Pinch analysis based on rigorous physical properties

Pinch Analysis is a methodology that allows the calculation of minimum hot and cold utilities consumption in a process from the knowledge of some data of the hot and cold streams. These energy targets are calculated through t he Problem Table Method, that is based on the description of the process us ing constant heat capacity flowrates. This hypothesis is not valid in certa in situations, particularly when phase changes are involved. A modification to Problem Table Method is proposed, that allows the use of enthalpies rig orously calculated from thermodynamic correlations. One case study is provi ded, where an error of 240% in hot target is verified if phase changes are neglected.