| Source Newsletter 2007 issue 2 |
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Benchmarking Minnesota’s ethanol industry
MnTAP recently conducted a study of Minnesota dry mill ethanol facilities to develop benchmarks relative to energy use, air emissions, water quality, and water use. Ethanol Benchmarking and Best Practices, a recent study conducted by MnTAP Mechanical Engineer Nancy Kelly, summarizes the variability across Minnesota ethanol plants in terms of resource efficiency.
In this fast growing, resource intensive industry resource reduction options may be available. Therefore, this study was developed to provide examples of best practices that have been implemented, rather rapidly, and have resulted in significant change. The study is intended to provide information regarding the production process, determine the potential for improvements in the use of resources including energy and water, and evaluate the opportunities to reduce environmental impacts. Additionally, the study will serve as an educational tool for others outside the ethanol industry of the challenges faced by dry mill facilities when attempting to conserve resources.
One goal that MnTAP has for the short term is to continue to grow relationships with ethanol plants and help them begin achieving their resource reduction goals. MnTAP will rely upon these benchmarks to better provide ethanol facilities with on-going technical pollution prevention assistance. Another goal of MnTAP is to work with an ethanol plant to develop an intern project aimed at resource reduction.
In February, Nancy Kelly will be presenting information regarding her recent ethanol plant research project at the Minnesota Air, Water, and Waste Environmental Conference. Her presentation, Identifying Environmental Process Improvements through Benchmarking Minnesota Ethanol Facilities, will feature project results along with best practices that reduce air emissions or water consumption, and improve water quality. A fact sheet with more information will be published and made available in early 2008.
Click here for a printable pdf of a chart summarizing Dry Mill bench
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Reducing raw material wastes
MnTAP staff makes changes
Improving cleaning processes
Increasing the efficiency of heating water
Benchmarking Minnesota's ethanol industry
Summer interns help reduce waste across state
Chemicals of interest list finalized for chemical facility anti-terrorism standards.
Materials Exchange
E-Waste
Calendar
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