Thermal and Water Pinch Success Stories in Europe

Abstract

"Pinch Analysis™ for energy is now becoming commonplace in Europe with many companies (eg, BP Amoco and Shell) incorporating Pinch Analysis as a routine part of their process designs. In recent years, WaterPinchTM has emerged as an equally important approach to water and wastewater minimization, helped in the Netherlands by government subsidies. Pinch Analysis is, in essence, very straightforward since it analyzes process flows (heat, water or even hydrogen) in terms of their quality and quantity. Whereas the quality parameter in energy Pinch is unidimensional (the temperature of the stream), the application of WaterPinch needs a multi-dimensional approach to handle streams with many contaminants.

This paper summarizes the recent success of both types of Pinch Analysis and, in particular, describes the work carried out at the Parenco pulp and paper mill in the Netherlands in 1996. This work is quite unusual combining, as it does, the concepts of both energy AND water pinch. The study identified energy savings of between 10 and 20% depending on the scope for process modifications and water savings of 14%. This in a plant that already recycled over 90% of its water.

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