Boise, Idaho-J.R. Simplot Co.’s fertilizer plant in Pocatello has been recognized by the U.S. Dept. of Energy for a large reduction in natural gas usage, according to Simplot officials. Steve Sternberg, senior project engineer, reported that the Idaho operation was recently added to a select list of 112 industrial plants in the country that have been given the federal government’s Energy Saver Plant award for making the reductions, mostly by putting waste steam to use. “The assessment showed that the steam produced as a by-product of sulfuric acid production is quite valuable when it can be put to use instead of utilizing steam produced in a natural-gas-fired boiler,” he said. “We were able to reduce steam venting, increase condensate water return, and decrease operation of the stand-by boilers.” He added that production, maintenance, and engineering employees worked together to make possible the savings that resulted in winning the award.
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