Energy Recovery from Potato Chip Fryers

Abstract

The design, operating characteristics, and energy savings from an energy recovery system employed on a potato chip fryer which became operational in December, 1979, is discussed. The design incorporates a modification to an odor control system which permits heat recovery from the fryer cooking fumes. The fumes consist primarily of water vapor (11 psia) and air (3.7 psia) at a temperature of 275 F. About 10% of the available energy is dissipated in a scrubber which removes particulate material and reduces the mixture temperature to about 195 F. This flow is passed through a water-cooled condenser. The heat absorbed in the water-cooled condenser coils is in excess of 11.5MM BTU/hr. for a 4200 lb/hr potato chip fryer. A majority of this heat is transferred to the building water-glycol heating system. Back-up heating during periods of non-operation, or as supplemental heat on extremely cold days, is provided by a conventional steam-water heat exchanger.

This reclaimed energy is estimated to save 76,000 gallons of No.6 fuel oil annually by using the heat recovery system rather than conventional steam heat. At current prices, this represents more than $36,000 per year compared to an installed cost of $81,000 for the modified system.