Targeting method of heat exchanger network in olefin unit of oil refinery

Abstract

Optimum design of HEN can cause significant reduction in the total cost of the plant. Targeting method using pinch analysis diagrams was presented to find out investment cost required and the period of return of the investment of optimization of the refinery system. This method can be done by knowing the amount of ΔTmin and by pointing the composite curve of saving vs investment (S-I curve).The targeting method is the modification of the system that need to be done to avoid movement of heat exchangers in order to minimize the return of the investment. This method can assist refineries management to make decision in order to optimize the refinery system.Result shows that refinery can reduce the temperature on the main tower until 9.65MW and the investment will be $360,000 with the time of the return cost being 7.7 months.