Journal of Emerging Trends in Engineering and Applied Sciences: Research Areas

Article Title: Transient Analysis of Heat Exchanger Networks in the Crude Distillation Unit of Port-Harcourt Refinery
by Akpa, J. G., Dagde, K. K. And Okoroma, J. U

Abstract:
Mathematical models that can be used to predict the transient behavior of heat exchangers in a Heat exchanger Network (HEN) have been developed. This analysis is aimed at predicting thermal transients in Heat Exchanger Networks due to temperature fluctuations of inlet streams. This model is used to predict thermal transient of the heat exchanger networks in the crude distillation unit of the New Port-Harcourt refinery. The response of heat exchangers in the entire network to transient input (sinusoidal change in inlet temperature of the cold stream) was investigated. A finite difference numerical scheme is used to develop a solution algorithm for solving the set of partial differential model equations. The results reveals the effect of inlet temperature change on the process streams and possible points where temperature control is required in the heat exchanger networks of the New Port Harcourt refinery

Keywords: heat exchanger network, transient analysis, Port-Harcourt, Refinery

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