Process integration design methodologies have been developed and introduced to synthesise an optimum heat exchanger network (HEN) arrangement. However, controllability issues are often overlooked during the early stages of a plant design. In this paper we present a five-step procedure that involves the use of multivariable disturbance and control analyses based solely on steady-state information and with the purpose to assess process design developments and to propose control strategy alternatives appropriate and suitable for a HEN.
A SIMPLE FIVE-STEP METHODOLOGY TO DETERMINE CONTROLLABILITY OF HEAT EXCHANGER NETWORKS USING STEADY-STATE INFORMATION