Retrofit of pressure drop constrained heat exchanger networks

Abstract

The study of retrofit of heat exchanger networks is usually restricted to constant heat transfer coefficients, and pressure drop constraints due to the additional exchanger area is neglected. In this work, a new approach considering the distribution of heat transfer area and pressure drop in retrofit is presented. The problem is described as a non-linear model, and the additional area required for the new network condition and available pressure drop are estimated based on economical optimisation (or process requirements).