ABSTRACT

Apart from improving the design and operation of utility systems, a key

strategy for reducing environmental impacts derived from utility use is to

reduce utility consumption on process plants.

Gas compressors and liquid pumps have a key role in most chemical

processes by conveying fluids. Compressors and pumps aremajor consumers

of energy, commonly supplied as electricity, but also as steam. Energy

consumed is a function of the flow rates and pressures of process streams,

but is also influenced by pressure losses within equipment and piping. We

first consider selection of compressors and pumps for process duties and

their energy requirements. We then explore contributions to pressure loss

in equipment and piping.