Heat exchanger networks retrofit with an extended superstructure model and a meta-heuristic solution approach

•A new framework for heat exchanger networks retrofit is presented.•An extended superstructure is used to derive the retrofit model.•The model comprises features such as stream splits, sub splits and cross flows.•A meta-heuristic approach is adapted to handle the new retrofit model.•The solutions id...

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Bibliographic Details
Published inComputers & chemical engineering Vol. 125; pp. 380 - 399
Main Authors Pavão, Leandro V., Costa, Caliane B.B., Ravagnani, Mauro A.S.S.
Format Journal Article
LanguageEnglish
Published Elsevier Ltd 09.06.2019
Subjects
Heat exchanger networks
Mathematical modeling
Meta-heuristics
Optimization
Process synthesis
Retrofit
Retrofit
Heat exchanger networks
Mathematical modeling
Process synthesis
Optimization
Meta-heuristics
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Summary:•A new framework for heat exchanger networks retrofit is presented.•An extended superstructure is used to derive the retrofit model.•The model comprises features such as stream splits, sub splits and cross flows.•A meta-heuristic approach is adapted to handle the new retrofit model.•The solutions identified present lower costs than those reported in the literature. Retrofit of heat exchanger networks (HEN) is an important subject in the heat integration field. Several studies on the matter use Pinch-based techniques and mathematical models solved with deterministic methods. This work aims at providing an alternative method based on a model derived from a broad superstructure solved with a meta-heuristic approach. The referred superstructure comprises features not present in most HEN studies based on mathematical programming. Structural options such as the possibility of streams sub-splitting, partial mixing, serial units at a single stream branch and the allocation of heaters/coolers at intermediate positions are possible. The methodology was applied to three large-scale industrial case studies from the literature, based on oil refineries. Two of them contained streams with variable heat capacity. In all examples, the present methodology was able to outperform previous studies regarding total annual costs, proving an interesting alternative to methods that are currently applied in the literature.
ISSN:0098-1354
DOI:10.1016/j.compchemeng.2019.03.029