Abstract
Modern process synthesis techniques were applied to the
design of a new aromatics extraction and distillation plant and
resulted in very attractive energy savings. Techniques used
included targeting, ∆Tmin optimization, process modification, and
distillation sequencing.
Three designs were prepared and compared: designed as it
had been before, improved only by changing the heat exchanger
network, and improved by changing both the process conditions
and the heat exchanger network. Better heat integration alone
saved 21% of the energy cost with a 1.1 month payback.
Changed process conditions plus heat integration saved 26% of
the energy cost with a 0.2 month payback.
Wilcox, R. J.; Nedwick, R. (1987). Aromatics Extraction Plant Design Using Synthesis Techniques. Energy Systems Laboratory (http://esl.eslwin.tamu.edu). Available electronically from
https : / /hdl .handle .net /1969 .1 /92462.