Improve energy efficiency in your facilities

How Can I improve energy efficiency in my facilities’ steam system.

Improving energy efficiency in your facility’s steam system can lead to significant cost savings and environmental benefits. Here are some strategies to consider:

1. Insulate Steam Lines: Proper insulation of steam pipes, valves, and fittings will reduce heat loss and improve overall system efficiency. This helps maintain the desired steam temperature and pressure.  Use removable & reusable insulation blankets and jackets for valves and fittings, manufactured to exacting standards.
2. Condensate Recovery: Implementing a condensate recovery system can capture and reuse condensate, which is still hot and contains valuable energy. This reduces the need for additional fuel to heat fresh water.
3. Regular Maintenance: Ensure that all components of the steam system, including boilers, traps, and valves, are regularly maintained. This helps prevent leaks and ensures that the system operates at peak efficiency. Ensure technicians reinstall all removeable insulation blankets after maintenance or inspection.
4. Optimize Boiler Operation: Adjusting the boiler’s operation to match the facility’s steam demand can prevent energy waste. This might involve using variable speed drives or implementing a boiler control system.
5. Upgrade Equipment: Consider upgrading to more energy-efficient boilers and steam traps. Modern equipment often has better efficiency ratings and can significantly reduce energy consumption.  Evaluate needs for removable reusable insulation blankets or shields that might be needed for new equipment.
6. Monitor and Control: Use advanced monitoring and control systems to track steam usage and identify areas where energy is being wasted. Automated controls can adjust the system in real-time to optimize performance.
7. Heat Recovery: Utilize and insulate heat recovery systems to capture waste heat from the steam system and use it for other processes within the facility. This can include preheating feedwater or space heating.
8. Training and Awareness: Educate facility staff on best practices for energy efficiency in steam systems. The importance of implementing and maintaining insulation systems cannot be stressed enough. Components left uninsulated are losing money for your facility. Awareness and proper training can lead to more efficient operation and maintenance practices.

An energy survey is a great way to get organized

Get documentation on every component that is a candidate for Insulation Blanket treatment. Energy savings as well as reduction of CO2 emissions, water use reduction, and payback period will also be included.

(Photo) Shannon GES Energy Survey being executed on a tablet. In the background, thermographic images that show measurement and verification of a valve, before and after Shannon removable reusable insulation applied.

 Data Tells the Story  

Find the missing insulation in your system, like these valves and fittings shown here.  How much do you have to gain by insulating bare components?     

Look at the data below. Because of the complex geometry of valves and fittings, they have a lot of surface area. In fact, as shown in the table, the surface area of 60 typical fittings is approximately the same surface area as 334 linear feet of piping.   And no one would leave 334 LF steam piping bare and uninsulated.    Facilities have a lot to gain by insulating the valves and fittings in their systems with high quality reusable blanket insulation systems.

Over a 15-year expected life, the savings are stunning. Not only in BTUs and Therms savings, but in financial savings, reduced emissions, and reduced water consumption.  Schedule a Lunch & Learn with a representative for more in-depth analysis.  Explore your facilities’ savings potential.

why Specifying Shannon Insultech® Blanket Insulation systems is The BEST mechanical Insulation Solution:

CAD Designed for exact fit & finish

CNC Produced for Accuracy and High Quality

Comprehensive Specifications to accommodate temperature and field condition

Each Blanket includes a Metal embossed ID plate with a QC code for indentification

Integral fasteners for easy off- easy on

Design standards tested to ASTM, UL and ISO

In summary, insulating facility steam system components with high quality removeable, reusable insulation blankets, with custom fit and integral fasteners not only improves energy efficiency but also enhances safety and prolongs the equipment’s lifespan. Consider it a cost-effective asset for better performance and reduced operational expenses.