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Pinch Analysis: Principles, Methodologies, And Industrial Applications for Process Integration, Energy Efficiency, Resource Conservation, And Sustainable Chemical Process Optimization
Subject area: Science,Engineering and Technology · Area of research: Chemical Process Optimization
DOI: https://doi.org/10.64388/IREV10I1-1719983
Abstract
Manufacturing process optimization involves two main steps. First, establishing the proper process structure or topology is essential. The second step is to optimize the key process parameters mathematically. For qualitative decisions, like choosing the topology of a chemical process, traditional mathematical methods are often inadequate. Only small academic problems have benefited from parametric optimization using 'superstructure' approaches, which are not suitable for large-scale practical issues. Over the past 25 years, heuristic optimization methods known as "process integration," "pinch analysis," and "pinch technology' have produced significantly better results. These methods address various industrial challenges, including heat exchanger networks, combined heat and power systems, emissions reduction, cryogenic processes, catalytic chemical reactions, distillation column design and sequencing for energy efficiency, batch crystallization, capacity-bottleneck removal, water conservation, wastewater treatment, refinery hydrogen management, and manufacturing supply chains. They also include fundamental concepts and guidelines of pinch analysis, with some applications fully developed and others still in R&D. According to Kumara and Al-Qahtani (2003), pinch analysis is a versatile optimization technique limited only by the user's creativity. Instead of focusing solely on numerical optimization, it emphasizes using heuristic criteria to determine the best process topology.
How to cite this paper
@article{1719983,
author = {Esua John Maxwell, Ehigiator Emihia Lucky, Ekundayo Oluwatobi Favour, Olalekan Rafiat Olatomiwa, Dr. Grace Olugbengba},
title = {Pinch Analysis: Principles, Methodologies, And Industrial Applications for Process Integration, Energy Efficiency, Resource Conservation, And Sustainable Chemical Process Optimization},
journal = {Iconic Research And Engineering Journals},
year = {2026},
volume = {10},
number = {1},
pages = {3142-3152},
issn = {2456-8880},
url = {https://www.irejournals.com/formatedpaper/1719983.pdf},
abstract = {Manufacturing process optimization involves two main steps. First, establishing the proper process structure or topology is essential. The second step is to optimize the key process parameters mathematically. For qualitative decisions, like choosing the topology of a chemical process, traditional mathematical methods are often inadequate. Only small academic problems have benefited from parametric optimization using 'superstructure' approaches, which are not suitable for large-scale practical issues. Over the past 25 years, heuristic optimization methods known as "process integration," "pinch analysis," and "pinch technology' have produced significantly better results. These methods address various industrial challenges, including heat exchanger networks, combined heat and power systems, emissions reduction, cryogenic processes, catalytic chemical reactions, distillation column design and sequencing for energy efficiency, batch crystallization, capacity-bottleneck removal, water conservation, wastewater treatment, refinery hydrogen management, and manufacturing supply chains. They also include fundamental concepts and guidelines of pinch analysis, with some applications fully developed and others still in R&D. According to Kumara and Al-Qahtani (2003), pinch analysis is a versatile optimization technique limited only by the user's creativity. Instead of focusing solely on numerical optimization, it emphasizes using heuristic criteria to determine the best process topology.},
month = {July},
doi = {https://doi.org/10.64388/IREV10I1-1719983}
}