Operational Tips: Electric Heated Tank Farm Lowers Energy Usage
Reaching net zero greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by 2050 can seem daunting. Luckily, existing technologies and new innovations can be leveraged to assist the industry in exploring ways to answer the call while keeping an eye on the margin. Orlando Paving Company, which is owned by VINCI Construction, is meeting the challenge with the electrification of its Landstreet asphalt plant tank farm, replacing the traditional hot oil system to deliver on both corporate sustainability goals and public commitments to reduce energy consumption.
Located in Orange County, Orlando Paving Company’s operation is surrounded by a vibrant community where tourists from around the world come to see iconic skyscrapers, arenas, theatres, galleries, shopping, and attractions. As a local business, ensuring a positive relationship with neighbors is core to Orlando Paving Company’s mission. The asphalt pavement industry can use two methods to reduce GHG emissions: reducing consumption of raw materials and reducing energy consumption. On average, asphalt facilities use 88 kilowatt hours (kWh) per ton (equivalent to approximately 300,000 Btu/ton). Orlando Paving Company set a goal to reduce energy consumption by 20% to 70 kWh/ton to reduce its environmental footprint and cut operating costs.
VINCI Construction, Orlando Paving’s parent company, completed an extensive analysis of the benefits of using electric at its asphalt facilities. VINCI calculated that electrifying thermal processes can reduce carbon emissions from natural gas usage of 342 pounds per kWh to 1.6 pounds of carbon per kWh for electric, a 99.5% reduction. Practically, not all components can utilize electricity; therefore the burner at Landstreet uses natural gas to dry the aggregate, reducing emissions over alternative fuel sources.
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