Improved energy recovery from the condensed steam as part of HEN retrofit

The conventional approach to heat exchanger network (HEN) retrofit involving design techniques based on Pinch Technology (PT) is extended to include minimization of energy losses resulting from steam-condensate expansion. The authors proposed a new approach to minimize energy losses in utility system, thermally coupled with the combined heat and power (CHP) plant, using condensate subcooling phenomena. Moreover, applying condensate subcooling can counteract the drawbacks of commonly used multi-stage condensate expansion which increase operability and reduces investment and maintenance costs. A case study illustrates the suitability of improved condensate management as a HEN retrofit measure. The study object is a Methyl-Tert-Butyl Ether (MTBE) plant processing 18 t/h isobutylene and consuming 4386 kW of hot utility (steam) in the HEN. A study of the maximum possible heat recovery using PT indicates that the combined heat recovery from hot process streams and condensate can be increased by 510 kW compared to the existing state. At the same time, it is possible to generate additional power of 120 kW in the CHP plant that supplies energy to the MTBE plant. The locations of heat exchangers are accounted for in HEN reconfiguring. A new scheme of steam and condensate system is presented.

Automated summary

This paper proposes a new approach for minimizing energy losses in heat exchanger network (HEN) retrofit by using condensate subcooling phenomena. The approach involves the thermally coupled utility system and combined heat and power (CHP) plant. The study demonstrates the suitability of improved condensate management as a retrofit measure and shows the potential for increased heat recovery and additional power generation.