Reducing Abatement Costs Using Performance Contracts
Typically, not much attention is given to the performance of an RTO unless a specific problem or fault shuts down the system or when the system is out of compliance. Opportunities to reduce the operating cost of an RTO by improving the energy efficiency are rarely considered. Because of the rapidly increasing cost of natural gas, the incentive to evaluate and improve RTO efficiency before any maintenance problems occur has never been greater. If the temperature rise across an RTO is around 140°F or greater, energy recovery projects usually can be justified based on the utility savings alone. An energy efficiency project may pay for itself, depending on the temperature rise and pressure drop across an RTO, the air volume being treated, and the annual hours of RTO operation. Other factors also may have an impact.
One major concern with any energy-saving project is the predicted savings vs. actual results. How can a plant be sure that the savings estimated during the project approval stage are realized after the project is completed? Are the predicted savings based on realistic assumptions? And more importantly, will the system continue to be operated at startup as well as in the foreseeable future in such a way that the savings are truly maximized?