DEBOTTLENECKING OF HEAT-EXCHANGER NETWORKS

This paper presents a systematic procedure for the debottlenecking of heat exchanger networks. The method uses 'Pinch Technology' to predict the near-minimum energy and capital requirements before retrofitting the network for increased throughput. An important problem in debottlenecking is how to incorporate the effects of increased pressure drops in the network which arise from the increased flow-rates. Does the designer install new pumps and compressors or install more heat exchange area to overcome the pressure drop restrictions? This paper develops the targeting procedure to consider such effects in the retrofit economic analysis. An actual application of the methods is reported for the debottlenecking of a crude unit under increased throughput. © 1990.