Book excerpt: Energy Conservation in the Process Industries provides insight into ways of identifying more important energy efficiency improvements. This book demonstrates how the principles can be employed to practical advantage. Organized into 12 chapters, this book begins with an overview of the energy situation and a background in thermodynamics. This text then describes a staged method to improved energy use to understand where the energy goes and how to calculate the value of losses. Other chapters consider improving facilities based on an understanding of the overall site energy system. This book discusses as well the fundamental process and equipment improvements. The final chapter deals with systematic and sophisticated design methods as well as provides some guidelines and checklists for energy conservation items. This book is a valuable resource for mechanical, lead process, and plant engineers involved in energy conservation. Process designers, plant managers, process researchers, and accountants will also find this book extremely useful.