Investigation into fouling factor in compact heat exchanger

Fouling problems cannot be avoided in many heat exchanger operations, and it is necessary to introduce defensive measures to minimize fouling and the cost of cleaning. The fouling control measures used during either design or operation must be subjected to a thorough economic analysis, taking into consideration all the costs of the fouling control measures and their projected benefits in reducing costs due to fouling. Under some conditions, nearly asymptotic fouling resistances can be obtained, and this suggests a somewhat different approach to the economics. Fouling is a generic term for the deposition of foreign matter on a heat transfer surface. Deposits accumulating in the small channels of a compact heat exchanger affect both heat transfer and fluid flow. Fouling deposits constricting passages in a compact heat exchanger are likely to increase the pressure drop and therefore reduce the flow rate. Reduced flow rate may be a process constraint; it reduces efficiency and increases the associated energy use and running costs. Maintenance costs will also increase. Fouling remains the area of greatest concern for those considering the installation of compact heat exchangers. The widespread installation of compact heat exchangers has been hindered by the perception that the small passages are more strongly affected by the formation of deposits. In this paper different types of fouling and treatment are presented.