Energy pinch technology

Pinch technology begins with the compilatiation of the required data.

The next step is to determine the theoretical maximum of feasible energy savings. This is done using a graphical representation of available and required heat as a function of temperature.

Analysis of the graphical representation called the Composite Curves , give the basic outline for designing a heat exchanger network.

General pinch design rules include:

• No heat transfer through the pinch
  
• No cooling above the pinch
  
• No heating below the pinch
  Using these rules, an optimal heat integration and the minimum energy use is determined .

The interaction between process streams and utilities can be optimized using another graphical representation, called the Grand Composite Curve. This curve shows the unfulfilled heating and cooling demand as a function of temperature for an optimally integrated process. The Grand Composite Curves of different processes can be combined to give a Total Site Curve representation (Fout! De hyperlinkverwijzing is ongeldig.). These curves show the potential for heat exchange between the different processes. This is usually done by using utilities as intermediates.