Article Number: 3677
Shaw facility using cooking oil as fuel source - Gives environmental, cost savings benefits
ANDALUSIA, ALA.—What happens when you combine record high fuel prices with a company desire to be as environmentally friendly as possible? You turn to cooking oil—used cooking oil to be exact.
At Shaw Industries’ Plant 65 here, a pilot program is under way in which local cooking oil is collected and used as a source of biodiesel to fuel the fiber extrusion, twisting and heat set plant.
Cary Baker, site director of operations, initiated the concept by asking for ideas to reduce energy costs. “Biodiesel is more cost effective than diesel and is a more sustainable, cleaner-burning fuel since it is derived from vegetable oils.”
In order to use the cooking oil, Shaw invested in a unit that processes 100 gallons of biodiesel in 48 hours. Plant employees are encouraged to participate by collecting discarded cooking oil from family, friends and restaurants, a number of which are already participating in the project. To make it easy and encourage participation, Baker said, no filtering or straining of the oil is required. In addition, Shaw has provided complimentary plastic one-gallon jugs throughout the community.
He noted the amount of oil currently collected is enough to run during routine testing of the boiler.
Baker said the environmental and cost savings from this initiative are many:
• It burns up to 75% cleaner than conventional diesel made from fossil fuels.
• Sulphur dioxide emissions are eliminated since biodiesel contains no sulphur.
• Biodiesel is plant-based and adds no carbon dioxide to the atmosphere.
• The ozone-forming potential of biodiesel emissions is nearly 50% less than conventional diesel fuel.
As for the cost benefits, he noted that $3 per gallon is saved by reducing the use of diesel fuel in the plant and it will offset freight costs, making the plant more financially competitive. Additionally, the initiative provides a positive outlet for disposing cooking oil.
“This initiative sends a positive message throughout the community,” he concluded. “It shows that Shaw cares about the environment, and that this community cares about Plant 65. It truly is a win-win endeavor.”
At Shaw Industries’ Plant 65 here, a pilot program is under way in which local cooking oil is collected and used as a source of biodiesel to fuel the fiber extrusion, twisting and heat set plant.
Cary Baker, site director of operations, initiated the concept by asking for ideas to reduce energy costs. “Biodiesel is more cost effective than diesel and is a more sustainable, cleaner-burning fuel since it is derived from vegetable oils.”
In order to use the cooking oil, Shaw invested in a unit that processes 100 gallons of biodiesel in 48 hours. Plant employees are encouraged to participate by collecting discarded cooking oil from family, friends and restaurants, a number of which are already participating in the project. To make it easy and encourage participation, Baker said, no filtering or straining of the oil is required. In addition, Shaw has provided complimentary plastic one-gallon jugs throughout the community.
He noted the amount of oil currently collected is enough to run during routine testing of the boiler.
Baker said the environmental and cost savings from this initiative are many:
• It burns up to 75% cleaner than conventional diesel made from fossil fuels.
• Sulphur dioxide emissions are eliminated since biodiesel contains no sulphur.
• Biodiesel is plant-based and adds no carbon dioxide to the atmosphere.
• The ozone-forming potential of biodiesel emissions is nearly 50% less than conventional diesel fuel.
As for the cost benefits, he noted that $3 per gallon is saved by reducing the use of diesel fuel in the plant and it will offset freight costs, making the plant more financially competitive. Additionally, the initiative provides a positive outlet for disposing cooking oil.
“This initiative sends a positive message throughout the community,” he concluded. “It shows that Shaw cares about the environment, and that this community cares about Plant 65. It truly is a win-win endeavor.”
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