Recently, a new software (AtHENS) that automatically synthesizes a heat exchanger network with minima consumption of utilities was developed. This work deals with the next step, which represents the evolution of the initial network. Hence, new procedures to identify and break loops are incorporated, for which a new algorithm is proposed. Also, a heat exchanger design procedure which uses the available pressure drop to determine the film coefficient on the tube side and shell side is added, providing the utilization of more realistic heat exchangers in the network during its optimization. Results obtained from a case study point to the possibility of equipment design having a strong influence on the network synthesis.
heat exchanger networks; loop identification; loop breaking; heat exchanger design
