ENERGY EFFICIENCY IN INDUSTRIAL APPLICATIONS OF NATURAL GAS

摘要

In various industries served by Santa Catarina Gas Company - SCGáS, opportunities to reduce energy losses which can be obtained with relatively simple measures, resulting in lower specific consumption of natural gas were detected. This paper reports the main studies conducted in 2013 involving SCGáS' customers and universities of Santa Catarina, especially in ceramic and textile sector. These sectors are very important to the local economy with dozens of businesses consuming natural gas and exporting its products, so the control of production costs is very important factor. The cases of roller furnaces, dryers, atomizers and textile dyeing are discussed. The methodology combines field measurements and computer simulations, resulting in detailed heat balances which allow proposing simple and effective actions to increase the overall efficiency of the evaluated processes. An analysis technique was developed, enabling an advanced level of knowledge of the influence of the variables of each process, and getting its best fit points. An approach for machine appears, but also about the production process as a whole. Potential for heat recovery above 13% were identified in the case of ceramic processes, and above 17% in textile dyeing. These results are very important for the correct perception of the value of natural gas by SCGAS' customers and it has become a tool for the development of a strategic business relationship based on knowledge, technology and partnerships.