EngOpt 2012 3

rd
International Conference on Engineering Optimization
Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, 01 - 05 July 2012.




Heat Exchanger Network Optimization using integrated specialized software from
ASPENTECH and GAMS Technology.

Andres Felipe Suarez Corredor

Universidad Nacional de Colombia. Bogot D.C. Colombia. afsuarezco@unal.edu.co

1. Abstract
This article presents a generalized methodology of a heat exchanger network process optimization taking as an example a Natural
Gas Processing Plant WDGC (Western Desert Gas Complex) of the Egypt National Natural Gas Company (GASCO) with the use of
Process Engineering specialized software from AspenTech and GAMS Technology companies. To obtain the best design on
energetic use, those designs are optimized in the heat exchanger surface area, rational use of utilities and economic costs. Several
modifications on the heat exchanger train of the Natural Gas Processing Plant are proposed to have opportunities on energy
conservation, as an economical and environmental solution. The steady-state simulation of the plant is made with HYSYS Software
through the implementation of Pinch Technology; it is possible to calculate the minimum requirements of heating and cooling for the
processing plant. Finally, using Aspen Energy Analyzer software from AspenTech Suite and the optimization software GAMS, a
series of optimal HENs are generated, in which is possible to recover a high quantity of heat at minimum total costs. These improve
on energy performance and costs savings could be made only with the installation of two heat exchangers to the existing heat
exchanger network.
2. Keywords: Energy Integration, Process Optimization, Pinch Technology.

3. Introduction
Today in the industry, the design and optimization procedures have the trend to identify the configurations where the less energy
consumption can be achieved. The possibilities for energy savings and the resulting environmental and economic saving for the
various industrial applications can be diverse and very useful nowadays, when the search of new energy resources because the
scarcity of traditional fuels and the instability in the global markets, demand that the industry maximize their efforts in the energy
consumption optimization. The optimization of the Heat Exchanger Networks (HEN) requires a procedure, in which several models
and algorithms have been proposed due to the complexity of the analyzed systems. The use of Pinch Technology allows to find the
balance between energy and costs as well as the correct location of Utilities and Heat Exchangers.

Through the technological advances and the software development, that has been carried out in the last years, let add other aspects to
the analysis method of the Heat Exchangers Networks (HEN). These features can be:

Utilities System, where all the utilities fluid system used in the plant can be specified on an independent way with their
thermodynamic and economic data.
Environmental consequences of the energetic integration evaluated, with the implementation of KPIs (Key Performance
Indicators) as Carbon Footprint, Eco-Indicator 99, etc.
Balance between the three main objectives that can be achieved in the energy integration process: Energy, Costs and
Operation flexibility and reliability.

With the development of optimization software, like GAMS Technology, is possible to apply MINLP (Mixed Integer No Linear
Programming) to the Chemical Process Systematic Synthesis, which is the method used in the Energy Integration Software by
AspenTech: Aspen Energy Analyzer.

Although today, several new methods for the synthesis and optimization of Heat Exchanger Networks (HENs) have been proposed,
the Pinch Technology is the most complete and reliable thermodynamic method, in addition to allow modification to obtain a better
description of the system. This method has been used in industrial applications across the world, resulting in energy savings of 15%
to 45%.

The incursion of Energy Integration methods have been realized in the petrochemical industry due to the diversity of conditions that
can be present in the oil&gas processing and the large scale in which these plants are built. To demonstrate the advantage of the
Energy Synthesis and optimization of Heat Exchanger Networks (HENs) methods implementation through the Pinch Technology a
Study Case to a Gas Processing Plant is implemented, using the simulation software suite from the AspenTech Company and the
Optimization software from GAMS Technology. AspenTech software is used because its strength in the simulation of hydrocarbon
processes and the peculiarities of the process that makes it suitable for the Energy Integration Process.

4. Background
In the recent decades, the synthesis and optimization of Heat Exchanger Networks (HENs) has progressed considerably, especially
in the field of energy utilization, heat exchanger units and surface, key objectives to the Heat Exchanger Networks (HEN) Analysis.
The selection method of the optimal Heat Exchanger Network (HEN) based in the optimization of the surface was demonstrated by
Linnhoff and Townsend through the formulation of the Pinch Technology. Linnhoff was the pioneer who presents the theoretical


bases to allow today the creation of large Heat Exchanger Networks (HENs) optimization algorithms applied in an industrial level.

In the 1980s, ICI was confronted with a great challenge in the crude distillation unit of one of its refineries. An expansion of 20% of
its capacity was required but this expansion carried an increase of the plant energy demand. The most feasible solution was the
installation of a furnace, but this solution was expensive and there wasnt enough space to locate the furnace in the plant.

The process design team decided to calculate the first optimal Heat Exchanger Network (HEN) designs, demonstrating that the
refinery could use less energy (discover a less energy consumption, even if with the expansion plan). With this fact, the team was
hurried to make the practical designs of a Heat Exchanger Network (HEN) that could optimize the energy consumption of the
refinery. As a result, an annual save of one million British pounds in energy was achieved and the capital cost in a new furnace was
avoided.

From this success and with the help of academic institutions, industrial applications have been reported in Union Carbide (USA)
where a bigger saving than ICI were obtained; BASF (Germany) with more than 150 projects achieving an energetic saving and an
increase in the profit in about 25% in their main plant in Ludwigshafen (Germany) and around a large amount of industries in 30
countries.

Nowadays, the application of Heat Exchanger Network (HEN) Optimization methods has been become more sophisticated, with the
use of process simulation software (AspenTech suite, PRO II, etc.) and algorithm oriented programming optimization software
(GAMS Technology), so that allow to obtain an accurate description of the phenomena to optimize and let create algorithms that
integrates systems of environmental, economic and energetic evaluation on a customize interface.

5. Theoretical Principles
The algorithm of the Problem Table: Linnhoff et al. (1982) developed an algorithm as a math tool to replace the graphical
method of composite curves to obtain a Heat Exchanger Network (HEN) with the less use of Utilities. As an energy
balance, this method couldnt be related with the Heat Exchanger Surface and Costs.


Figure 1. Heat Flow pattern at each temperature Interval.

Mathematical formulation using Lineal Programming: The first step of the model is the partition in (k) temperature ranges
(according to the temperatures of the process and utilities streams), keeping the hot limit higher than the cold limit by the
Minimum Temperature Difference (Tmin) selected and performing energy balances at each interval, where the lineal
programming formulation gives an objective function, minimizing the cold and hot utilities as follows:

o Objective Function:

(

) (1)
o Equations (Energy Balance):

(2)

(3)

(4)
o Constraints:

(5)

}
(6)

Where Q
H
is the minimum heat duty of hot utility, Q
C
is the minimum heat duty of cold utility, R
k
is the residual heat at the
k interval, F
m
is the hot utility flow, F
n
is the cold utility flow at the k interval, h
mk
is the enthalpy change in the hot
utility, h
nk
is the enthalpy change in the cold utility at the k interval, Q
H
ik
is the heat duty of the hot stream i, Q
C
jk
is
the heat duty of the cold stream j, R
0
is the residual heat at the first interval and R
K
is the residual heat at the last interval.

5. Methodology
The Gas Processing System (WDGC) is a typical turbo-expander plant of 1980s, in which after the dehydration and precooling at -
37C and 54 bar, the 100% of the separated gas is expanded at 14.25 bar before the fractionation process at the demethanizer column
with an operating temperature of -83C as its coldest point. The ethane and heaviest hydrocarbons are separated and fractioned in the
following equipment:

Deethanizer that recovers a mixture of C2/C3 that is sent to a petrochemical products client of the region (Sidi Krir
Petrochemicals Co. Sidpec.).
Depropanizer that recovers the propane that cant be liquefied to LPG and is exported by the Alexandrias harbor.
LPG and condensates from the debutanizer column.

For the WDGC plant simulation, the AspenTech simulation suite Version 7.2 is used, specifically the HYSYS 7.2 software which is
widely used by the petrochemical industry in the process simulation (Figure 1 and 2). For the Heat Exchanger Network optimization,
the Energy Analyzer 7.2 and GAMS software is used. The process simulation is done with the following considerations:

The current specifications of the feed and product streams.
The design parameters for all the equipment as the real plant are used.
Peng-Robinson as a thermodynamic model for the physical properties estimation is used.

6. Results
Based on the process simulation done in Aspen HYSYS 7.2 software, the main results obtained for the streams are:

Table 1. Specifications of the Main Streams of the WDGC Process
Nombre Feed Gas
Sales Gas
to N.Grid
Sales Gas
to Dekhila
C2/C3
Commercial
Propane
LPG Condensates
Temperature
(C)
18.5 55.0 55.0 47.2 42.0 39.0 54.0
Pressure (Bar) 67.18 61.81 44.16 12.45 16.66 5.87 7.00
Mass Flow
(kg/h)
5.64E+06 1.86E+06 1.00E+06 2.53E+05 1.99E+05 1.47E+05 4.65E+04
Molar Fraction
H2O
0.0001 0 0 0 0 0 0
Molar Fraction
N2
0.007 0.0076 0.0076 0 0 0 0
Molar Fraction
CO2
0.0357 0.0355 0.0355 0.0711 0 0 0
Molar Fraction
H2S
0 0 0 0 0 0 0
Molar Fraction
Methane
0.8017 0.8625 0.8625 0.2313 0 0 0
Molar Fraction
Ethane
0.0996 0.0816 0.0816 0.5578 0.0001 0 0
Molar Fraction
Propane
0.0405 0.0121 0.0121 0.1351 0.999 0.0004 0
Molar Fraction
i-Butane
0.0054 0.0004 0.0004 0.004 0.0009 0.3936 0
Molar Fraction
n-Butane
0.0071 0.0003 0.0003 0.0007 0 0.575 0
Molar Fraction
i-Pentane
0.0013 0 0 0 0 0.0302 0.3634
Molar Fraction
n-Pentane
0.001 0 0 0 0 0.0008 0.3838
Molar Fraction
n-Hexane
0.0006 0 0 0 0 0 0.2528



The Pinch Technology methods are implemented through the use of Aspen Energy Analyzer 7.2 and the optimization software
GAMS. The network diagram to the current plant configuration is shown in the Figure 4. The software let choose automatically the
utilities that have less costs, so it chose as cold utilities the air and Refrigerant 1 (Freon22), while as hot utilities it chose Low and
Middle Pressure Vapor.


Figure 2. PFD WDGC Plant with Main Specifications.


Figure 3. PFD Cryogenic Section of WDGC Plant with Main Specifications

The optimal Heat Exchanger Networks (HENs) are obtained taking a Tmin of 10, 15, 20 and 25C. With the use of the AspenTech
suite software, the optimal designs are obtained, where a reduction in the utilities consumption is achieved, saving operating costs,
getting a balance between operative and capital costs with economical KPIs (Key Performance Indicators) as return over
investments (ROI) and Equipment Index Costs, etc.




Figure 4. Network Design for the Current Configuration of the WDGC Plant.

The results obtained are summarized in the following tables and figures:

Table 2. Comparison between the obtained Heat Exchanger Networks (HENs) at different Tmin.
HEN Specifications
HEN with
Tmin of 10C
HEN with
Tmin of 15C
HEN with
Tmin of 20C
HEN with
Tmin of 25C
Current HEN
Units Quantity 22 24 26 25 21
Heaters Duty (GJ/hr) 41.82 43.41 45.57 47.9 72.65
Heaters Surface (m2) 1269.5 1298.7 1331.2 1374.1 1704.1
Heaters Capital Costs
($/year)
1089720 1113520 1141549 1178376 1460643
Coolers Duty (GJ/hr) 113.96 115.86 117.3 120.7 145.3
Coolers Surface (m2) 3252.3 3124.3 2226.2 1729.2 3902.5
Coolers Capital Costs
($/year)
541032 525640 371731 290519 648259
Propane Cooler Duty
(GJ/hr)
0 6.43 25.3 34.9 0
Propane Cooler Capital
Costs ($/year)
0 819245 2652453 3317256 0
Operating Costs ($/year) 1320638 1407286 1574832 1706743 1991342
Heat Exchanger Surface
(m2)
5140.2 4756.3 3126.4 2670.3 4511.5
Heat Exchanger Capital
Costs ($/year)
877256 823481 631546 548653 741423
Total Capital Costs
($/year)
2508008 3281886 4797279 5334804 2850325
Total Costs ($/year) 3828646 4689172 6372111 7041547 4841667




Figure 5. Costs Behavior at different HENs

Figure 6. Total Heat Exchanger Surface



7. Conclusion
Through the Aspen Energy Analyzer software and optimization software GAMS use is possible to find alternatives to obtain large
energy consumption savings for a Natural Gas Processing Plant. This software let implement a methodology for Heat Exchanger
Network (HEN) synthesis with the use of Pinch Technology. Several Heat Exchanger Networks (HENs) are designed with different
Tmin and the total annualized costs are compared to obtain the optimal design. The Heat Exchanger Network (HEN) with a Tmin
of 10C is the most optimal where the largest energy savings are obtained with the appropriate use of utilities (Save 42% for hot
utilities and 21% for cold utilities compared with the current plant configuration), with less total costs. This save could be done
through a plant revamp, with the addition of two heat exchangers. Additionally it is possible to realize a detailed study with a
rigorous design methodology of Heat Exchanger Network, and that let to quantify the environmental impact with the modules
implementation in the algorithm done in GAMS.

7. References

1. Ahmad, S., & Linnhoff, B. (1989). Super Target different Process Structures for different Economics. Journal of Energy
Resources Technology, 131-136.
2. Ahmad, S., & Smith, R. (1989). Targets and design for Minimum Number of Shells in HENs. Journal of Chemical
Engineering Resources, 481-484.
3. El-Temtamy, S., Hamid, I., Gabr, E., & El-Rahman Sayed, A. (2010). The Use of Pinch Technology to Reduce Utility
Consumption in a Natural Gas Processing Plant. Petroleum Science and Technology, 1316-1330.
4. Flower, J., & Linnhoff, B. (1980). A Thermodynamic combinatorial approach to the design of optimum heat exchangers
networks. AICHE Journal, 1-9.
5. Kemp, I. (2007). Pinch Analysis and Process Integration. Oxford: El Sevier.
6. Linnhoff, B., & Ahmad, S. (1990). Cost Optimum Heat Exchanger Networks - I Minimum energy and capital using simple
models for Capital Cost. Computers and Chemical Engineering, 729-750.
7. Linnhoff, B., & Ahmad, S. (1990). Cost Optimum Heat Exchanger Networks - II Targets and design for detailed Capital
Cost Models. Computers & Chemical Engineering, 751-770.
8. Linnhoff, B., & Hindmarsh, E. (1983). The Pinch Design method of Heat Exchanger Networks. Chemical Engineering
Science, 745-763.
9. Nilsson, K., & Sunden, B. (1994). Optimizing a Refinery using the Pinch Technology and the MIND Method. Heat
Recovery Systems & CHP, 211-220.
10. Reddy, B., & Venkata Seshaiah, P. (1997). Basic Concepts of Heat Exchanger Design. Chemical Engineering World, 55-
58.

0
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
Tmin
10C
Tmin
15C
Tmin
20C
Tmin
25C
Current
(
M
i
l
l
i
o
n
s

U
S
$

/

Y
e
a
r
)

Heat Exchanger
Capital Costs
Operating Costs
Propane Cooler
Capital Costs
Coolers Capital
Costs
Heaters Capital
Costs
0
2000
4000
6000
8000
10000
12000
Tmin
10C
Tmin
15C
Tmin
20C
Tmin
25C
Current
Heat Exchanger
Surface (m2)
Coolers Surface
(m2)
Heaters Surface
(m2)