Analysis of the heat recovery in two crude distillation units

Abstract An analysis of the heat recovery networks in two crude distillation units is carried out. Composite curves are studied, energy targets are calculated and a pre-optimisation is performed. Heat exchanger networks providing maximum energy recovery are designed by the pinch design method and it is found that compared to the existing networks a net energy saving of 19% can be achieved, but investment in additional heat exchanger areas is necessary.