A thermodynamically orientated method is presented for the synthesis of heat exchanger networks. With this method, the problem is solved in two stages. In the first stage, preliminary networks are generated which give maximum heat recovery. In the second stage, the most satisfactory final networks are evolved using the preliminary networks as starting points. In this paper, emphasis is given to the synthesis of the preliminary networks. Two four‐stream examples are solved. In Part II, emphasis will be given to the synthesis of final networks.

An evolutionary method is presented for the synthesis of heat exchanger networks. Starting from feasible solutions which preferably exhibit maximum energy recovery, the method allows systematic promotion of desired design features such as low overall cost, suitability for starting‐up procedures, observation of safety constraints, etc. Seven examples based on standard literature problems are used to illustrate the method.

No abstract

This article describes a novel approach to the systematic synthesis of heat exchanger networks. For a given synthesis problem, this approach leads to a complete listing of all solutions which exist, using a prescribed degree of energy recovery, the minimum number of exchangers, heaters and coolers, and no split streams. The approach is combinatorial, with a variety of thermodynamic criteria used to minimize the problem size by preventing infeasible solutions being generated. Two examples (5SP1 and 6SP1) are discussed to illustrate complete solution by hand, Systematic methods for the preliminary design of heat evchanger networks have recently been described by tial solution of such problems is rapid by means of emsting techniques (Linnhoff and Flower 1978), and the remaining problem is amenable to solution by the TC method.

This thesis discusses the use of thermodynamic Second Law analysis in the context of chemical process network design. It is divided into two parts.Part I is based on the study of entire processes while Part II concentrates on the problem of heat exchanger network design. This division into two parts facilitates a clear presentation of the results obtained.Second Law analyses are frequently referred to in the academic literature as giving a more valid account of inefficiencies in engineering systems than simple heat balances, a view that would seem to be well founded in thermo dynamic theory. On the other hand, process design engineers in industry do not seem to make much use of this type of analysis. They usually comment that the results obtained either state the obvious (e.g., "... do not degrade heat...", etc.) or lead to recommendations that are not practical (e.g., "... use fuel cells instead of thermal reactors...", etc.) Thus, there seems to be a conflict between theoretical claims and practical experience. The present thesis attempts to clarify this situation by giving a balanced view of both the potential value of Second Law analysis as well as its short comings .In Part I, it is shown that Second Law analyses are both difficult to produce and difficult to interpret in the context of chemical process design.Consequently, an approach is developed to overcome these difficulties.However, the approach somewhat transforms the meaning of the words "thermo dynamic analysis". Namely, it is no longer a strict application of Second Law textbook theory that is implied, but a rather more broad minded approach involving the use of carefully considered thermodynamic concepts. In other words, a somewhat "slackened" form of thermodynamic analysis is recommended. This slackened form is less well defined than the classical one but easier to produce and more meaningful to interpret.(A more detailed explanation of the concepts involved is given in the "Extended Abstract of Part I" on -