Conservation profile: the chemical industry

Journal Article · Mon Feb 28 04:00:00 EST 1977 · Energy User News; (United States)

OSTI ID:7116708

Millenson, M; Schmidt, D A

The energy-intensive chemical industry is responding to high prices by changing its energy management procedures. Many corporations are upgrading the positions of energy managers in their organizational structure. Savings have already been realized from converting gas-fired boilers to burn oil and coal and from housekeeping measures to increase efficiency. Capital investment, which is now needed for further energy-saving research, process changes, and monitoring, is difficult to finance because of capital shortage and the slow rate of economic recovery. Much of the available capital has been diverted into environmental and health programs, but many companies are taking steps to provide more lenient criteria for return on investment of energy conserving purchases. Technical manpower shortages and the vast size of chemical facilities also act as deterrents to some companies. New plants and plant modernizations are stressing reduced use of energy by such techniques as steam conservation, waste heat recycling, and updated equipment. A major way of lowering consumption will be changes in processes and new computer controls to monitor and regulate energy use. Specific conservation and management programs are cited for several chemical companies. (DCK)

• OSTI ID: 7116708
• Journal Information: Energy User News; (United States), Journal Name: Energy User News; (United States) Vol. 2:8; ISSN EUSND
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

29 ENERGY PLANNING, POLICY, AND ECONOMY
291000* -- Energy Planning & Policy-- Conservation
298000 -- Energy Planning & Policy-- Consumption & Utilization
32 ENERGY CONSERVATION, CONSUMPTION, AND UTILIZATION
320300 -- Energy Conservation
Consumption
& Utilization-- Industrial & Agricultural Processes
BOILERS
CAPITAL
CHARGES
CHEMICAL INDUSTRY
CONSTRUCTION
CONTROL
EFFICIENCY
ENERGY CONSERVATION
ENERGY CONSUMPTION
ENERGY DEMAND
FINANCING
INDUSTRIAL PLANTS
INDUSTRY
INVESTMENT
MANAGEMENT
MANPOWER
MANUFACTURING
RETROFITTING