The downstream pork industry : energy efficiency analysis on industrial unit operations

Energy generates significant operating expenditure for meatsector businesses. The costs incurred through energy-related expenditure have risen sharply over the last five years. This study, led jointly between the ADIV and the IFIP with technical and equipment input from Tecaliman, was able to highlight liquid-specific consumption levels in downstream processes at pork industry businesses and to audit current sector-wide technical and economic performances. Analysis of the differences in performance profiles between the 12 businesses 'audited' showed that there was potential for making savings on the majority of energy inputs used, both in terms of production unit operations and secondary fluids (refrigeration, coolant circuits, compressed air and vacuum circuits, etc.). The study also highlighted all-round low levels of fluid and/or energy metering equipment at the business studied. Consequently, there is general lack of knowledge on the distribution and proportional breakdown of the main consumption cost items. However, the study does, despite these hurdles, highlight fully-viable strategies for the downstream pork industry to make savings.