Composite curve theory with inclusion of chemical reactions

The present paper proposes a way to introduce chemical reactions in composite curves, in such a way that the irreversibility's generated by the chemical reaction are expressed as equivalent thermal diffusion. The heat of reaction is considered to be released at a "reversible reaction temperature" and the diffusion between this reversible temperature and the actual temperature generates the actual exergy destruction. Corresponding hot and cold curve contributions result in the composite curves, which visualizes the exergy destruction and the chemical pinches which are present in the exchanger and reactor network. The concept is illustrated through an application on chemical recuperation in a gas turbine cycle. (C) 1998 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.