The optimization of heat exchange network of 55 000 t/a isopropanol process

The heat exchange network of the 55000 t/a isopropanol process was optimized by pinch technology and Aspenplus based on the analysis of production process energy consumption. The heat exchange network was further integrated and optimized with the help of heat pump technology. The optimization results showed that 5402.2 kW of utilities were saved and the energy recovery ratio was 37.9%, including 3477.1 kW of minimum thermal utilities and 5363.2 kW of minimum cold utilities. The number of heat exchange units was reduced from 22 to 17, leading to the decrease in equipment investment.