To help processors in the energy-intensive process industries enhance the efficiency of their process heating systems, the Department of Energy's Industrial Technologies Program (ITP) introduced an "Ask the Expert" section to its web site, www.eere.energy.gov/industry/.

Dr. Arvind Thekdi, the featured DOE energy expert, routinely conducts energy assessments to improve energy efficiency of process heating systems at industrial plants. During the assessments, he often encounters questions that indicate confusion about how process heating systems operate. In the Spring 2008 issue of Energy Matters, a DOE publication, Dr. Thekdi provides some basic information about process heating systems, and offers solutions for reducing heat losses to increase efficiency.

To read all of Dr. Thekdi's tips, visit http://www.eere.energy.gov/industry/bestpractices/energymatters/articles.cfm/article_id=272.