Energy Analysis and Current Value Stream Map Applied to a Typical Triple Concentrate Tomato Paste Production Plant with an Average Production Capacity of 500 ton/day

Abstract

The aim of this manuscript is to review and assess major energy and management aspects of a typical agro-food processing plant that transforms fresh tomatoes for producing tomato paste concentrate. Firstly, the main processes of the whole industrial production line will be step-by-step described, and then, starting from the development of a Current Value Stream Map, the related main equipment and energy consumption will be accounted. In particular, this study will allow highlighting the most relevant processes from an energy point of view that will be considered for proposing useful baselines for a sector specific benchmarking in thermal and electricity consumption. Sector specific Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) for a general energy behaviour comparison among similar production plants have also been proposed.