Atkins, M, Walmsley, M & Neale, J.(2009). The challenge of integrating non-continuous processes-milk powder plant case study. In Proceedings of the 12th International Conference on Process Integration, Modelling and Optimisation for Energy Saving and Pollution Reduction. AIDIC, Rome, Italy; 10-13 May, 2009(pp. 445-450).
Abstract
The integration of non-continuous processes such as a milk powder plant present a challenge for existing process integration techniques. Current techniques are generally based on steady and continuous operation which for some industries is not the case. Milk production varies considerably during the year as dairy cows in New Zealand are grazed on pasture, which affects the scheduling and operation of plants on site. The frequency and duration of cleaning cycles and non-productive operating states can have a major affect on energy demand and the availability of heat sources and heat sinks. In this paper the potential for indirect heat transfer between the several plants using a heat recovery loop and stratified tank at a typical New Zealand dairy factory is investigated. The maximum amount of heat recovery is calculated for a range of recirculation loop temperatures. The maximum amount of heat recovery can be increased considerably if the temperature of the hot fluid in the recirculation loop is varied depending on which condition the site is operating under.
Rights
This article has been published in the Proceedings of 12th International Conference on Process Integration, Modelling and Optimisation for Energy Saving and Pollution Reduction. AIDIC, Rome, Italy; 10-13 May, 2009. Used with Permission.
