Optimize Key Energy Services  Cutting energy costs is a
necessity for chemical plants.  By Ven V. Venkatesan, Energy
Columnist  Share Print Related RSS  Unlike other sectors such as
steel, cement and paper processing, chemical plants vary in
their process, undergo frequent process changes and face a more
competitive market environment due to quick technological
obsolescence. Hence, optimizing energy costs is critical for
chemical plants. While individual processes may differ, many
plants demand at least two or more of the following types of key
energy services: process heating, process cooling, evaporation,
distillation, electrolysis, refrigeration and electricity.     
Each type of energy service usually provides opportunities.
Process Heating: Generally, low to moderate temperatures are
required for process heating. Steam often plays a major role, as
well as cascading or integration of thermal processes and
cogeneration. High-temperature combustion gases could drive a
turbine generating electricity, whil