RCNet: An optimisation software for the synthesis of resource conservation networks

RCNet is a spreadsheet-based software for the synthesis of resource conversation networks (RCNs) for planning the efficient use of material resources (e.g., water, utility gases, solvents) in industrial plants. The software is developed based on the well-established process integration tools, namely pinch analysis and mathematical programming techniques. In the first stage, pinch analysis is used to determine maximum resource conservation targets prior to detailed RCN design. In the second stage, mathematical optimisation is then used to determine the optimal flowrate allocation between process sources and sinks of the RCN, to achieve the performance targets. RCNet is applicable for various industrial applications. To date, no generic software has been developed to handle water minimisation, hydrogen recovery and property integration, which is the main subject of this work. In the developed software, same interface and platform can be used to solve abovementioned problems independently. For illustration, three literature examples on water minimisation, hydrogen recovery and property integration, as well as an industrial case study are solved using RCNet.