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.