Innophos, Inc.
Chicago, Illinois
Intern: Adam Acosta
University of Illinois, Chicago
Innophos Inc. is a specialty phosphate manufacturer. Its products are
used in foods to provide texture, mineral fortification, or enhanced
color and flavor. The Chicago Heights plant has been in existence for
100 years and employs 170 people.
Results:
The intern identified several opportunities to save energy and made
the following recommendations:
- By repairing air and steam leaks, as well as faulty steam traps at
the facility could result in savings in excess of $74,000. Payback
periods would range from 1 to 5 months.
- Converting from metal halide light fixtures to T-8 fluorescent lamps
and electronic ballasts could result in savings of $55,000 per year
and have a payback of 2.3 years.
- Proceed with a pipe insulation project to replace insulation that
has been taken off for repairs and never replaced. This would decrease
the load on the boiler system.
- Install a direct gas-fired heating unit on the rooftop of the warehouse.
This would replace the seven (7) existing steam heaters that are in
a state of disrepair. This would provide more even temperatures throughout
the warehouse and allow for reduced energy consumption with a programmable
setback option.
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