The client, a major U.S. ethanol producer, was experiencing seasonal shortages of cooling water capacity, resulting in high fermenter temperatures and poor yields. ADF Engineering was asked to evaluate their cooling water balance and to provide a best value options analysis for improved cooling capacity.
ADF Engineering evaluated eight different options to optimize the cooling capacity for the site and determined that maximizing the heat transfer surface area in the fermenter coolers would provide the majority of the benefit with minimal capital expenditure. Achievement of complete cooling capacity in the worst case summer conditions would require the installation of an additional, costly chiller.
Type Of Industry
- Bio-Fuels
Tools & Skills Utilized
- Piping Network Simulation & Analysis
- Utilities Evaluation & Design
- Best Value Options Analysis
