Abstract This paper first reviewed the classical heat exchanger network synthesis methodologies including pinch technology and mathematical programming. Then more recent works on heat exchanger network synthesis based on pinch technology and mathematical programming were reviewed, including those considering the practical problems such as pressure drop, fouling and detailed heat exchanger design, those considering life cycle analysis, CO2 capture, and integrated water system to account for environmental problems, and those expanding the boundary of a heat exchanger network to multi-plants or industrial park for improved energy efficiency. Future trends of heat exchanger network synthesis were finally suggested.
