The optimisation of process heat recovery systems was the first area in which Pinch Analysis was applied. Although these techniques have now been extended to include Total Site optimisation and the analysis of hydrogen and water systems, the identification of projects to improve the energy performance of individual process plants remains at the core of Linnhoff March's activities.

Linnhoff March has carried out energy optimisation studies on over 2500 process plants worldwide across all industries. At the heart of these studies has been the two stage approach of energy targeting followed by project development.

Energy targeting

One of the many advantages of Pinch Analysis over conventional design methods is the ability to set a minimum theoretical energy target for a process. Therefore, in advance of identifying any projects, we know the scope for energy savings.

Linnhoff March's unique retrofit design techniques also mean that we can give you the maximum saving for the minimum investment.

Project development

The second stage is to translate these target savings into practical, economically viable projects and to suggest modifications to process operation to achieve further improvement.

Typical savings - oil refining

The following benefits have been obtained for refinery retrofits:

	Energy reduced by 15-35% through revamping of heat exchanger networks based on paybacks of 1.5-3 years
	Units debottlenecked by 10-20% without modifying fired heaters or major pumps
	Capital reduced in revamps by better use of existing heat transfer area
	Lower fouling from improved understanding of the system dynamics
	Improved flexibility giving the lowest cost design for different operating cases
	Reduced emissions at source

To date, approximately 100 refineries world-wide have chosen Linnhoff March to improve their designs.

Typical savings - ethylene

Linnhoff March has now studied over 40 crackers. These have been designed by various contractors, (e.g. Lummus, S F Braun, KTI, Linde, Stone & Webster, M W Kellogg and Foster Wheeler) and represent designs from the late 1960's to the present day.

In all cases, the savings achieved have been significant and the application of pinch technology is complementary to the know-how and expertise of a good ethylene contractor.

Typical savings from a pinch study on an ethylene plant are (based on 2 year payback):

Refining and ethylene are just two of the areas where we have identified significant energy savings. Please contact us to find out the typical saving for your industry.