Grid Synchronized Electrified Distillation of Chemical Properties
Challenge
Improve energy efficiency and production flexibility through electrification of distillation processes.
Approach
Install an electric steam boiler and an electric reboiler for the pilot-scale dividing wall distillation.
Impact
Advanced technology resulting from this project is expected to improve energy efficiency across multiple sectors.
EPIXC and its test beds provide a unique opportunity to evaluate novel approaches for heating technologies and provide guidance for industrial adoption.
Elizabeth E. Endler
Chief Scientist — Power and System Integration, Shell International Exploration & Production Inc.
Ongoing work: Installation of Flexible Electric Heating Equipment for Pilot-Scale Dividing Wall Installation
Emulate electric and hybrid heating configurations:
Electrified Calcination of Limestone and Clays for Performance Enhanced Cements
Challenge
Create processes that improve energy efficiency, feedstock flexibility, cost reductions and scalable modularity.
Approach
Install and evaluate the effects of electric heating on kinetics and heat transfer. Compare production rates to conventional heating.
Impact
Possible 13% reduction in primary energy consumption in cement clinker production can be attained through electrification and flexibility in feedstock.
EPIXC’s technologies could also provide unique methodologies to process clay, reclaimed coal ashes and aluminate source for high-performance, next-generation novel binders.
Cheng Qi
Director of Research and Development, Ash Grove Cement Company, a CRH Company
Ongoing work: Electric Calciner Test Bed Design and Installation
Joule heated kiln is expected to allow for greater uniformity of temperature, enhancing feedstock flexibility (chemistry and particle size) and process efficiency.
Improved Steel Making Efficiency Using Electric Heating
Challenge
Evaluate the energy efficiency and cost impacts of modifications to include electrified ladle preheating and drying and billet reheating processes.
Approach
Assess inputs (energy and cost) of resistive or induction heating for ladle preheating and drying and electrified reheating of billets. Examine electrical facilities layouts.
Impact
De-risk implementing electrification technology for reheating billets as this process does not currently exist.
The novel approach of electrifying the melt shop ladle drying/preheating processes and the rolling mill billet reheat furnace would provide high-tech process control, more precise energy monitoring and improved energy efficiency.
Sam Matson
Director of Manufacturing Excellence, CMC
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