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Gorton’s Foods in Gloucester Massachusetts, a major national supplier of breaded fish products were originally interested in reducing their fuel costs. Initial discussions revolved around capturing waste heat from two gas fired burners used for process heating in the plant.

The Heat Source was easily determined as 500o F flue gas exhausted from the plants two stacks. Determining where the energy could be used was a longer, iterative process and involved the services of Bauer Engineering, of Hampton, NH. During the study phase of the project, it was determined that a specific area of the plant was well suited to take advantage of the waste heat. The final study shows the recovered waste heat to be used year round to heat and cool plant processes, and will result in energy costs savings to Gorton’s along with a reduction in exhaust temperature leaving the plant.

Using a Condex, Condensing Economizer, the waste heat will be utilized to heat a working fluid that will circulate through an air handling unit coil for heating of the plant space. During the warmer summer months, the hot fluid will be circulated through an absorption chiller, generating chilled water for comfort cooling and de-humidification in the same space.

Remaining energy will be utilized to heat other systems in the plant.

By reducing natural gas consumption and electricity use, financial incentives provided by National Grid, Gorton’s energy supplier will help to further reduce the payback period on the equipment and installation.