The Use of Simulation Techniques for Improving Energy Consumption of Industrial Processes

Abstract

Since 1972, ELF-AQUITAINE has decreased the energy consumption in the refineries. Some reductions were obtained by the maintenance of insulation, of steam traps or other devices ... by optimizing the operating conditions of the processes. Since 1979, we have developed a method for expertising the design of the processes and improving them. This method is based on the use of available energy balance. In this paper, we'll emphasize about this methodology. In a first part, we recall the physical meaning of available energy function (or exergy) and we show how graphical representations are helpful for the interpretation for the exergy analysis. The study of a crude oil pipestill allows us to identify the irreversibilities of the process. Then with the example of a heat exchanger network, we demonstrate the efficiency of the graphical representation. In conclusion, we give an illustration of such studies by applying a methodology to reforming plant.