Abstract
The technology of process integration is gaining wide acceptance within the process industries as an essential tool in the design of energy efficient processes. Within ICI plc initial research into the fundamental theory of the technology was reinforced by the establishment of applications teams comprising experienced process engineers who are expert in the technology. This method of utilizing the technology has created a dialogue between the research and applications teams over the past five years and has resulted in the development of a range of techniques which, while based on the initial theoretical research, are practical design aids applicable to a wide variety of processes.
This paper indicates the benefits that can be gained from the application of the full range of process integration techniques and highlights some of the lessons that have been learnt, by companies new to the technology, in recent studies. It draws on experience gained within ICI plc and in studies carried out for a variety of major industrial companies by the Energy and Process Integration Service (EPI) which is a joint ICI-Harwell venture offering energy efficiency consultancy.
The understanding of processes offered by process integration techniques generates insights which enable experienced personnel to identify ways in which the process itself can be modified to further improve its energy efficiency. The latest developments in the technology have produced a structured approach to the design of processes the aim of which is to reduce the total variable cost of operation.
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