The aim of this paper is to describe a monitoring system for fouling phenomenon in tubular heat exchangers. This system is based on a physical model of the fouling resistance. A mathematical model of the fouling resistance is also developed based on applied thermal heat, the inside heat transfer coefficient and geometrical characteristics of the heat exchanger. The resulting model is a function of measured quantities such as water and tube wall temperatures, fluid flow velocities, and some physical properties of the fluid flowing inside the tubes such as viscosity, conductivity, and density. An on-line fouling evaluation system has been prepared and heat transfer resistance for selected solutions has been measured in real time by this system. Experimental results provide quantitative information of liquid-side fouling on heat transfer surfaces, and its effects on the thermal efficiency. Output data is significantly important for the design, and for formulating operating and cleaning schedules of the equipment.
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