Simulation and redesigning the methanol production cycle using coil-wound liquefied natural gas heat exchangers

Abstract

The current research uses Aspen Software to find the best way to run the petrochemical methanol complex. This was done by using pinch technology and arranging the heat exchanger network. First, a process flow diagram of the Kaveh industrial plant was used to simulate different plant parts. Then retrofit the plant’s heat exchanger network to minimize capital costs and improve energy efficiency. Plotting the composite curve of the streams, the type, and the quantity of hot and cold utilities came next., and the most economical minimum temperature difference, etc. The best capital cost decreased by around 70%, while the utilities increased by about 50%, and the payback money lasted for 6 months. The methanol cycle was redesigned using coil-wound heat exchangers to improve operational flexibility because of high-temperature streams.The capital costs decreased by around 10%, and utility costs were saved with the liquefied natural gas heat exchangers.