Industrial Insulation: An Energy Efficient Technology That Saves Money and Reduces

Increasing energy efficiency in U.S. industrial facilities is an important part of the U.S. energy policy for attaining goals such as reduced greenhouse gas emissions, a stronger economy, and greater national security. One of the quickest ways to improve energy efficiency in the manufacturing sector is to install, upgrade, and repair insulation on process piping systems and equipment. Insulation has always been a ""good thing to do"". Everyone knows it save energy by preventing heat loss-but no one knew exactly just how much. Everyone understands that insulation protects people from hot surfaces and that it prevents condensation. Until recently, however no one could quantify the emissions saved for the insulation investment incurred. In fact, quantifying the benefits of insulation in terms of energy saved versus overall cost has always been a difficult task. The chemical plant example presented had an insulation appraisal conducted and was able to quantify the possible reductions of specific greenhouse gases and demonstrate to management that installing insulation could result in major reductions in the facilities operating costs. The insulation appraisal used the new Windows® version of 3E Plus®, a computer software program that can now calculate how much insulation is necessary to reduce NOx, CO2, and Carbon Equivalent (CE) emissions, exactly how much energy is saved throughout applying a range of insulation thicknesses and the dollar cost savings realized through preventing energy waste