(119e) CDU Preheating Train Retrofit Keeping Heat Exchangers Network Topology

As energy demand in the world is still rising, energy efficiency tools become more relevant for industry to meet the society expectations regarding energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions.

In a refinery, Crude oil distillation unit (CDU) is one of the most significant energy consumers. However, retrofit projects focused on energy savings are not always easy to implement, as these projects are sensitive to payback and may result in several changes on the Heat Exchanger Network (HEN) topology.

This work presents the methodology and results of a crude oil preheating train retrofit, considering that no HEN topology modification was allowed. This constraint made possible to implement the project in very short schedule, compared to traditional projects.

In order to make the project feasible, the use of enhancements on heat exchangers (like the Twisted Tube bundles) were investigated.

This work will also address the results achieved after project implementation regarding economics, GHG emissions and project schedule.