Retrofit of Heat Exchanger Networks Considering Existing Structure: A New Targeting Procedure

Document Type : Research Article

Authors

1 Department of Chemical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, University of Tehran, Tehran, I.R. IRAN

2 Department of Energy Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Science and Research Branch, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, I.R. IRAN

Abstract

A new retrofit targeting procedure, based on pinch technology has been developed. The new procedure considers existing structure of a given network and finds the most compatible configuration with the network. To achieve this aim, the procedure uses a linear programming technique that maximize the compatibility. Good compatibility between old and new networks helps to make the best use of capital in retrofit projects. The procedure has been tested by doing two case studies, in which the results compared to other established methods, and realized significant improvement.

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