Compressed air dryer saves over $9000/yr in energy costs
America Enka's Lowland, TN, plant, located about 40 miles east of Knoxville, TN, uses instrument quality compressed air for various purposes in producing polyester and nylon yarns. An increase in process air demand had resulted in the installation of an additional 600 hp centrifugal compressor in the plant's auxiliary equipment building. The process operating requirements impose a 0/sup 0/F maximum pressure dew point for a 100 psig instrument air system. American Enka's engineers selected a desiccant dryer sized similar to and supplied by the same manufacturer of a dryer that was installed at the plant 13 years ago. The new dryer employs a heat of compression regeneration system which was not available when the older dryer was installed. The new system recovers the heat of compression from the air compressor and uses it to regenerate the new dryer's desiccant. This eliminates the need for the 60 kW heater and the 7 1/2 hp fan motor used in the regeneration of the older dryer's desiccant bed. The heat of compression dryer operates virtually unattended 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. The economics of operating the dryer have been excellent. Compared to the older dryer, the operation of the heat of compression dryer has saved more then $9000/yr (using $0.03/kwh and 2500 scfm of 100 psig air).
- Research Organization:
- American Enka, NC
- OSTI ID:
- 5570465
- Journal Information:
- Chem. Process. (Chicago); (United States), Journal Name: Chem. Process. (Chicago); (United States); ISSN CHPCA
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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Related Subjects
320303* -- Energy Conservation
Consumption
& Utilization-- Industrial & Agricultural Processes-- Equipment & Processes
AIR
CHEMICAL PLANTS
COMPRESSED AIR
COMPRESSED GASES
COST BENEFIT ANALYSIS
DRYERS
ENERGY CONSERVATION
ENERGY RECOVERY
EQUIPMENT
FLUIDS
GASES
HEAT RECOVERY
HEAT RECOVERY EQUIPMENT
INDUSTRIAL PLANTS
MAINTENANCE
RECOVERY