External MSAs cost minimization

As can be seen from Fig, 3.7, the pinch decomposes the synthesis problem into two regions a rich end and a lean end. The rich end comprises all streams or parts of streams richer than the pinch composition. Similarly, the lean end includes all the streams or parts of streams leaner than the pinch composition. Above the pinch, exchange between the rich and the lean process streams takes place. External MSAs are not required. Using an external MSA above the pinch will incur a penalty of eliminating an equivalent amount of process lean streams from service. On the other hand, below the pinch, both the process and the external lean streams should be used. Furthermore, Fig. 3.7 indicates that if any mass is transferred across the pinch, the composite lean stream will move upward and, consequently, external MSAs in excess of the minimum requirement will be used. Therefore, to minimize the cost of external MSAs, mass should not be transferred across the pinch. It is worth pointing out that these observations are valid only for the class of MEN problems covered in this chapter. When the assumptions employed in this chapter are relaxed, more general conclusions can be made. For instance, it will be shown later that the pinch analysis can still be undertaken even when there are no process MSAs in the plant. The pinch characteristics will be generalized in Chapters Five and Six. 

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