Energy audits from farm to factory in oilseeds and cereals
محورهای موضوعی : food biotechnologyNargess Golafra 1 , Masoud Honarvar 2
1 - PhD Student of the Department of Food Science and Technology, SR.C., Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran.
2 - Associate Professor of the Department of Food Science and Technology, SR.C., Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran
کلید واژه: Energy audits, Energy efficiency, Oilseeds and cereals, Olive oil extraction, Biodiesel purification,
چکیده مقاله :
Oilseeds and cereals use a lot of energy from field to factory. Heat for cooking and drying, cold storage, irrigation pumping, and diesel for field work drive most of the demand. This raises costs and emissions. We reviewed nine recent case studies to find practical actions that save energy without hurting output or quality.
We used a structured narrative approach. From each study we took baseline and after-change numbers, the actions taken, and the limits and risks. We grouped results by step in the chain: extraction and scheduling, field inputs and water, utilities and short-term planning, and cleaning and use of by-products.
Clear patterns emerged. Olive mills saved energy when lines ran steadily and when gentle extraction helped release oil sooner. Rapeseed farms improved yield and energy use by better water schedules, pump operation, and nitrogen choices. In barley, flood, sprinkler, and drip had very different footprints; pilots were needed to pick the best fit. Palm oil mills cut energy with greater mechanization and used shells, fiber, and empty fruit bunches for steam and some power. Tofu plants turned wastewater into biogas for preheating. Mixed factories reduced their carbon footprint when production plans matched on-site heat and power.
Energy audits work best as an ongoing practice. Measure well, keep flows steady, improve the rate-limiting step, and use by-products. These steps cut heat and power use and can be repeated across sites
Oilseeds and cereals use a lot of energy from field to factory. Heat for cooking and drying, cold storage, irrigation pumping, and diesel for field work drive most of the demand. This raises costs and emissions. We reviewed nine recent case studies to find practical actions that save energy without hurting output or quality.
We used a structured narrative approach. From each study we took baseline and after-change numbers, the actions taken, and the limits and risks. We grouped results by step in the chain: extraction and scheduling, field inputs and water, utilities and short-term planning, and cleaning and use of by-products.
Clear patterns emerged. Olive mills saved energy when lines ran steadily and when gentle extraction helped release oil sooner. Rapeseed farms improved yield and energy use by better water schedules, pump operation, and nitrogen choices. In barley, flood, sprinkler, and drip had very different footprints; pilots were needed to pick the best fit. Palm oil mills cut energy with greater mechanization and used shells, fiber, and empty fruit bunches for steam and some power. Tofu plants turned wastewater into biogas for preheating. Mixed factories reduced their carbon footprint when production plans matched on-site heat and power.
Energy audits work best as an ongoing practice. Measure well, keep flows steady, improve the rate-limiting step, and use by-products. These steps cut heat and power use and can be repeated across sites
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