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Management Frontiers Handbook On Energy Management In Tea Processing.

- By Shiran G. Dias. Published in two contiguous sections, English (116 pages) and Sinhala (118 pages). Rs. 1000/-. Published in Sri Lanka by Management Frontiers (Pvt) Ltd in September 2005.

Dr. S.S.B.D.G. Jayawardane, Chairman, National Institute of Plantation Management - " I have no hesitation in recommending this book to all those who have an interest in advancing their knowledge on energy management, in general and making an effort to reduce the cost of production.

Mr. M.A. Warnakulasooriya, Chairman, Energy Conservation Fund - " I appreciate this particular contribution to the tea sector and through which to the nation, by way of encouraging the use of energy resources wisely. "

Dr. M. T. Ziyad Mohamed, Director, Tea Research Institute of Sri Lanka - " This book is a compilation of valuable information on energy and on energy conservation methods in tea processing. The coverage is very comprehensive but it also contains finer points in energy conservation in tea processing in a summary format at the end of each chapter for quick reference. The information contained in the book will certainly help the producers to bring down the cost of production by reducing the cost of energy and thereby helping to make the industry viable. This book will be a guide to those who are interested in advancing their knowledge on energy management".

Dr. S.S.B.D.G Jayawardane - In the absence of any readily available book on energy conservation in the tea industry, and by the publication of this handbook a big void will be filled. This book will help the tea industry immensely by reducing the cost of production and help a national cause of conserving energy."

Contact Management Frontiers for purchases :

Name of contact   :     Mr. Cyril Nanayakkara
Contact No.            :     011 2684615
Email                       :     prasanthack@eureka.lk

Book Review by Mr. Lionel Munaweera

All of those who are even remotely connected with the Tea Industry, either directly or indirectly, are 'for' the saving of energy in the manufacturing process. But what does this mean, in its entirety? It would be fair to say that most of those who are 'for' the broad concept, do not know precisely 'what' it all entails. Well, we can now heave a collective sigh of relief that someone well-qualified in the field has, in one clear and concise publication, in two languages, catalogued not only `what' is meant by "energy management in tea processing", but has also detailed the 'why', 'when', 'where' and 'how' of successfully implementing a meaningful program in comprehensive energy management. In terms of responsibility, or the `who' of implementation, the author quite correctly defines this all-important factor as not merely a management responsibility, but as an obligation of management.

What is particularly important about this publication is its timing. Today, Sri Lanka is facing a crisis of grave proportions due to the current un-abating surge in oil prices. So much so that the Central Bank is reviewing its 2006 economic growth forecast. In fact, we are not alone, and governments across Asia are cutting their economic growth forecasts as oil prices surge to record levels. Even the U.S., the world's largest economy has cut its forecast for growth this year to 3.5% from 3.8%, and for next year to 3.3% from 4%, citing an increase in forecast crude oil prices. The Governor of Sri Lanka's Central Bank has 'made no bones' about the issue, when he recently stated that: "If we have to live with oil at $70/- a barrel we need to look at how to continue to absorb the shock through remittances, tourism and our ports, while conserving energy."

Placed in this context, you the producer, cannot afford not to read Management Frontiers Handbook on Energy Management In Tea Processing, which inter alia addresses such factors as: types of fuel; energy audits; elimination of waste; power factor control; energy-efficient equipment; peak load management; control of operations; process changes; planned maintenance; efficient heating equipment; stand-by power; safeguards against lightning; power saving in office buildings and domestic quarters; pre and post-implementation monitoring; and, emerging technology (including the dendro-energy option). What really makes the publication relevant is that all of this is firmly grounded in the process factors that are all-important to the 'hands-on' daily reality in every tea factory, which is: withering; rolling; roll breaking; fermenting; drying; and, sifting. Theory is therefore inextricably combined with practice, pure research is transformed into applied research - thereby making the publication an indispensable day-to-day reference and guide to Factory Officers, Estate Managers and their Deputies, as well as Directors.

The bottom-line is that this publication will show you how to make significant savings in terms of made tea per unit of electricity consumed. It was recently reported in The Telegraph of London, England, that when people think of things that change the world, they tend to think of extraordinary events - the assassinations of leaders, the havoc wreaked by natural disasters - all extremely dramatic. But, there is something that is less attention-grabbing, though just as powerful - books. And this one is certainly a case in point !