Industrial Decarbonization through Efficiency Improvement in Steam Systems
Disciplines
Engineering
Abstract (300 words maximum)
Steam systems are major parts of many manufacturing processes due to steam’s non-toxicity and low-cost production as well as its high heat content. A published report by Kaman Industrial Technologies has stated that around 81% of total fossil fuel consumption in pulp and paper manufactures, 57% of total in food processing facilities, 42% of total in chemical processing entities, and 23% of total in petroleum refineries are associated to the steam system. These ratios can be directly converted to the estimated carbon footprint of the steam systems. Therefore, the steam systems efficiency improvement can be considered as one of the major steps toward industrial decarbonization.
This research paper and poster presentation is conducted by the members of Industrial Assessment Center (IAC) at Kennesaw State University (KSU). In this study, we have investigated and suggested improvements for the identified non-efficient practices at few of the Georgia’s small- and medium- sized textile manufacturers. As the steam systems consist of four distinct elements generation, distribution, steam usage; and recovery condensate, we have organized our findings based on these elements. Our findings suggest that approximately 6-8% of total steam fossil fuel consumption during generation and 2-3% of total fossil fuel consumption during distribution and condensate recovery can be avoided with implementation of few cost-effective improvements. Moreover, in this study, we have discussed the implementation of microturbine for combined heat and power (CHP) systems. Based on our findings, textile manufacturing facilities are excellent candidates for this efficient and clean approach of generating on-site electric power and useful thermal energy from a single fuel source such as Natural Gas. Based on the US Department of Energy CHP Technical Assistance Partnerships (CHP TAPs) program, cogeneration provide a cost-effective, near-term opportunity to improve United States energy, environmental, and economic future.
Academic department under which the project should be listed
SPCEET - Industrial and Systems Engineering
Primary Investigator (PI) Name
Amin Esmaeili
Industrial Decarbonization through Efficiency Improvement in Steam Systems
Steam systems are major parts of many manufacturing processes due to steam’s non-toxicity and low-cost production as well as its high heat content. A published report by Kaman Industrial Technologies has stated that around 81% of total fossil fuel consumption in pulp and paper manufactures, 57% of total in food processing facilities, 42% of total in chemical processing entities, and 23% of total in petroleum refineries are associated to the steam system. These ratios can be directly converted to the estimated carbon footprint of the steam systems. Therefore, the steam systems efficiency improvement can be considered as one of the major steps toward industrial decarbonization.
This research paper and poster presentation is conducted by the members of Industrial Assessment Center (IAC) at Kennesaw State University (KSU). In this study, we have investigated and suggested improvements for the identified non-efficient practices at few of the Georgia’s small- and medium- sized textile manufacturers. As the steam systems consist of four distinct elements generation, distribution, steam usage; and recovery condensate, we have organized our findings based on these elements. Our findings suggest that approximately 6-8% of total steam fossil fuel consumption during generation and 2-3% of total fossil fuel consumption during distribution and condensate recovery can be avoided with implementation of few cost-effective improvements. Moreover, in this study, we have discussed the implementation of microturbine for combined heat and power (CHP) systems. Based on our findings, textile manufacturing facilities are excellent candidates for this efficient and clean approach of generating on-site electric power and useful thermal energy from a single fuel source such as Natural Gas. Based on the US Department of Energy CHP Technical Assistance Partnerships (CHP TAPs) program, cogeneration provide a cost-effective, near-term opportunity to improve United States energy, environmental, and economic future.