Optimization of Heat Exchanger Operation at Supercritical Solvent Regeneration Unit of Heavy Resid Deasphalting Plant.

The article describes and proposes practical use of pinch analysis as one of the methods for optimizing energy consumption at industrial plants. This method allows efficient distribution and utilization of energy flows in technological plants. Pinch analysis of recuperative heat exchangers in heavy resid deasphalting plants is discussed. Solvent deasphalting is one of the most energy-consuming oil refining processes, and primarily energy consumption determines the ultimate cost of deasphalted products, which are a feedstock either for catalytic cracking and hydrocracking plants or a component of lube oil production. Therefore, one of the means of enhancing energy efficiency of these plants is optimization of heat exchanger operation by pinch analysis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]