An exploration and production company, that builds natural gas reserves through the acquisition and development of oil and gas assets, uses multiple scrubbers to clean out the impurities of the natural gas that they receive. The impurities consist of hydrogen sulfide and amines. They dump this waste into their flare stack and then sell the cleaned natural gas.
A decorated paper printing company was looking to reduce ventilation air and fuel costs without affecting production rates or violating the NFPA safety directives. They were using large amounts of heated air to ventilate their dryers to keep the solvent vapor concentration below 25% LFL as directed by the NPFA codes. However, the codes allow a substantial reduction in air in cases where a continuous solvent vapor analyzer is installed.
It's important to find the appropriate analyzer for your application. Often times there are a few choices but when the data is appropriately assessed there is usually one that will do the job safely and accurately.
The number of applications for painted steel is growing and while using analyzers to stay safe is the primary concern, you might find that in doing so you can also optimize your process.
Safety and fire codes outline the design specification for the safe operation of solvent ovens. The codes limit the maximum solvent concentration allowable to 25% LFL under worst case conditions. If the LFL exceeds 25% continuous monitors must be used. The challenge with this particular application is that can be that there is a possibility of sudden increase in %LFL.
The Global Energy Trends are showing a commitment to energy reduction!
BP's Statistical Review has provided timely and objective data about energy economics since 1951. This year at the 62nd BP Statistical Review of World Energy, they reported that in 2012, global energy consumption growth slowed to 1.8%, impacted by improved energy efficiency around the world, "The world's energy markets were driven by diverse events—including the ongoing decline of nuclear power output in Japan, the recovery of production in Libya, and rising shale development in North America".
Even if your oven is designed for maximum load conditions, you still need protection against explosions. Often an atmosphere contains many different solvents and other materials, like resins. This requires an analyzer that when calibrated remains accurate for all constituents in the sample, not to mention runs at high temperatures.
Energy is a significant cost of production. As energy costs rise, it becomes more difficult to pass on the increases to customers in the price of products and services. Regardless of current energy costs and trends, an energy-efficient process is more competitive.
However, for any cost savings to be obtained SAFELY, the analyzer must be used properly.
To find out more details read our article in Adhesives Magazine.
Safety should be considered as a PROFIT Center and not a liability.
A lot is being said about shale gas and fracking, here is an interesting article showing how it will change manufacturing practices all over the world:
http://www.reuters.com/article/2013/06/14/us-plastics-from-gas-analysis-idUSBRE95D0AI20130614
Let's continue our discussion on Energy Savings. This time the focus is ovens and furnaces:
In multi-zone oven applications where solvents and solvent levels change depending upon the product produced, LFL/LEL Analyzers are necessary for monitoring in order to stay safe. These analyzers need to be consistent and reliable amongst this constantly changing atmosphere.
So ... is there a way to save money and reduce energy without compromising this safety?
