On 28-31 August 2016, over dozens of the PRES’ keenest professionals gathered for an exclusive conference to review the latest development and applications of process integration for energy conservation. The ‘PRES’ Conference – also known as the 19th Conference of Process Integration, Modelling and Optimisation for Energy Saving and Pollution Reduction, aims to ensure progress towards making societies and regions more sustainable.
Process Integration Limited (PIL) Company President Prof Robin Smith was invited to chair the Process Integration for Sustainable Development session. He also presented PIL Consultant Dr Mary Akpomiemie’s work on ‘New Developments in Heat Exchanger Network Retrofit’.
The presentation opened by addressing the challenges in obtaining cost-effective retrofit of heat exchanger networks (HENs). A new approach was presented, which considers the limitations of the application of heat transfer enhancement in retrofit such as identifying the best heat exchangers to enhance, dealing with downstream effects after enhancement and the impact of pressure drop considerations on the energy savings and retrofit profit (i.e. the difference between the profit from energy savings and the total cost of retrofit over a specified payback period). 
In addition, a robust retrofit strategy for the application of structural modifications based on fundamental insights of the existing HEN was demonstrated. To improve the retrofit result, a new methodology that combines the benefits of heat transfer enhancement and structural modifications was presented. The overall retrofit approach delivers cost effective retrofit based on fundamental insights, whilst ensuring industrial applicability.
A copy of the abstract is available to registered members on the Download page. If you would like to access these, please email info@processint.com.
.
About PIL Process Integration Limited (PIL) provides cutting-edge software, consulting services and training to help clients identify cost and efficiency improvements in existing and new processes. Here at PIL, we develop and implement emerging and innovative technology for optimisation, retrofit engineering in the refining, petrochemicals, chemicals and pharmaceutical industries. For more information on how we can help you excel your business performance please contact us here.