Electrical energy savings in flour milling (A)

Energy-efficient motors, automated controls and reducing consumption during times of peak energy use are just a few of the steps that can be taken:

Modern gradual reduction systems for wheat milling, flour milling and other grain processing are major expenditures for millers converting grains to basic ingredients. While it is a major component of mill conversion costs, it can be very difficult to manage and control these expenses.
That’s why it is important for mill managers to understand some introductory concepts of electrical energy management.
World total net energy consumption in billions of kilowatt hours is shown in Table I (page 47), as reported in the International Energy Annual 2005 by the U.S. Energy Information Administration. Energy consumption by country is quite varied depending on population and cultural practices with respect to consumption and conservation.
Energy use in milling extends from the beginning to end of the transformation process. Grain must be taken into the facility and delivered to storage bins. From the storage bins, it may be blended, cleaned and conditioned. The  is energy intensive no matter what type of grain is being processed. Finally, the grain processor must package and load out both the finished products and byproducts.
According to a report prepared by the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization and the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development in October 1999, energy costs for the French milling industry were the third largest expense at 7.5%, behind labor-related charges and management/administration/office charges at 40.2% and 33.1%, respectively.
According to a report on the manufacturing industry prepared by the U.S. Census Bureau in 2005, energy use in the United States was approximately 4 to 7 kilowatt hours (KwH) per cwt of flour produced. Using the average cost of 6￠ per KwH, the total energy cost is 24￠ to 42￠ per cwt, or approximately $4 to $7 per tonne of wheat milled. Looking at these figures, it’s easy to see why energy consumption is a major part of mill conversion costs.