Are “Traps” Robbing You?

I have taken a number of trips to China. Though the industrial model of the world, a quick look tells you that there are improvements to be made. I remember during a trip in early 2008 looking out the window as I traveled from Hangzhou to Nanjing. The roofs of countless large factories were an eruption of steam venting to the air. Money going down the tubes! Or, should I say “up the stack”?

When you are focused on production, that can happen. But, the savings of getting control of you steam and hot water losses can be enormous!

A simple program to check your steam traps periodically can pay off big time! Whether you do a manual walk down of your systems and use manual inspection, temperature measurement, ultrasonic or infra red measurement, is not as important as doing something! There are a lot of ways to improve!

Do the math! Look at your flow diagrams. Look at the energy of the steam or hot water and do a quick estimate of the cost. If it is “clean” water, allow for additional water clean up costs. That in itself will often justify a steam trap program!

Does the excessive heat loss and resulting temperature build up in the plant cause early controls failures? When you step back and look at all the losses, you quickly grasp what you are losing. It is high! Now, start taking it back!

Have you done a comprehensive review? Do you have it under control? How much could you save? Are there cost effective steps that you could take right now? Let REM help you find out!

Rudd Energy Management (REM) is an energy consulting company that specializes in cost effective solutions. REM prides itself in matching experienced professionals with your problems to ensure the best solution in the shortest time possible. Contact us at (219) 464-7054.