Alfa Laval reviewed discussions from Climate Week NYC in its October 21, 2026 update. The company emphasized the importance of combining electrification with energy efficiency. It highlighted how lower energy demand can make electrification more affordable and reduce pressure on electricity infrastructure.
The update also covered a joint discussion with ABB on data center sustainability. This session explored efficient cooling and fluid handling technologies for meeting the energy needs of digital infrastructure.
The following sections present Pishro Sanat Vara Pars’ engineering perspective on the implications for process industries.
The Role of Thermal Engineering in Energy Efficiency
Engineering decisions influence energy consumption in oil, gas and petrochemical facilities. Assessing improvement opportunities therefore requires reviewing thermal equipment and supporting systems together.
Equipment may continue to fulfil its process duty. However, the overall system could consume more energy or require more maintenance than expected. Identifying this gap requires an assessment of actual operating performance.
At Pishro Sanat Vara Pars, we believe energy assessment should support equipment design, selection and modernization. This approach provides a clearer basis for technical and economic decisions.
Selecting Heat Exchangers Beyond Rated Capacity
Heat transfer capacity is only one factor in exchanger selection. Allowable pressure drop, fluid properties and fouling tendency also matter. Construction materials, cleaning access and operating variability require careful consideration.
We recommend comparing equipment options against a consistent design basis. The comparison should also cover the equipment’s actual operating range. This allows decisions to consider more than the initial purchase price.
Heat exchanger performance should also be assessed alongside supporting equipment. Pump power consumption and fluid circuit limitations form part of this evaluation.
How Fouling and Maintenance Affect Energy Use
The condition of existing equipment also influences energy efficiency. Fouling can reduce heat transfer and increase pressure drop. Maintaining the required flow may consequently demand additional pumping power.
Heat exchanger condition assessments should therefore form part of the maintenance programme. Cleaning methods must suit the deposits, construction materials and equipment requirements.
Service intervals should reflect operating data and manufacturer recommendations. The objective is to maintain suitable performance while controlling maintenance costs.
Assessing Performance with Operating Data
For operating plants, collecting and analysing performance data is a practical starting point. Inlet and outlet temperatures, flow rates and pressure drops provide essential information. Auxiliary power consumption and maintenance records should also be included.
Comparing these measurements with design conditions can help identify performance issues. Changes in production load and ambient conditions must also be considered.
Once the problem is defined, suitable solutions can be evaluated. These may include operating adjustments, cleaning, process modifications or equipment replacement.
Evaluating Heat Recovery Opportunities
Heat recovery is one option to consider during an energy study. However, an available hot stream does not automatically make a project economically attractive.
An initial assessment should establish the quantity and temperature of available heat. It should also examine the receiving process and whether heat supply matches demand over time.
Equipment locations and process constraints require consideration as well. Final decisions should follow a technical and economic feasibility assessment for the specific facility.
The Importance of Technical Specifications in Procurement
Improving energy efficiency requires clear technical specifications that allow meaningful comparisons. Supplier proposals should be reviewed against guaranteed performance, design conditions and construction materials. Inspection requirements and serviceability should also be assessed.
The purchase price represents only part of the overall cost. Energy consumption, maintenance and potential production interruptions must also be considered. This approach supports a more complete comparison between procurement options.
Pishro Sanat Vara Pars’ Perspective
At Pishro Sanat Vara Pars, we believe energy efficiency should translate into defined actions at plant level. A focused review of energy-intensive equipment can provide a practical starting point. Units with a history of declining performance also deserve attention.
The assessment should define the problem and support the selection of an appropriate solution. After implementation, results should be verified using comparable operating data. This creates a documented basis for further improvement.
News source: Alfa Laval’s official update, published October 21, 2026.
Engineering commentary: Pishro Sanat Vara Pars.
