Process integration pinch technology

Once specific process units have been identified for improved heat integration, pinch technology can be applied to efficiently screen potential modification options, which is explained in Chapter 9. Practical assessment (Chapter 10) is required, which considers not only the value and cost of improved heat recovery but also the impact in terms of operating flexibility, especially with respect to start-up, shutdown, maintenance, control, and safety. 

The use of the pinch technology method in the design of heat exchanger networks has been outlined in Sections 3.17.1 to 3.17.6. The method can also be applied to the integration of other process units such as, separation column, reactors, compressors and expanders, boilers and heat pumps. The wider applications of pinch technology are discussed in the Institution of Chemical Engineers Guide, IChemE (1994) and by Linnhoff et al. (1983), and Townsend and Linnhoff (1982), (1983), (1993). 

The molecular modelisation has also a large potential in process development and has to be coupled with more classical approach. For process integration, the thermodynamic optimisation is very useful mainly for developing new processes (pinch technology). 

In this chapter, emphasis is placed on the former approach of pinch technology. It is noteworthy that the mass integration concept incorporates the use of both approaches. Also, a notable work that combines the three approaches of hierarchical design via process simulation using the Aspen Plus commercial simulator, pinch technology, and mathematical programming is that of Dantus and High. ° ... 

Using Process Integration Technology to Retrofit Chemical Plants 185 Material Pinch Diagrm... 

---