2010 Summer

by Gerald Church, UC Davis Energy Efficiency Center and Glen La Palme, PL Energy LLC This case deals with intelligent process cooling utilizing closed-loop systems, point-of-use chillers and ambient air managed with efficient motors and fans. Eliminating the traditional cooling tower with a closed-circuit fluid cooler, the Frigel Ecodry System is designed to provide clean … [Read more...] about Closed-Loop Process Cooling Independent Case Study: Energy, Operations and Other Resources

by Andrew Reeder, Moulds Plus International A company going green is not only socially responsible but also, financially responsible. The best way for plastic processing companies to go green is by reducing waste. The two most common forms of waste are scrap resin and wasted energy. Hence, using an effective purging compound will reduce both scrap resin and energy … [Read more...] about Going Green with Purging Compounds

by Lou Zavala, Frigel For years, process cooling has been an important part of the plastic processing plant. Properly controlled cooling is critical to the overall productivity of the plant, the life of its equipment, and the quality of the products it makes. Yet, in my experience, the plant cooling system is often an afterthought. It's the equipment hidden in the back room … [Read more...] about Process Cooling: Optimize Plant Processes and Drive Down Costs

by Mark Elsass, Cincinnati Milacron Injection molding machines have evolved over the last 40 years from energy hogs, applying brute force to get the job done, to efficient energy machines elegantly synchronizing multiple electric servo motors to accomplish the same tasks. In the 1960s, machines were equipped with individual pumps to accomplish individual tasks. This … [Read more...] about Evaluating Energy Consumption of Molding Machines: What Have We Learned in 40 Years?

by Doug Brewster, The Conair Group, Inc. As manufacturing has became more intensely competitive, plastics processors are looking at auxiliary equipment that can reduce energy consumption, make better use of raw materials, reclaim scrap, and improve process yield. Today, these initiatives take on new significance as "sustainability" becomes the watchword for consumers and … [Read more...] about Saving Energy in Dryers, Material Handling, and Granulators