Is the U.S. Really Heading Toward Energy Independence?

Posted on March 26, 2013 by induron

By John Anspach, Induron VP of Operations

With the recent uptick in fuel prices, it wouldn’t appear to be the case. However, a recent article in Chemical Processing indicates that significant strides are being made to really get there.

The likely biggest domestic energy development toward that end is the availability of gas from shale oil. New technology is allowing easier access to this enormous untapped energy resource. Michael Cowen of the International Energy Agency (EIA) states that, “within five years, the U.S. is likely to break the record output high reached more than two decades ago, to flirt with the position of top world producer.” Imagine that… having greater output than the Saudis! This can be possible with efficient shale oil conversion, combined with investments in new pipelines. If both methods are employed, it would significantly lower U.S. demand from oil imports, and move us closer to energy independence. Continue reading →

Cogeneration: A win-win

Posted on November 13, 2012 by induron

By Hayne Crum, Induron Chemist

I recently read an interesting article at Environmental Expert about a wastewater treatment facility in Adelaide, Australia, that uses cogeneration to reduce emissions AND produce needed energy.

Typically, water and wastewater treatment facilities have very long lifetimes (50+ years). In the Adelaide facility case, gases – mostly methane – from the waste treatment are being used to generate energy to run the plant. This kind ofcogeneration has been around for a while, but is picking up steam. (Pun intended!)

In this instance, the cogeneration saves the plant money by changing its capital cost and reducing the plant’s energy costs. In fact, with this system, the plant can pay for its generators in just eight years. Additionally, the cogeneration prevents methane from escaping into the air. Methane is more than 100 times the greenhouse gas than carbon dioxide is, which means it is much worse for the environment.

The capital costs of implementing cogeneration are high. However, the procedure pays for itself, or even makes a profit, IF the facility lasts ONLY least eight years. Induron makes paint that protects the piping and holding tanks for this type of facility, helping them run more efficiently and last longer. We recommend using Permaclean 100, or Ceramsafe 90. Both are green products because they are free of HAPS (Hazardous Air Polutants) and VERY low in VOC content, with PermaClean 100 being 100% solids and the Cermansafe having a VOC of 81 gm/l. These products have life expectancies of 15+ years when used per our recommendations. This means you get 7+ years of profit from the generators even before you repaint the pipes or tanks! Continue reading →

Reliable Protection Through Innovative – and Greener! – Coatings

Posted on July 17, 2012 by induron

By John Anspach, Induron Technical Director

As local and national environmental regulations changed, particularly in the 1990s, Induron and companies like ours needed to document compliance with the new rules. Regulatory agencies were (and are) taking a much firmer stance on emissions, and it was clear changes were going to have to be made.

The rewards for lowering emissions are substantial – demonstrating lowered emissions means eligibility for a Synthetic Minor permit, which shows the community in general and the industry in particular that your company is committed to environmentally-responsible manufacturing; thus making you much more attractive to customers looking for like-minded suppliers.

But it can’t be a “one and done” process. You’ll need to look at your emissions levels both now and in the future – since you’ll hopefully be producing at even greater levels in the future as your business expands. Continue reading →

U.S. Failing? Not on My Watch

Posted on March 29, 2012 by induron

By Davies Hood, Induron Executive VP

“In need of more than just a shot of Botox or a facelift, our nation’s infrastructure requires an extreme makeover.” Just as soon as I stop laughing at that ridiculous statement, I’m gonna get scared.

The rapidly deteriorating state of our country’s infrastructure is front and center in the March issue of Free Enterprise, a publication by the United States Chamber of Commerce. This article discusses our infrastructure, from inland waterways to energy transmission to transportation. None seem to be a priority, especially when you consider the fact that “U.S. Infrastructure has plummeted from No. 1 to No. 15 in the World Economic Forum’s economic competitiveness ranking.”

As an avid sports fan and business owner, it shouldn’t come as a surprise that I’m naturally competitive. I am, and I don’t like our country’s precipitous fall. Let’s turn it around!

Good sentiments about being realistic with energy transmission

Posted on March 6, 2012 by induron

By Dick Belliveau, Induron Sales Rep

Flip a switch and a light goes on, turn up your thermostat and your house gets warm. Magic, right! But how does the energy get from the power plants or oil fields to your home?

Whether it’s a transmission line or a gas and oil pipeline, there’s got to be a way for that energy to reach you – it’s a requirement in today’s world. Sometimes the “old” way that energy is transported, either by pipe lines or power lines, is actually “greener” than the alternative. What do I mean? Conventional means of power transmission actually result in a smaller carbon footprint than shipping, rail and especially trucking. It might seem counterintuitive, but a lot in life is. Continue reading →