AbstractIt is evident that the philosophy of process design has changed dramatically with the advent of higher energy prices and stricter environmental regulations. It is only with careful design and well‐practiced operation that maximum recovery of energy in the form of steam, electricity and refrigeration can be successfully achieved. Initial capital costs will generally be higher, but operating costs are lower, particularly in this era of high fuel costs. The major problems that are usually associated with these „tighter”︁ designs are more difficult maintenance and more complex startup problems. The latter are due to the energy integration which is built into an energy efficient plant. On the other hand, maximizing energy recovery and increasing yields of feedstocks not only lowers operating costs but often can have environmental advantages because exhaust gases and liquids are either consumed in the plant or contaminants are recovered as byp