Matrix Representation of the Grid Diagram for Heat Exchanger Networks

Hot and cold utility usage can be significantly reduced using heat exchangers in a chemical plant. Besides recording the specification of heat exchangers individually, the topology of the heat exchanger network (HEN) is important as well. One of the established ways to represent the network is by drawing a Grid Diagram but it can be time consuming if it is drawn manually. Manipulating the directly a Grid Diagram for design evolution and retrofit procedures can be difficult and confusing.

In this paper, a matrix representation equivalent to the Grid Diagram for HEN is presented. The novel representation clearly shows the duties, temperature differences at the cold and hot ends of each exchanger. Using the proposed table format to represent a HEN helps avoiding confusion which usually arises from complicated drawing representation. This paper also discusses its usefulness to determine the maximum amount of utilities can be saved.