Minimum Approach Temperature

°F

Typical Values:
Gas-Gas: 20-50°F
Gas-Liquid: 10-30°F
Liquid-Liquid: 5-20°F
Refrigeration: 3-5°F

Hot Streams (to be cooled)

#	T_supply (°F)	T_target (°F)	CP (BTU/hr-°F)
H1
H2

Max 6 streams

Cold Streams (to be heated)

#	T_supply (°F)	T_target (°F)	CP (BTU/hr-°F)
C1
C2

Max 6 streams

Quick Reference

CP (Heat Capacity Flowrate):
CP = mass flow rate × specific heat capacity
Units: BTU/hr-°F (or kW/°C)

Hot streams: T_supply > T_target (release heat)
Cold streams: T_target > T_supply (absorb heat)

Pinch Rules:
1. No heat transfer across the pinch
2. No external cooling above the pinch
3. No external heating below the pinch

Learn the Theory

Deep dive into pinch analysis, the Problem Table Algorithm, composite curves, grand composite curves, and heat exchanger network design.

Read Engineering Guide →

About This Calculator

Performs pinch analysis using the Problem Table Algorithm (Linnhoff & Flower, 1978) to determine energy targets for heat integration.

Key Features:

Problem Table Algorithm: Systematic energy targeting method
Pinch Point: Identifies thermodynamic bottleneck
Utility Targets: Minimum hot and cold utility requirements
Heat Recovery: Maximum process-to-process heat exchange

References:

Linnhoff, B. & Flower, J.R. (1978)
Linnhoff, B. et al. "User Guide on Process Integration" (IChemE, 1982)
Kemp, I.C. "Pinch Analysis and Process Integration" (2007)
Smith, R. "Chemical Process Design and Integration"

Pinch Analysis Calculator

Minimum Approach Temperature

Hot Streams (to be cooled)

Cold Streams (to be heated)

Quick Reference

Learn the Theory

Pinch Analysis Results

About This Calculator

Key Features:

References:

Pinch Analysis Calculator

Minimum Approach Temperature

Hot Streams (to be cooled)

Cold Streams (to be heated)

Quick Reference

Learn the Theory

Pinch Analysis Results

About This Calculator

Key Features:

References:

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