In a time when resources are tight, some companies in Minnesota have successfully lessened their expenses by increasing efficiencies and reducing waste and energy use. What’s more: these businesses were able to complete a number of projects without allocating current staff resources by hosting a MnTAP intern. The intern program helps businesses address pressing efficiency and waste concerns while also saving money. There are upcoming deadlines for both companies and interns—see more details below.
Each summer, highly qualified interns lead projects at businesses in Minnesota that range from identifying opportunities to reduce waste, conserve water, to investigating process energy efficiency opportunities. Interns are chosen based upon their outstanding educational background as well as their leadership abilities. Participating companies appreciate the opportunity to work with a student and have one person on staff who is dedicated to projects that sometimes take a back seat to production projects.
In 2014, the eleven interns not only focused on researching solutions, but many were also able to start implementing their recommendations. By implementing the proposed recommendations host companies could realize the reduction of over 473,510 pounds of waste, 3.4 million kWh and 105,400 therms of energy, and conserve over 24 million gallons of water. Combined, these reductions have the potential to save companies $733,745 annually! Read about the results of all of the 2014 intern projects in MnTAP Solutions.
At the St. Cloud Wastewater Treatment Facility, the intern identified opportunities to increase blower efficiency, since one-third of the plant’s energy consumption is from the aeration blowers. Recommended outcomes included:
- Operating under a mostly-open-valve control strategy by opening downstream air throttling valves to a mostly-open position to reduce pressure drop across the blowers enabling them to operate at minimum power capacity, thereby saving 392,000 kWh and $27,000 annually
- Installing a master control panel that includes logic programming, that could save 766,000 kWh and $54,000 annually if implemented
At Uponor Corporation where plumbing, radiant heating, and fire suppression solutions to both residential and commercial markets are provided through the use of extruded cross-linked polyethylene pipe (PEX), the intern optimized Uponor’s next generation PEX extrusion process in order to bring down operation costs while conserving energy and natural resources using lean and green tools. Recommended outcomes included:
- Optimize the curing process to its lowest possible setting, saving 553,000 kWh and $55,300 annually
- Insulating the extruder barrel will greatly minimize heat escaping from the extruder barrel to the production floor, reduce costs associated with start-up and production, and improve occupational safety, saving 26,000 kWh and $2,600 annually
- Remove a redundant blower near the end of the process, saving 6,500 kWh and $600 annually
“The MnTAP intern program provides a highly qualified, motivated, energetic, and enthusiastic resource who can quickly engage and contribute to important projects that have real impact and benefit to the business.”
~ Scott Bates, Sr. Lean Six Sigma Black Belt, Uponor
We anticipate supporting up to 15 projects for summer 2015, with at least three projects focusing on water conservation and lean manufacturing and others focusing on source reduction, energy efficiency, and pollution prevention. The projects are at different companies and in a variety of industries. Specific project descriptions for each of the projects will be posted when the projects are selected.
Companies interested in submitting a project idea have until February 1, 2015 and will be reviewed upon receipt. Companies will be contacted within two weeks for additional project development and scoping.
Students wishing to apply have until March 1, 2015. Junior or senior college students from any university (not just the University of Minnesota) can complete the online application form and submit it with a cover letter, resume, and unofficial transcript.
Spread the word to companies and student you think might be a good fit for this opportunity. For more information about the intern program or the application process, visit MnTAP’s Web site at http://www.mntap.umn.edu/intern or contact Linda Maleitzke, MnTAP Intern Program Administrator, at 612.624.4697 or 800.247.0015.
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