Abstract
Techniques of Process Integration can be applied to conserve resources such as energy, freshwater, cooling water, hydrogen, solvent, etc. Process Integration methodologies are broadly classified into two categories: methodologies based on the numerical optimization techniques and methodologies based on the conceptual approaches of Pinch Analysis. In this paper, a generalized problem definition for Pinch Analysis problems is mathematically analyzed and a rigorous methodology to solve this problem is discussed. There are three important graphical methodologies also proposed in the literature: Limiting Composite Curve, Material Recovery Pinch Diagram, and Source Composite Curve. In this paper, fundamental derivation of these graphical representations and interrelation between them are established mathematically.
