Abstract
In this paper we look at the challenges that improvements in energy efficiency of distillation systems presents the heat exchanger designer. We examine each type of exchanger in turn.
Heat exchanger size is minimized if the temperature driving force is maximized. The
design should therefore seek to minimize the temperature changes during phase change.
So, streams that are being condensed are kept as hot as possible. Streams that are being vaporized are kept as cool as possible. With one noted exception, this also leads to maximization of the thermodynamic efficiency and maximizes the scope for use of these streams in integrated systems.
Polley, G. T. (2002). Heat Exchanger Technologies for Distillation Columns. Energy Systems Laboratory (http://esl.tamu.edu). Available electronically from
https : / /hdl .handle .net /1969 .1 /90964.