Page 28 - Sustainability in the process industry

I n t r o d u c t i o n a n d De f i n i t i o n o f t h e F i e l d 5

needs are met by on-site generation of heat carriers (hot oil, steam,
flue gases). CHP generation and even “tri-generation” (simultaneous
production of heat, power, and cooling) offer an opportunity to
reduce greenhouse gas emissions from the combined power grid–
refinery system by utilizing fuel heat content more completely than
do most existing power generation technologies. The improved
utilization rate is achieved by recovering the heat left in the exhaust
streams of the various power generating facilities (gas turbines,
FCs).

1.3 Screening and Scoping: Auditing, Benchmarking,
and Good Housekeeping

Over the years, screening and scoping tools have had a considerable
effect on reducing the costs of energy and of treating effluents,
thereby improving plant profit margins. For example, energy audits
performed on various food and drink processes have resulted in cost
savings of 15–30 percent and in attractive returns on investment
(NRCan, 2007; U.S. DOE, 2007). Because profit margins are generally
small in this sector, efficient management of energy is crucial for
increasing profits while simultaneously reducing the production
plants’ environmental impacts.
The Carbon Trust (2009) has suggested the following steps for
reducing energy consumption and thus improving energy efficiency.
An analogous approach can be used for optimizing the use of water
and wastewater:
• Good housekeeping: (1) improving staff attitude and awareness;
(2) locating heat leakages; (3) preventive maintenance;
(4) insulation; (5) justifying use of heating, cooling, and
lighting; (6) prevention or reduction of fouling; and
(7) monitoring and control.
• Energy audits: (1) examining records of energy cost and
consumption; (2) producing an “energy balance sheet”;
(3) providing high-quality data on energy consumption and
costs; (4) collecting and processing data regularly
(recommended for the analysis and review of energy
information); and (5) establishing a benchmark of energy
consumption based on other organizations or accepted
standards.
• Energy Efficiency Environmental Management System, ISO
14001: (1) the management system is a network of interrelated
elements; (2) these elements include responsibilities,
authorities, relationships, functions, processes, procedures,
practices, and resources; (3) the management system