§ Mr. David Atkinsonasked the Secretary of State for Energy if his Department has made any estimate as to the loss of efficiency and the waste of energy to industry in hard water areas due to the build-up of scale in plant and machinery; what steps it is taking to advise industry on this problem; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. John MooreI am glad to have the opportunity of drawing attention to the harmful effects of scale inside heat exchange plant, boilers and other equipment, not only in terms of loss of efficiency and wasted heat, but in terms of loss of output and productivity, and even the risk of plant failure in extreme instances. The energy wasted nationally as a result could amount to over half million tonnes of oil equivalent, and recommended practices are to pay careful attention to the design of plant and to install appropriate water treatment and conditioning equipment. Advice to this effect is alreay contained in plant manufacturers' literature, consultants' reports, and in many publications of Government, institutional and other bodies which are concerned with the conservation of energy and the safe operation of plant and equipment.