Formosa Plastics Plant-Wide Assessment Uncovers Ways to Save $1.5 Million per Year in Energy Costs

March 1, 2005

A plant-wide assessment at Formosa Plastics Corporation's facility in Point Comfort, Texas, uncovered cost-saving opportunities that could reduce the plant's total energy bill by about $1.5 million annually and help to increase productivity. The assessment team focused on analyzing process energy requirements, reviewing new technologies for applicability, and improving the plant's overall energy efficiency. The team found that the plant could reduce annual natural gas usage by as much as 115,000 MMBtu and lower electricity usage by nearly 14 million kWh by modifying certain processes and upgrading equipment.

For example, the team determined that a new, open-type impeller would be a good candidate for use in a gas compressor at the plant. The current closed-type impeller consumes 14% more electricity than an open-type impeller would under the same conditions. The new impeller would also reduce the potential for polyethylene buildup, which can cause blockages and reduce operating efficiency.

Formosa Plastics Corporation, U.S.A., and its subsidiaries manufacture plastic resins and petrochemicals that are later used in manufacturing such consumer products as housewares, containers, and toys.  To learn more, see the case study (PDF 1.0 MB) Download Acrobat Reader