ASME EA-1

Description / Abstract: This Standard covers process heating systems that are defi ned as a group (or a set or combination) of heating equipment used for heating materials in the production of goods in an industrial plant. These systems, commonly referred to using terms such as furnaces, melters, ovens, and heaters, use heat sources such as fuels, electricity, steam, or other fluids to supply the required heat.

This Standard sets the requirements for conducting and reporting the results of a process heating energy assessment (hereafter referred to as an "assessment") that considers the entire system, from energy inputs to the work performed as the result of these inputs. An assessment complying with this Standard need not address each individual system component or specifi c system within an industrial facility with equal weight; however, it shall be sufficiently comprehensive to identify the major energy efficiency opportunities for improving the overall energy performance of the system. This Standard is designed to be applied primarily at industrial facilities, but many of the concepts can be used in other facilities, such as those in the institutional and commercial sectors.

Assessments involve collecting and analyzing data on system design, operation, energy use, and performance and identifying energy performance improvements. An assessment may also include recommendations for improving resource utilization, reducing per unit production cost, reducing lifecycle costs, and improving environmental performance related to the assessed system(s). Assessment activities shall include, but are not limited to, engaging facility personnel and providing information about the assessment process; collecting and analyzing data on system design, operation, energy use, and performance; and identifying energy performance improvement opportunities and making recommendations in a written report. This report shall document system design; quantify energy operation and performance data; document the assessment process; show results, recommendations, and savings projections; and improve facility personnel's understanding of system energy use and operation.

This Standard sets requirements for

(a) organizing and conducting a process heating assessment

(b) analyzing the data from the assessment

(c) reporting and documentation of assessment findings

When contracting for assessment services, plant personnel may use the Standard to define and communicate their desired scope of assessment activity to third party contractors or consultants.