Forty years of Heat Integration: Pinch Analysis (PA) and Mathematical Programming (MP)

•Heat Integration (HI) has been an initial part of Process Integration (PI) for more 40 years now.•HI development has accelerated over the years.•The main two approaches are based on Pinch Analysis (PA) and Mathematical Programming (MP).•The paper overviews the developed and also pros and cons of both approaches.•HI has been contributing to sustainability — better utilisation and savings of energy and reducing emissions.

Process Integration (PI) supporting Process Design, Integration, and Optimisation has been around from the early 1970s. PI was developed originally from Heat Integration, which remains the cornerstone for PI continuous advance. It has been closely related to the development of Chemical, Mechanical and Power Engineering supported by the extended implementation of mathematical modelling, simulation and optimisation, and by the application of information technology. Its development has accelerated over the years as its methodology has been able to provide answers and support for important issues regarding economic development — better utilisation and savings regarding energy, water, and other resources. This contribution is targeting towards providing at least a short overview of its historical development, achievements, and future challenges.

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