Case Studies
Demonstrating sustainability and profitability go hand-in-hand
Walker Emulsions

Walker Emulsions provides both wax and asphalt emulsions to a variety of industries and municipalities across Canada, the United States and Mexico.
Project
Rented and temporarily installed a water softener from a local company to test the viability of producing emulsion using soft water, with the final goal of preventing build-up in process heat exchangers. Fouling in our heat exchangers is an operational reality when using untreated city water, but it can be greatly reduced with some simple process modifications. Fouling reduces heat exchanger efficiency, leads to higher-than-required utility use and decreases lifespan of the equipment.
Location
Hamilton and Burlington
Industry
Manufacturing
Size
Medium

Cost
~$70,000 capital investment; <$10,000/year operating and maintenance costs

Payback period
~2 years

Natural gas reductions
18,250 m3/year

Water savings
7,000 m3/year

Cost savings
$43,000/year
Additional savings
Additional savings will be achieved through reduction of overtime hours worked, waste generated and energy required for routine heat exchanger cleanings. Fewer required cleanings will also greatly extend the lifespan of the heat exchangers, so maintenance and replacement costs will drop accordingly.
See other projects related to: #naturalgas #water
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