Estimating the Maximum Possible Correction Factor by Using the High Temperature Differences within Pinch Analysis as Obtained from Practical Experience

Abstract

Pinch analysis is a very useful method that can increase the energy efficiencies of individual chemical processes including simultaneous heat integration and process optimisation. Pinch analysis is based on constant heat capacity flow (CF) for each stream. In regard to greater temperature differences of more than 200 K, the heat capacity flow could be corrected using a quantified maximal possible correction factor (fcor) obtained from practical experience. This is because of certain determined changes in specific heat capacity (cp), as it is temperature dependent. The correction factor for heat capacity flow is calculated by determining the errors of specific heat capacities. This technique includes those specific heat capacity errors during significant temperature differences that cause errors regarding heat capacity flow. The correction factor could be reduced by using the calculated mistake of heat flow rate during integrated networks.The novelty of this paper is the correction factor, which could be:• Obtained from practical experience• Reduced the mistake of heat flow rate• Reduced the energy loss.