Optimizing Energy Use in Fertilizer Plants: Driving Sustainability with MeeFog

Key Benefits of MeeFog Evaporative Cooling:

• Energy Savings – Lower air temperatures reduce power consumption, leading to significant energy savings.
• Ease of Operation – Automatically adjusts to varying humidity and temperature conditions, ensuring optimal performance year-round.
• Low Maintenance: Requires minimal upkeep, such as draining water in winter and routine filter maintenance.
• Environmental Impact: Enhanced energy efficiency reduces carbon footprint and supports sustainability goals.

J.R. Simplot Company’s Path to Energy Efficiency

In 2019, J.R. Simplot Company, a leader in agriculture and food processing, set the ambitious goal of reducing the energy intensity of its products by 25%. Energy efficiency is critical at its fertilizer production facility, which produces nitric acid, ammonium nitrate, and calcium ammonium nitrate fertilizers. These operations require 80% of the plant’s electrical load.

To achieve its energy reduction goals, Simplot implemented a comprehensive efficiency strategy, including:

• Upgrading pumps and controls
• Installing variable frequency drives (VFDs)
• Enhancing compressor performance
• Adding MeeFog inlet air fogging technology  to the air compressors.

These efforts led to the plant earning Energy Star certification from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), recognizing the plant as one of the most energy-efficient nitrogenous fertilizer manufacturing facilities in the country. MeeFog’s evaporative cooling technology was central to their energy-saving upgrades. By cooling the air entering the compressors, the plant achieved significant increases in efficiency and production output, even during the hottest months of the year.

Results That Speak for Themselves: Energy Savings for Fertilizer Production

With MeeFog technology, the plant’s engineers reported production increases of 5% to 10% depending on environmental conditions. This translated into meeting higher demand during peak summer months while supporting their energy reduction goals.

The MeeFog system at the J.R. Simplot fertilizer plant in Helm, CA, has been in operation since 2007, totaling more than 15 years. The initial costs were recouped within the first couple of summers due to a significant increase in ammonia production. With minimal maintenance requirements, this system has more than paid for itself many times over.

Empowering Fertilizer Plants with Sustainable Innovation

Inlet air fogging is a cost-effective and relatively simple solution to improve the efficiency of air-driven systems in a fertilizer plant, especially in regions with high temperatures. By reducing the intake air temperature, it enhances the performance of turbines, compressors, and other air-handling equipment, leading to better overall plant efficiency and reliability.

As the fertilizer industry strives to minimize its environmental impact while addressing the increasing global demand for fertilizer products, Mee Industries is proud to support companies like J.R. Simplot in achieving energy efficiency, enhanced production, and industry recognition. For the J.R. Simplot Company, MeeFog fogging technology has been a game-changer, enabling them to attain energy efficiency, boost production, and gain notable recognition in the industry.

Could your operation benefit from greater energy efficiency and performance optimization? Contact us today to learn how MeeFog can transform your processes and help you achieve your sustainability goals.