APPLYING BASIC UNDERSTANDING OF HEAT-EXCHANGER NETWORK BEHAVIOR TO THE PROBLEM OF PLANT FLEXIBILITY

Operating flexibility is an important consideration in heat recovery n etwork design. There are two basic approaches to the problem: the form ulation of complex mathematical models which are solved using sophisti cated numerical methods; and, the use of network simulation in order t o evaluate and modify the proposed design. It is the second of the app roaches that is used industrially. If this approach is to be improved, understanding of network function and behaviour is necessary. This pa per provides such understandings and shows how they lead to procedures for the solution of flexibility problems. The methodology is demonstr ated on a case study.