Retrofit Projects Through Pinch Technology

Abstract

The pinch concept in heat recovery network design has become well-established in recent years. In ICI, the concept was reported to have saved an average of 30% on energy cost, coupled with capital cost savings in new plant designs. Payback times in retrofit applications were reported to be typically on the order of 12 months.

Recent research has extended the concept for better consideration of capital cost trade-offs, of retrofit situations, and of changes to the chemical process itself. These new principles have been tried and tested in Union Carbide. Nine projects were completed within the first year, showing energy cost savings averaging 50% in new plant designs and payback times in retrofit applications typically on the order of six months or better.

The paper explains the new concepts in outline and describes applications in Union Carbide. The applications are discussed in terms of technical features, economic benefits, and the 'technology transfer' task involved.