Germany's GEA Bischoff recently supported GEA Process Engineering of Italy to provide the AGC Flat Glass Europe Cuneo float plant with an efficient energy recovery system based on an Organic Rankine Cycle turbine. Based on the recovery of heat in exhaust gases, the system recovers up to 133okW of energy, reduces CO2 emissions by up to 5540/tpa and provides a fast payback. The system was commissioned February 2012. The ORC-based energy recovery system is designed to convert up to 25% of the heat from exhaust gases into electrical energy without affecting the quality of glass production or interfering with existing gas cleaning process. It is also a closed system that allows maintenance work to be performed during production, thereby eliminating unplanned downtime. According to Marco Giordanengo, Production Manager at AGC Cuneo plant, the company had reduced its emissions when it had installed a gas cleaning system nearly 10 years ago. But, it had now become essential to look at ways of reducing power consumption, either using ORC technology or with a significant investment in a photovoltaic system of power generation. "Energy costs are now very high in Italy and these systems have made a significant difference, helping us to save energy, reduce emissions and remain competitive in the market," he confirmed.
