Heat-recovery networks: new insights yield big savings

Abstract

Process design usually involves the optimization of individual unit operations, with little effort spent on the optimal integration of overall processes as systems. In this article, the authors demonstrate that overall integration can be neglected only at one's peril. They concentrate on heat-recovery networks as one aspect of total process integration. They present a new approach with solved examples, and describe industrial studies carried out at ICI. It is concluded that better integration of process equipment and operations pays off twofold, through simplicity in structures, and the simultaneous best use of both energy and capital. Several case histories are described. 11 refs.