STRUCTURAL TARGETING FOR HEAT INTEGRATION RETROFIT

A new targeting method for the retrofit of heat exchangers networks is presented. II combines existing targeting and design methods for retr ofit with the concept of zoning used in grassroots design. The structu ral targeting retrofit method gives targets not only for the utility s aving and exchanger area investment, but also for the extent and locat ions of the required modifications. This targeting requires a Special way of zoning based on the existing network. This zoning is extensivel y discussed. Practical aspects like functionality, lay-out and operabi lity can be taken into account. Two case studies are presented: a simp lified aromatics and a real C3/C4 separation case. Both cases illustra te that structural targeting is an effective method to identify parts of the original network with a high saving to investment potential. Th e method favours simple adaptations and is especially effective for la rge networks. The C3/C4-case also shows how structural targeting provi des a number of alternatives, many of which are independent of each ot her, to adapt the existing network. The retrofit design effort is sign ificantly reduced compared to existing methods. (C) 1998 Elsevier Scie nce Ltd. All rights reserved.