Simple Procedure for Determining Scope and Means of Transferring Energy Between Zones of Integrity

Problem decomposition is the preferred approach for the design of heat recovery networks where a plant has many hot and cold streams. In this approach the “flowsheet” is divided up into distinct zones (sometimes referred to as zones of integrity) and heat recovery networks are developed for these individual zones.

The problem with this approach is that additional energy saving can often be achieved if heat is transferred between individual zones. 

In this paper a very simple procedure for identifying how much heat can be saved through inter-zonal transfer is presented.

 This is then supplemented by a simple procedure for identifying how such transfer is best achieved.