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Crosscutting Technologies

Crosscutting R&D targets efficiency opportunities in the use of technologies that are common to many industrial processes and can benefit multiple industries. ITP conducts R&D projects that will improve the efficiency of combustion, materials, sensor and process control systems, and supporting industries, as well as opportunities for improving industrial energy systems, such as combined heat and power. Because of the widespread application of these crosscutting systems, even small improvements in their efficiency can yield large energy savings.

Combustion  New technologies can create increasingly efficient, clean, fuel-flexible and reliable combustion systems. Current combustion R&D includes projects with forced internal recirculation burners, fired process heater systems, and superboilers. Sensors and Automation  Through constant process monitoring and adjustment of parameters, sensors and automation systems can reduce energy use, minimize waste and pollution, and boost productivity. The ITP Sensors and Automation effort advances the science and technology underlying the entire intelligent controls systems industry, including advanced sensor technology, improved information processing, and open-architecture systems.

Industrial Materials for the Future  U.S. industry needs materials that are stronger and lighter, with resistance to high-temperature fatigue and improved resistance to corrosion and wear. ITP's Industrial Materials effort focuses on advanced metallic and intermetallic alloys, advanced structural polymers and membrane materials, advanced ceramics and composites, and advanced materials processing methods. Supporting Industries  Several industries-heat treating, forging, welding, powder metallurgy, advanced ceramics, and carbon products-support the energy-intensive materials and process industries included in the Energy Intensive Industries. Technology R&D for supporting industries is integrated with the research priorities of the Energy Intensive Industries.