STUDIES ON THE POSSIBILITY OF REDUCING THERMAL ENERGY CONSUMPTION IN THE PRODUCTION OF COTTON TEXTILES

This paper aims to present a possible technological change to reduce energy consumption in the steam process technology used for finishing of cotton textiles. The paper proposes a modification of the existing circuit for obtaining steam technology in a textile company by introducing a heat pump, a new variant of the steam technology leading to significant energy savings and reduced emissions of greenhouse pollutants. Starting from a case study, the paper analyzes, comparatively, the existing steam circuit providing the heat necessary for cotton textiles finishing and a proposal for a new circuit that leads to thermal energy savings. By making the proposed technological change we can achieve higher efficiency in the production of technological steam, by reducing water consumption and industrial gas and reducing emissions of pollutants into the atmosphere. Information collected in this study is analyzed and take into account the practical aspects that can provide real support for enterprises in the textile industry.