A Simplified System Model for Rapid Evaluation of Disturbance Propagation through a Heat Exchanger Network

This paper describes a simplified system model for rapidly evaluating disturbance propagation through a heat exchanger network. The model depicts cause-effect relationships between a set of stream output variables (target temperature fluctuations) and a set of input variables (disturbances of source temperatures and heat capacity flowrates). The model, which consists of a set of linear equations of disturbances, can precisely evaluate the propagation caused by even severe temperature disturbances and/or by moderate heat capacity flowrate fluctuations. It is easy to use, computationally efficient, and particularly helpful in analyzing integrated process systems where disturbance propagation is always a major concern. Case studies demonstrate the applicability of the model in process analysis and improvement.