Detecting leaks to reduce energy costs

Journal Article · Sat Jul 01 00:00:00 EDT 1995 · Mechanical Engineering

OSTI ID:82725

Valenti, M

This article describes how analyzing boilerhouse data in its manufacturing plants and applying algorithmic techniques is helping an automobile manufacturer run its utility operations more efficiently. Ford Motor Co., based in Dearborn, Michigan, is realizing significant energy savings, reducing capital expenditures, and minimizing wastewater disposal costs by diagnosing and quantifying leaks in its compressed air, steam/condensate, and process water systems by applying algorithms developed by Cleveland-based CEC Consultants Inc. These algorithms make use of readily available--and often already installed--instruments, such as vortex shedding meters, chart recorders, and data loggers, to compare how much utility use is needed for assembly and manufacturing equipment with how much is being generated.

• OSTI ID: 82725
• Journal Information: Mechanical Engineering, Journal Name: Mechanical Engineering Journal Issue: 7 Vol. 117; ISSN MEENAH; ISSN 0025-6501
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

32 ENERGY CONSERVATION, CONSUMPTION, AND UTILIZATION
COMPRESSED AIR
ENERGY CONSERVATION
ENERGY EXPENSES
INDUSTRIAL PLANTS
LEAKS
STEAM
STEAM SYSTEMS