go straight and fill up the online form that’s available on our website. So, if you’re in a dilemma and don’t know what’s best for you, call us, and we will be there for you.

How effective is activated carbon for water purification?

Los límites del carbón activo: qué no retira y cuándo está agotado

Charcoal filters, or also known as activated carbon filters, possess small fragments of carbon, either in block or granular form. These pieces have been processed to be highly porous. The surface area of a field (6400 sqm) is equivalent to 4 gm. of activated carbon, which is ideal for the filtration of water. So, now you must be thinking about why people prefer activated carbon for water purification?

As it has a huge surface area, the charcoal filters effectively absorb contaminants along with other substances. When you pour water down through the charcoal filter, all the contaminants present in it sticks to charcoal filter. Also, the temperature and flow of water are important factors that determine the effectiveness. For instance, cold water should be poured at a lower pressure into a small charcoal filter.

Particle size is also an important aspect that needs to be considered when it comes to determining the effectiveness of activated carbon filters. Granular activated carbon or GAC doesn’t have a specific limit as its porous. On the other hand, when the activated carbon is in the form of blocks, it can only remove particles ranging from 0.5-10 micron.

Read: Activated Carbon for Water Filtration: How does it work?

How does it purify the water?

The tap water that you use has many contaminants and chemicals which can have adverse effects on your health in the long-run. Therefore, activated carbon for water purification is strongly recommended. Activated carbon sucks out hundreds of chemicals and contaminants from the water.

Recent studies conducted by NSF and EPA claim that 60 to 80 chemicals can be removed along with the reduction of 22 to 30 chemicals.

The quality and form of an activated carbon determine how effectively contaminants and chemicals are removed. As per the report of EPA, activated carbon technology is capable of removing all the recognized organic contaminants, i.e., 32 such as THMs. The most common 12 herbicides, along with 14 pesticides such as glyphosate, don’t stand a chance against activated carbon.

Additionally, charcoal filters or activated carbon is among one the levels in whole house filter, Reverse Osmosis (RO), UV filter, and many other technologies of filtration.

What harmful contaminants and chemicals does it remove?

Now the question arises, what chemicals and contaminants can it eliminate? Does it remove every particle that’s harmful to a human body? Mentioned below are some of the contaminants and chemicals it removes. Once you finish reading it, you’d be aware of what benefits does an activated carbon filter provides you.

1. Pesticides: As everyone knows, pesticides are used in agriculture to keep away pests from damaging the crops. These pesticides land into freshwater sources such as rivers, ponds, and groundwater. Despite treatment, sometimes it ends up in tap water. Therefore, activated carbon for water purification is used. As many as 14 identifies, pesticides can be removed, such as Chlordecone, Chlordane, Lindane, etc.

2. Chlorine: To make tap water safe, chlorine is infused with water. This might change the smell as well as the taste of the water in a way that you wouldn’t like. In order to remove this substance, an activated carbon filter is suitable. It’s capable of making your tap water 95% free of Chlorine.

3. Chlorine bi-products: Chlorine bi-products are the most important concern about the tap waters. Bi-products like THMs are considered to be potentially cancerous. When compared with other technologies, activated carbon proves to be the most effective in removing chlorine bi-products. EPA says it can remove as many as 32 by-products of chlorine.

4. Nitrate: You must have been taught in high school that Nitrate is very important for plants. Nitrogen plays an important role in the growth of plants, which is not harmful to humans. However, when the amount becomes extremely high, it can possess problems like Methemoglobinemia, which happens due to a lack of oxygen. Around 50-70% of Nitrate can be reduced from water when you use activated carbon for water purification.

5. Microplastics: The problem of Microplastic has become a major issue for every country. Microplastics are small fragments of plastic that end up in freshwater sources. Given the fact that they’re very small in size, one cannot see it with a naked eye. Plastic is harmful to the human body in numerous ways. Therefore, when you use an activated carbon filter, all the microplastics would be washed away.

6. Chloride: When it comes to balancing blood pressure, blood vacuum, and pH balance of body liquids, Chloride is a savior. Though it doesn’t have any adverse effects on health, it makes the water taste salty when it’s in a high amount. During the chlorination process, harmful viruses and bacteria are removed through the help of chlorine. However, activated carbon filters play a major role in eliminating the salty taste of water. It reduces chlorine content by up to 50-70%.

7. PFOS: This synthetic chemical is mostly used in metal plating, stain repellents, and fire-fighting foam. With time, it has landed up in water resources and the environment. A study that was conducted in the year 2002 revealed that PFOS could be toxic for mammalian species. Therefore, to effectively remove PFOS from the tap water, activated carbon for water purification should be used, which successfully removes PFOS, PFOA, PFNA, and PFAS.

8. Herbicides: Popularly called as weedkillers, these are substances that are used for controlling the growth of unwanted plants such as weed. As you all know, the growth of unwanted plants reduces the availability of space, water, and minerals for main plants such as agricultural plants. This makes the removal of unwanted plants necessary. When activated carbon is used for filtration, it can easily eradicate the most common 12 herbicides involving Atrazine and 2,4-D.

Conclusion

Now that you know every benefit that will be provided to you when you use activated carbon for water purification, we hope your next purchase will be activated carbon filter. This is an exceptional technology and material which is widely used to filter water. Along with the filtration, it solves several issues related to the quality of tap water. However, all other healthy minerals remain intact, unless you combine it with other technologies for filtration. With the rapidly developing industrial section, our water sources are getting more and more contaminated. Therefore, to ensure a healthy living condition for the family, one needs to take certain steps to purify the drinking water.

If you are looking for a reliable company for your business or industry energy efficiency needs, you can hire the services of Keiken Engineering. We aim to provide companies and organizations with efficient water filtration methodologies and support to tackle their huge projects at ease. Our team guarantees success at a professional level. Right from the management of industrial project and energy efficiency, to water treatment and desalination, our team will take care of all. If you have got further queries, you can contact us at info@keiken.es, or you can call us at +34936811650 or +34910577254.

FAQs

1. What is the duration of industries to undertake a pilot water treatment study?

Pilot studies typically last a few weeks to a couple of months, depending on wastewater characteristics and desired treatment objectives. They also administer tests over time to produce reliable, consistent performance data.

2. What are the ways in which industries tailor pilot water treatment plants?

Industries build pilot plants based on the type of wastewater they treat and the plant’s purpose. They change the system components, filtration processes, and operating parameters to meet their needs.

3. What is the role of pilot plants in decreasing the risk of the project for the industries?

Wholesale industries can pilot-test technologies in pilot plants before committing to large-scale investments. They spot potential problems at an early stage, avoid costly errors, and ensure that the chosen method meets expectations.

4. Which regulatory compliance is obtained through pilot water treatment plants?

Pilot plants have been used to determine whether water treatment processes are environmentally friendly, including the information generated. Pilot plants enable companies to use this data as evidence of compliance with regulatory standards for approvals. 

5. What is the pilot test information used by engineers in designing full-scale systems?

The data and results from pilot systems are evaluated by engineers to perform predictive analyses that inform the design of larger-scale, efficient and dependable operations during the development of the final plant under real-world conditions.