Mitigating Fouling in Heat Exchangers

摘要

The deposition of material on heat transfer surfaces -commonly known as fouling - significantly affects the thermal and mechanical performance of heat exchangers. Fouling increases the overall thermal resistance and lowers the overall heat transfer coefficient of heat exchangers. In addition, it impedes fluid flow, accelerates corrosion and increases pressure drop across the heat exchanger. Cleaning fouled heat exchangers presents a significant challenge to maintenance and operation personnel in the process industries.