Maximizing Energy Efficiency and Minimizing Environmental Emissions in the Process Industry Using Thermal Pinch Analysis

  • Zainuddin A Manan Process System Engineering Group, Department of Chemical Engineering, Universiti Teknologi Malaysia
Keywords: composite curves, grand composite curve (GCC), heat exchanger network synthesis (HENS), pinch technology, process design, true baseline target, retrofit

Abstract

Efforts to increase plant energy efficiency intensify with the continuing increase in fuel prices and the growing global concern for environmental emis~ions. As new processes and technologies emerge, existing procedures are pressured to increase efficiency and maintain profitability to remain competitive. Many installations have focused on energy efficiency upgrading to increase profitability. Energy efficiency measures employed in local industries, however, have been generally confined to good housekeeping techniques and the upgrade of utility systems, such as boilers, steam systems, chillers, hot oil circuit, and refrigeration and cooling systems. Very few companies are willing venture into process operations to further reduce their energy consumption. As a result, the benefits that can be derived from retrofit projects have been greatly limited. The advent of thermal pinch analysis provid~5 a comprehensive and systematic approach to maximize plant energy efficiency. This paper highlights some key features of thermal pinch analysis aimed at maximizing energy efficiency and reducing environmental emissions. It begins by describing the significance of pinch design targets and the use of simple graphical tools as guides for process modifications to reduce further energy usage and emissions. Finally, the paper highlights how the interactions between process plant and utility systems can be exploited to a company's advantage.

References

Lim, F Y. (2002, September). "MATRIX-A new systematic technique for retrofit of heat exchanger network." MSc Thesis, Universiti Teknologi Malaysia.
Linnhoff, B. et al. (1986). Process integration, Monograph, ICI.
Linnhoff, B. et al. (1998, August 5). "Intelligent networking of process wastewater streams in the chemical industry," White Paper.
Manan, Z. A., Ooi, B. L., Lim, F Y., and Foo, C. Y. (2003). "Heat-MATRIX-A computer software for the reduction of energy and water in process plants." 31st International Exhibition of Invention, New Techniques, and Products, Geneva, Switzerland.
Tjoe, T. N., and Linnhoff, B. (1986). “Using pinch technology for process retrofits," Chem. Eng., 93, 8, 47–60.
Sidhu, B. K, (2003). "Shell out for more" [Starbiz), The Star, 12-3.
Smith, R., and Petela, E. A. (1990). “Minimization of environmental emissions through improved process integration," Heat Recovery Systems and CHP, 10, 4, 329-39.
Smith, R., and Petela, E. A. (1991). "Waste minimizations in the process industries: 1. The Problem," Chem. Eng., 506, 31,
Smith, R., and Petela, E. A. (1991). “Waste minimizations in the process industries: 2. Reactors," Chem. Eng., 509/510, 12. Smith, R., and Petela, E. A. (1991). "Waste minimizations in the process industries: 3. Separation and Recycle Systems," Chem. Eng., 513, 13.
Smith, R., and Petela, E. A. (1992). “Waste minimizations in the process industries: 4. Process Operations," Chem. Eng., 517, 9.
Smith, R., and Petela, E. A. (1992). “Waste minimizations in the process industries: 5. Utility Waste," Chem. Eng., 523, 16.
Published
2004-12-31
How to Cite
Manan, Z. A. (2004). Maximizing Energy Efficiency and Minimizing Environmental Emissions in the Process Industry Using Thermal Pinch Analysis. ASEAN Journal of Chemical Engineering, 4(2), 32-39. Retrieved from https://jurnal.ugm.ac.id/v3/AJChE/article/view/7621
Section
Articles