Pinch analysis and process integration techniques are established
methods to increase process heat recovery, thereby
limiting overall plant energy requirements. Pinch analysis
proceeds in two basic steps:
1) targeting possible energy savings, and
2) developing a design based on pinch principles to achieve the identified targets. To attain the defined targets, changes to the heat exchanger network (HEN) may be extensive and complicated. Such
excessive changes may lead to extremely high costs and hamper the feasibility of the project.
In regions where refining profit margins are low, revamp projects
requiring very high capital investment cannot be justified.
Therefore, minimizing modifications becomes critical to justify
such projects economically.