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Best practices

This section compiles a database of more than 200 resource efficiency measures that were identified using the TEST methodology and successfully implemented within several industries across many sectors. The measures are classified by sector and subsector, type (good housekeeping, process control/modification, technology change, etc.), category of resource savings (water, energy and/or materials), scope and applicability (process or utilities). The database enables the use of predefined filters including the possibility to use keywords for an advanced search.

Each measure in the database includes a description of the problem, a technical description of the solution, the economic and environmental benefits quantified for the specific company case, the costs and the expected return on investment, suppliers of equipment as well as other aspects related to safety, maintenance, productivity and technical implementation.

Replacing main chiller

After defining the priority flow to be electricity, with the focus area being the chiller, investigations revealed significant loss caused due to the outdated low efficiency chiller. Replacing that chiller with a new up-to-date model will reduce its consumption by 25%, increase the COP, and improve the electricity KPI

Replacing Phosphatation pretreatment with Nano Ceramic conversion

Replacing the chocolate wafer machine

Chocolate coating and injection machine in this pastry was an outdated low efficiency one. Losses associated to the low efficiency of this machine were approximately 15% of the processed material due to the breaks of semiproducts and high rate of out of specification products. Replacing the machine with a modern one, with higher efficiency shall mitigate the causes of the material loss, and reduce energy consumption of the machine.

Replacing the liquid paint-based process with a process using powder paint

Replacing the steam impregnation booth with an electric booth

A brake linings and clutches production company has two impregnation booths. Thermal energy is provided by steam in the one booth and by electrical resistance in the other. As the electric resistance has higher efficiency, and maintains better control over temperature within the booth, the steam operated booth is converted to operate by electrical resistance.

Replacing the well pump

The energy assessment for this vegetable processing company revealed that there is a need to replace the well pump by a more efficient type in order to reduce the operating hours and accordingly the electricity consumption. Based on energy efficient design, the old pump was replaced by a new smaller higher efficency booster pump, enhanced with pressurized vessel that needs less power to provide the same job.

Return of hot condensates to the boiler

Checking the steam network at a carbonated beverage production facility revealed that the steam condensate is not recovered, leading to loss of water and energy. Installing a condensate recovery network is a feasible alternative to conserve natural resources.

Reuse final water rinse of CIP as pre-rinse

This dairy had a once through CIP system without any reuse of water. Installing a tank, to collect the final rinse water allows reintroducing it to the system, as a first rinse. This shall save approximately 22% of water baseline.

Reuse of evaporator condensate

Water removed from the juice through this evaporator was originally disposed off to the drain. Collecting that water, and reusing it as a pre-rinse water for the incoming fruit saves the water needed for this process. Water balance prepared for this company was the key to define the opportunity.

Reuse of solid waste as filler for construction industry

Solid waste from this fiberglass pipe manufacturing company was not utilized, and was originally sent to landfills. Knowing that the waste had binding material in its constituents, the waste was mixed with other non-binding material and used to produce artificial marble. The binding properties of that waste was a main success factor for this prototype.