Minimum units targeting and network evolution for batch heat exchanger network

Process integration techniques have been widely accepted as an effective tool in synthesising a cost optimal heat exchanger network (HEN). However, most works on HEN synthesis have mainly focused on continuous processes. Much less work has been carried out for the synthesis of batch HEN. This paper extends the minimum units targeting and network evolution techniques that were developed for batch mass exchange network (MEN) into batch HEN. Two examples are used to illustrate the developed method.