Here's another way to save up to 70% in barrel heating/cooling

The patented Thermal Control Solution (TCS), introduced by Rex Materials, Inc., Fowlerville, Mich., is a new barrel heating and cooling system that saves up to 70% in energy costs. The TCS consists of radiant heating elements embedded in high-temperature ceramic-fiber insulation. TCS barrel is fully insulated along its length that minimizes energy loss into the plants and also protects employees from burn hazards. The TCS lacks thermal momentum such that constant temperature overshoot and undershoot is avoided. The TCS when installed on a large sheet extruder with five temperature zones uses 33% less energy for heating and cooling than the original system with heater bands and water cooling. Industrial studies have shown that TCS performed on a 700-ton injection machine saves 4.36 kwh per hr of machine time or 34.9% in energy consumption compared with the standard band heaters.