Pumps and Systems Success Story of the Year 2010 Finalist
Joseph Gallo Farms in Atwater, Calif., uses captured methane gas from its 5,000 dairy cows to run up to 50 percent of the electricity for its cheese factory. Using well water and recycled water, cow manure is periodically washed away for processing. In covered lagoons, natural bacteria break down the manure, and the resulting methane gas is eventually turned into electricity.
To save additional energy, the company implemented a variable speed pump operation with the help of Emerson Control Techniques. By installing the Commander SK CustomPak variable speed pump package, Joseph Gallo Farms could reduce the speed of its motors by 25 percent and still achieve the same flow rate.
"This one relatively small project has produced significant savings, while giving us improved control over this part of our digester system," says Mark Tovar, project manager at Joseph Gallo Farms.
With a 12-hour-per-day duty cycle, the drive package produces a payback period of approximately 12 months.
Preparing the panel at Jospeh Gallo Farms
Manure Separator
Pumps and Systems, July 2010
Individual Involved in the Program: Tony DiLeonardo, Emerson Control Techniques
