Not just hot air
With the announcement late last year that Atlas Copco compressors can now recover 100% of their energy input, Peter Lattaway provides in-depth insight into the technology
Sands of time
Punitive new legislation could prove the high noon for industrial plants that have so far failed to calculate their carbon footprint and formulate a plan to effect improvements. But it isn't too late to get it right, as Brian Wall reports
Keeping it simple saves cash
Factory services like compressed air and steam systems are classic examples of functions that are only noticed when they go wrong. Nowadays, like - thankfully - modern cars, these systems can be relied upon to work consistently. But - also like cars - this reliability often means that failures are more painful, because you're less well prepared. And, while your car not starting in the morning just means you'll be late for work, your air or steam supply failing will usually have a catastrophic effect on the entire operation.
Making sustainability pay
Following last year's launch of sustainability guidelines by the Engineering Council, Steed Webzell takes a look at today's key issues and responsibilities
Energy efficiency
With energy-related issues topping most plant engineers' agendas, Laura Cork looks ahead to the forthcoming Energy Event, which promises a packed educational programme
Energy Event
Energy efficiency and energy saving are right up there on plant engineers' agendas. Brian Wall previews the forthcoming Energy Event 2010 conference and exhibition
Energy event 2011
The upcoming Energy Event promises a packed agenda focused on optimising energy management, procurement and efficiency. Laura Cork reports
Fire for the future
It is now possible to improve the efficiency of steam raising boiler systems by 10% and there are cases where fuel bills have been cut by 30%, using technology developed by London-based Autoflame. What's more, although developed for industrial boilers, it could be harnessed for steam railway locomotives and other plant.
Fluid thinking
According to the Carbon Trust, UK industry spends around £9.5 billion on energy, with at least 40% of that consumed by process heating. 'Using straightforward techniques, between 5% and 10% of this could be saved, reducing spending on energy by £280 million,' it states. A sobering thought in an age when going green - and doing so for sound economic reasons - has never been higher up the corporate agenda.
Cool solutions
Most plants would benefit from an energy audit, but where should you focus your efforts? And what kind of technology might yield the best dividends? Brian Tinham reports