Evaluation of the Energy Performances of an LPG Production Unit Using Pinch Analysis and Exergy Balance

摘要

Pinch technology and exergy analysis have been used independently or in Combinationrnfor the energy integration of process units. Both techniques were used in this work tornstudy the energy performances of a new LPG production unit and compare them tornthose of an old one which is still in operation on the same site. Pinch analysis was usedrnto estimate the consumption of hot and cold utility and investigate the possibility of itsrnreduction. The obtained results showed that the pinch is of about 16 ℃ which isrnrelatively close to the optimum. In addition, it was found that the actual configuration ofrnheat exchangers does not show any significant anomalies leading to excessive utilityrnconsumption. Exergy analysis was used to estimate the extent of energy degradation inrnboth units. It allowed us to pinpoint the areas of lowest efficiency and assess thernprogress achieved in energy conservation for this type of units.