Process integration as a general tool for energy-intensive process industry : development and practical applications in Sweden

Sweden and Scandinavia are situated in an area, which is rich in natural resources. Energy-intensive base industries using a combination of these and imported resources are a dominant part in Swedish economy. They cover several branches, e.g. Iron and Steel, Metal Production, Pulp and Paper, Chemical Industry. There are differences, e.g. the temperature of the solvent is different between processes. However, the similarities in problem structures are striking in questions regarding general structural decisions, energy system behavior and system optimization. For these reasons, a national program has been carried out to develop common PROCESS INTEGRATION tools for use in these branches. The Swedish Energy Agency and the industry have financed the program. The initial scope was used for energy optimization and conservation, but has been broadened to also include economy, environment and climate gas emissions. Methods based on pinch analysis, exergy analysis or mathematical programming have been developed and put to use. Some projects involve Scandinavian and international cooperation e.g. through IEA. Some specific examples are discussed in the paper: Development of a PROCESS INTEGRATION tool for steel industry. In this case mathematical programming has been found to be the most appropriate method. Use of a tool developed in one branch in another type of industry. International project (IEA) on systems integration between society and industry including cogeneration and power plants." Reduction of climate gas emissions on the boundary industry/energy market. Great efforts are being made to find the optimal compromise between simplicity and performance as well as on transfer of results and knowledge to industrial users. The financial support of the SCANMET conference and its energy sessions are part of that effort.Godkänd; 2008; 20080822 (ysko