Recirculation of Factory Heat and Air to Reduce Energy Consumption

Abstract

Two methods for achieving substantial energy savings through recirculation techniques are discussed:

1. Air cleaning methods that can be used to recover the energy content of previously-exhausted ventilation air in many manufacturing plants are explained. Selection guidelines are included for specialized plant air cleaners to eliminate 'blue haze', smoke, mist, dust, fog and fumes, thereby making it possible to greatly reduce the volume of exhaust air and the cost of replacing it.

2. 'Air turnover' type floor mounted thermal destratifiers can recover energy from the stratified hot air layers that exist near the roofs of most heated plant areas by creating a vertical recirculating airflow that 'homogenizes' plant air. This reduces the temperature of roof-level air, gives employees the benefit of formerly-wasted ceiling area heat and can result in savings of up to 30% of present heating costs for buildings over 20 feet high.