RESHEX: An interactive software package for the synthesis and analysis of resilient heat-exchanger networks—I: Program description and application

Abstract

RESHEX is an interactive software package for the synthesis and analysis of resilient heat-exchanger networks (HENs). An overview of the program structure, features and functions is presented. A case study describing the revamp of a refinery feed preheat train illustrates the versatility and effectiveness of RESHEX. The case study demonstrates the ease with which a designer can generate (by semi-automatic synthesis and/or evolutionary development) several economically attractive networks which also satisfy practical requirements (such as the revamp network resembling the existing network as much as possible, constraints on the number and location of stream splits and resilience to anticipated changes in operating conditions). Scope—Over the last decade many techniques for synthesis and analysis of HENs have been developed [e.g. 1–4]. However, the “pencil-and-paper” techniques are awkward for the large-size problems encountered in practical industrial situations, and the “automatized” computer techniques have limited capabilities to accommodate the special requirements of the design engineer. RESHEX is a prototype program where the computer techniques are significantly enhanced in terms of versatility to meet the practical needs of the design engineer. All functions including utility and area targeting, network synthesis, evolutionary network development, resilience analysis and economic optimization are available. Conclusions and Significance—Figure 2 outlines the typical steps taken by an engineer when designing or revamping an HEN. RESHEX allows these complex needs to be served in a comprehensive manner. The power and versatility of RESHEX is illustrated through a revamp study of a refinery crude preheat train. the revamp study demonstrates the power of RESHEX to allow the engineer to influence the shape of the synthesized network by constraining the number and location of stream splits and exchangers. The study also demonstrates the versatility of RESHEX to suggest what piping changes should be made or where area should be added when revamping the network.