Energy and environment management in the plastic forming industry of Ho Chi Minh City | |
| Author | Nguyen Le Truong |
| Call Number | AIT Thesis no. ET-02-24 |
| Subject(s) | Plastics industry and trade--Energy consumption--Vietnam--Ho Chi Minh Plastics industry and trade--Vietnam--Ho Chi Minh--Environmental aspects |
| Note | A thesis submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Engineering. School ofEnviromnent, Resources and Development |
| Publisher | Asian Institute of Technology |
| Series Statement | Thesis ; no. ET-02-24 |
| Abstract | One of the most important ways an industry can reduce pollution is by conserving resources (energy, raw material and water). It also benefits the factory directly by the reduction in energy bill and improvement in working environment. The reduction in pollution helps to give a better public image and to improve the working conditions of the workers of the factory. In HoChiMinh City (HCMC) of Vietnam, with an annual growth rate of 25-30%, plastic is considered as one of key industrial sectors and is expected to grow at a higher rate in the future. However, the present status of production, energy use and pollution of this sector is not known. This study aimed to draw a picture of plastic production, to identify energy saving opportunities in the plastic forming industry, and to propose some specific options to conserve energy and to reduce environment problems in the plastic forming industry. An initial survey was carried out in nineteen plastic forming factories around HCMC which showed that there were some potential for energy and environmental savings. Information regarding their production, energy, water and raw material use, costs of production, pollution and recycling of raw materials, etc. were obtained. The average specific energy consumption was estimated at about l .OkWh/kg of product. The preliminary survey and audit indicated energy saving options for consideration and three factories were identified for a detailed audit. Detailed audits were carried out in three factories of different sizes: small, medium and large. Resource (electricity, water, raw material) saving and pollution reduction possibilities were identified and categorized under housekeeping and management; process; utility; working environment and others. Specific technical options to reduce electricity consumption were identified - insulation of the heating barrel, design of the cooling water circuit, application of variable speed drives. Options related to insulation of heating barrels and application of variable speed drives were implemented in the factories. The insulation option had a payback period of less than 15 days. The variable speed drive could save about 6% with a payback period of less than 5 months, and results obtained based on actual measurements indicate that saving ranging from 10 - 30% in power consumption can be achieved. The environmental situation in the factories (temperature, noise, waste recycling) was also studied and recommendations for improvement were suggested. Finally, to sustain the results of the energy conservation work, the study emphasizes the importance of the support of managers and factory personnel. |
| Year | 2002 |
| Corresponding Series Added Entry | Asian Institute of Technology. Thesis ; no. ET-02-24 |
| Type | Thesis |
| School | School of Environment, Resources, and Development (SERD) |
| Department | Department of Energy and Climate Change (Former title: Department of Energy, Environment, and Climate Change (DEECC)) |
| Academic Program/FoS | Energy Technology (ET) |
| Chairperson(s) | Kumar, S. |
| Examination Committee(s) | Mohanty, B. ;Visvanathan, C. |
| Scholarship Donor(s) | Government of France |
| Degree | Thesis (M.Eng.) - Asian Institute of Technology, 2002 |