Energy Saving by Optimal Energy Recovery in Chemical Process Technology

Abstract

AbstractAt a time when energy resources and raw materials are becoming scarcer and more expensive, cost‐effective energy management becomes not only an economic but also an ecological necessity. It is vital to promote energy saving by improving the efficiency of existing chemical engineering processes systematically and holistically by examining energy and material flows. The PINCH method is recommended for the systematic processing of energy recovery projects. It permits energy analysis of systems and allows the available energy recovery potential to be calculated. The method is tried and tested and has already been used successfully by large companies. The situation is different in small and medium‐sized companies. These are either unaware of the method or do not apply it due to the lack of qualified staff. Accordingly, substantial potential energy saving opportunities are not being exploited. This article briefly discusses the procedure involved with the PINCH method. With the aid of one simple and one complex example, it is shown that appropriately structured heat transfer systems can achieve considerable energy savings. The need to install additional heat exchangers becomes apparent. The method is not only applicable for planning new installations since the general project plan for step‐by‐step realization of energy recovery measures can also be developed with this method in reconstruction projects. It is demonstrated that the PINCH method is easy to use and can be applied with simple tools. In addition, small and medium‐sized companies can also achieve excellent results in energy recovery with this method.