Can the compressor inter-stage cooler recover low-temperature waste heat?
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Dear colleagues, I would like to ask whether it is possible to use a heat exchanger to recover the low-temperature waste heat in the compressor inter-stage cooler. The current inlet/outlet temperatures of this cooler are 105/40. Those working in catalytic units, do you have any examples of such applications in your plants?
Limited utility: 1. The catalytic unit cannot be used itself, and the feed oil cannot exchange heat with the compressed rich gas； 2. Boiler water is acceptable, but the pipeline layout needs to be modified, which will increase energy consumption. Additionally, if the inter-stage cooler leaks, things could get problematic.
No recycling value: 1. The temperature difference is too low, so the flow rate isn’t high either; it therefore cannot be used for that purpose； 2. Even if a pipeline process is to be used, modifications are still required, and energy consumption will increase; this needs to be calculated.
Are there any examples of recycling in current refineries?