Energy savings in petroleum refining using absorption heat pumping
There is now a new and highly economic technology available for saving energy in petroleum refineries. This technology--absorption heat pumping--is gaining rapid acceptance overseas, but to date is relatively unknown and untried in the U.S. Packaged units now can be supplied in virtually any capacity rating desired. These units are economical, with paybacks typically in less than two years, and are highly reliable compared to heat pumps incorporating large rotating members. This paper provides an overview of how an absorption heat pump (AHP) works, the different configurations possible, and how they can be applied to fractional distillation in a petroleum refinery. A detailed example flowsheet and economic estimate are presented for a specific petroleum refinery application--modernization of the energy intensive alkylation unit--which is of interest currently. A stand-alone isobutane splitter is compared to a mechanically heat pumped alternative and an absorption heat pumped alternative. In general, the AHP requires less than half the capital investment of the next best alternative and provides numerous important intangible benefits as well. The AHP will show even larger margins of advantage on columns involving higher temperature differentials between top and bottom (temperature ''lifts'').
- Research Organization:
- Energy Concepts Company
- OSTI ID:
- 6477625
- Report Number(s):
- CONF-8503173-
- Journal Information:
- Natl. Pet. Refiners Assoc., (Tech. Pap.); (United States), Journal Name: Natl. Pet. Refiners Assoc., (Tech. Pap.); (United States) Vol. AM-85-50; ISSN NPRPA
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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Related Subjects
020400* -- Petroleum-- Processing
ABSORPTION HEAT
ALKYLATION
CHEMICAL REACTIONS
COST BENEFIT ANALYSIS
DISTILLATION
EFFICIENCY
ENERGY
ENERGY EFFICIENCY
ENTHALPY
FRACTIONATION
HEAT
HEAT PUMPS
INDUSTRIAL PLANTS
PETROLEUM REFINERIES
PHYSICAL PROPERTIES
PUMPING
SEPARATION PROCESSES
THERMODYNAMIC PROPERTIES