To help processors understand and enhance the efficiency of their process heating systems, the DOE's Industrial Technologies Program (ITP) has updated two resources in its BestPractices library of helpful technical resources: the process heating sourcebook and process heating assessment and survey tool (PHAST) software.
The second edition of Improving Process Heating Systems Performance: A Sourcebook for Industrywas produced in collaboration with the Industrial Heating Equipment Association (IHEA). The revised sourcebook provides information about basic process heating applications and equipment; options for energy and performance efficiency; and an overview of process heating economics. A new feature of this edition is a chapter emphasizing opportunities for improvement in electric-based systems performance.
Electric-based systems use electricity to make or transform a produce through heat-related processes. This new chapter includes efficiency improvement tips for:
- Electric infrared processing.
- Microwave processing.
- Radio-frequency processing.
- Resistance heating and melting.
- Induction heating and melting.
- Plasma processing.
- Laser heating.
- Arc furnaces.
- Electron beam processing.
- Ultraviolet curing.
