How to improve steam generation, distribution and recovery can help a plant to increase its steam system efficiency by as much as 20-30%
Common areas for energy savings opportunities are steam generation, distribution, end use and recovery. This article outlines some typical energy efficiency measures. Demand reduction A plant’s boilers may be producing more steam or steam at a higher pressure than is necessary for the end uses. Understanding process requirements is especially important when downstream improvements, such as insulation and increased condensate return, are implemented. Lower losses translate into changes in steam production. A case study was conducted that a process engineer determined that a steam header pressure of 125 psig was no longer necessary due to changes in some of the plant’s processes. A team of personnel from the maintenance, utilities and production departments evaluated the feasibility of reducing the header pressure and decided to incrementally decrease header pressure, while monitoring the effects of this change on system performance. The pressure was reduced twice, first to 115 psi...