A new graphical method for Pinch Analysis applications: Heat exchanger network retrofit and energy integration

CATEGORY: HEAT EXCHANGERS 
A new graphical method for Pinch Analysis applications: Heat exchanger network retrofit and energy integration

Type	Journal Article
Author	Mamdouh A. Gadalla
URL	http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0360544214013693
Volume	81
Pages	159-174
Publication	Energy
Date	March 1, 2015
Abstract	Typical refinery energy integration projects can reduce the use of heating fuels and cold utilities by up to 40% compared with original designs or existing installations. Pinch Analysis is an efficient method to increase energy efficiency and minimize fuel flow consumptions. It is valid for both grassroots and retrofit design. It can practically be used to synthesize a HEN (heat exchanger network) or modify an existing preheat train for minimum energy consumption. Graphical representations of Pinch Analysis, such as Composite and Grand Composite Curves are quite useful for grassroots design. However, in retrofit situations the analysis is inadequate. Furthermore, it is tedious to represent existing exchangers on such graphs. Authors propose a novel graphical method for the analysis of heat recovery systems, applicable to HEN retrofit. The new graphical method is based on plotting temperatures of process hot streams versus temperatures of process cold streams. The graphical representation can easily identify exchangers across the pinch, Network Pinch, pinching matches and improper placement of fuel consumption. Furthermore, such a graph can recognize promising modifications to improve the energy performance and hence less fuel and cooling water requirement.