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Topic: Optimization

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Seven commandments for successful integration
Other Voices contributor Scott Little provides a clear example on the importance of good communication and why a concisely written description of operation is a good idea.

An Update on Liptak and Shinskey
Greg Shinskey Continues to Do Consulting and Bela Liptak Talks on Optimization and Safety

Farewell to Standardization: Wireless and FDI
Will There Be One Standard for Wireless and One Standard for Field Device Integration?

Hooking Up the Plant and the Enterprise
Do You Know the Benefit From Connecting Process Plant Automation, Information Systems and Higher Level Computing Platforms?

Virtually Simulating the Next Generation of Clean Energy Technologies
NETL's AVESTAR Center Is Dedicated to the Safe, Reliable and Efficient Operation of Advanced Energy Plants With Carbon Capture

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White Papers: In Depth Research

De-mystifying GHG Monitoring and Reporting - Achieve Benefits from Compliance
Author: ISA, Patrick Truesdale, Senior Consultant, Emerson Process Management
Posted: 05/20/2011
Download this presentation to see a series of highlights from the Greenhouse Gas Mandatory Reporting Rule (GHG MRR). Learn about the general provisions, stationary combustion units, several industry specific requirements, what a green facilities of the future looks ike, what automation impact this facility will have and what the wnergy and carbon management impact would be.

A Beginner's Guide to Optimizing Combustion of Fuels
Author: ABB
Posted: 03/01/2011
This guide discusses how best to optimize combustion efficiency in any application using combustion plant.

Combustion optimization in some form or other has become an absolute necessity for all combustion processes. Optimization improves efficiency, reduces environmental impact, reduces maintenance requirements and increases the time between maintenance shutdowns. There are many types of application where combustion optimization will be a key requirement. These include:
- Process heaters - the driver here is to increase throughput of feedstock, not necessarily fuel efficiency
- Waste incinerators - waste throughput is the main driver but environmental impact also has to be considered
- Steam raising, for power generation or other processes, pulp and paper, food and beverage etc, where fuel efficiency is the main driver

In any of the above examples, poor control of the combustion process may ultimately lead to damage to the plant, with problems such as soot formation, hotspots and/or corrosion in the flue ducts, to name but a few. In each case, the incidence of such problems, especially if left unresolved, will result in increased maintenance expenditure and a reduction in the life cycle of the plant.

Download now to learn more.

The First Step
Author: Honeywell
Posted: 02/17/2011
The global trends and challenges driving the need for industry to improve energy efficiency are well known. The growing population and economic development in many countries throughout the world has caused energy and transportation fuel consumption to increase. Refineries around the world are increasing capacity to meet these needs. Higher oil and gas prices, especially over the past two years, have greatly increased energy related operating costs and emphasized the need to increase energy efficiency. Today's refineries face many challenges. However, technology driven solutions now exists that can address these challenges and help achieve energy optimization. Honeywell's experience has shown that 12-25% energy reduction is achievable by implementing a comprehensive management solution with attractive returns on capital investment. A significant portion of the energy efficiency results and reduction of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions within a refinery/petrochemical complex can be achieved through improvements to plant processes. This article identifies the major process improvement opportunities and proposes a novel work process methodology to achieve them.

What U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Greenhouse Gas Regulation Changes Mean to You
Author: Catalytic Products International
Posted: 01/21/2011
There is an upside for forward-thinking manufacturers regarding EPA blueprint for the way state and local regulatory agencies use the Clean Air Act permitting process to regulate greenhouse gas emissions in the United States.

U.S. Environmental Protection Agency blueprint for the way state and local regulatory agencies use the Clean Air Act permit process to regulate greenhouse gas emissions in the United States is defined in their November 17 document: PSD and Title V Permitting Guidance for Greenhouse Gases.

The greenhouse gases that will be regulated include carbon dioxide, methane, nitrous oxide, sulfur hexafluoride and a number of refrigerants.

The Agency believes that these compounds are responsible for changing the planet's climate and is thus taking steps to reduce emissions of the gases throughout the nation. In taking this action, EPA is breaking new ground, by not only defining a broad new class of air pollutants, but by changing the way that the Agency regulates emissions of those pollutants.

Traditionally, EPA has set definitive, measurable goals when seeking to reduce air pollutant emissions, both in terms of how much a compound a facility is allowed to emit and in terms of the maximum amount of the pollutant that can be in the air we breathe. The Agency will not take the same approach when it comes to greenhouse gases. Instead, they will be asking facilities to reduce emissions to the greatest extent possible and economically feasible.

And, yes, there is upside for forward-thinking manufacturers.

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