The design of the total site exchanger network with intermediate heat carriers: Theoretical insights and practical application

The present work is focused on finding a cost-effective solution to the synthesis of Heat Exchanger Networks (HEN) for Total Site Integration (TSI). The possible solutions for minimum-investment retrofit of the Total Site HEN are also discussed. The feasibility of intermediate heat carriers number is also analysed for better plants interconnection considering the optimal amount of the recovered heat. The presented case studies illustrate the pathway selection of site recovery system synthesis with a certain number of heat exchangers, heat transfer area, intermediate utilities, and interconnection be-tween production processes, heat consumers, heat generation facilities and other members of an inte-grated regional network. Case studies demonstrate that the use of two proposed approaches allows minimising unit numbers and heat transfer area. The first one provides 18% less heat transfer area and the second one suggest network with 41% less unit. The economic results are compared and discussed. The results of this work can be used for site recovery network development as well as a decision-making tool during interplant heat integration and improvement of side-wide heat recovery. The results of this paper are potentially interesting for both research and engineering staff. The current work provides the methodological improvement when designing the Total Site Heat Recovery and better estimation of the HEN capital cost. (c) 2021 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Automated summary

This study focuses on finding a cost-effective solution for synthesizing Heat Exchanger Networks (HEN) for Total Site Integration (TSI) and discusses possible solutions for the minimum-investment retrofit of the Total Site HEN. Case studies demonstrate that using two proposed approaches can reduce unit numbers and heat transfer area, with economic results compared and discussed. This work provides methodological improvement in designing Total Site Heat Recovery and better estimation of HEN capital cost.