TABLE OF CONTENTS In the preceding chapters some of the main chemical developments that can help reduce waste, lower harmful emissions, improve process efficiency and generally aid development of more sustainable products and processes were discussed. In this and the following chapter the focus will be more on those aspects of technology that can lead to improved process and energy efficiency as well as process cost reduction.
Most chemical processes use thermal sources of energy originating from fossil (or nuclear) fuels. The energy input to the process is non-specific, i. e. it is not directly targeted at the chemical bond or even the molecules undergoing reaction. Much of the energy is 'wasted' in heating up reactors, solvent and even the general environment. For some processes alternative, more specific, forms of energy, e.g. photochemical and microwave energy, may be beneficially applied. Whilst use of such alternative forms of energy is not new they are currently being taken more seriously by manufacturing industries and hence can be viewed as emerging technologies. Even with thermal sources of energy, conservation measures can be applied to reduce cost and environmental impact. Some such measures are exemplified below.
Monitoring, control and maintenance. Many pieces of equipment operate below design specification, and temperature control of many processes is far from optimum. By use of modern computerized digital monitoring and control systems, optimum system performance is more easily achieved. Regular maintenance of equipment including replacement of filters on pumps and regular lubrication...
