The Application of Pinch Analysis for Energy Saving and Reducing Gas Emissions Based on Mathematical Model in the Hydrocracking Unit

Abstract

Pinch analysis approach of the heat exchanger network in the hydrocracking unit was carried out to save
energy consumption and reduce gas emissions simultaneously. This method based on mathematical model of the
hydrocracking unit for a heat exchanger network using LINGO program to achieve the minimization of environmental
impacts and the reduction of energy cost. The presented energy demands for the heat exchanger network are 20.38
MMBtu/hr and 26.52 MMBtu/hr for heating and cooling loads, respectively. The current analysis shows a huge
opportunity in order to decrease the energy consumption of the hydrocracking process at a minimum temperature
difference of 60°F. The final results display the save of energy is about 44% for heating utility in the furnace, while
the save for cooling utility is around 34%. All these savings of the energy will lead to saving in the energy costs of
about 1,415,078 USD$/yr. Similarly, reducing gas emissions in the hydrocracking unit from 12,301.67 to 6,854.77
metric tons/year equates to a reduction of 44.3%.