Application of Pinch Technology in Refinery Retrofits

Abstract

This paper reviews the application of pinch technology in the identification of the most attractive retrofit prospects in typical refineries. In the first part of the paper, methodology is described to identify attractive inter-unit heat integration opportunities as well as attractive process-utility system integration (co-generation). An example of an atmospheric pipestill-alkylation unit integration evaluation is given using both composite stream and Grand composite stream methods. In the second part of the paper, the application of pinch technology in a typical intra-unit heat integration problem is given. It is explained how inefficiencies in an APS crude preheat train are identified, and a typical small retrofit project is described.