Novel approach for combined mass and heat exchanger networks synthesis based on stream splitting and bypass

In many chemical processes, mass exchange operations are temperature dependent. Thus, integrating heat exchange networks and mass exchange networks can result in significant process improvements. These improvements can lead to the conservation of energy and mass, and to the reduction of the total annual cost. There are numerous convenient approaches and models to synthesize and optimize heat exchange networks and mass exchange networks separately. Yet, developing an optimum combined mass and heat exchange network is still challenging. A complicated mathematical model that has severe nonlinear properties is required to consider the interactions between the two networks and synthesize the combined network. The objective of this paper is to provide a new approach to synthesize a combined mass and heat exchange network. This approach allows the usage of bypass streams and incorporates splitting of the mass separating agent and using it at different temperatures in the mass exchange processes while targeting minimum combined total annual cost. © 2020, Cairo University. All rights reserved.