In the present work different energy reduction schemes (ERSs), used to reduce the consumption of steam for a multiple effect evaporator (MEE) system, are developed. These ERSs are condensate-, feed- and product-flashing and vapor bleeding. Further, a new scheme is proposed where condensate of vapor chest of an effect is used to preheat the liquor, which is entering into that effect using a counter current heat exchanger. This work also presents a comparative study between existing ERSs and selects the best ERS amongst these based on steam consumption as well as number of units involved. Further, in the present paper a simple graphical approach named "modified temperature path (MTP)" is developed for the analysis of different feed flow sequences of a MEE system to screen best possible feed flow sequence. To study the effect of different ERSs on steam consumption and MTP analysis an example of septuple effect flat failing film evaporator (SEFFFE) system, employed for concentrating weak black liquor in an Indian Kraft Paper Mill, is considered. The results show that ERSs reduce the steam consumption up to 24.6%. (C) 2009 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.