A GENERALIZED MATHEMATICAL MODEL OF THE FOULING FORMATION ON THE HEAT TRANSFER SURFACE IN NON-DIMENSIONAL VIEW AND ITS APPLICATION FOR PLATE HEAT EXCHANGERS DESIGN

Abstract

A generalized mathematical model of the formation of fouling on the heat transfer surface of a plate heat exchanger has been developed. The model is presented by a system of ordinary differential equations and takes into account the distribution of process parameters along the channel of a plate heat exchanger, which allows predicting the development of contamination in time in different places along the channel length. The model is presented in a dimensionless form, which allows extending the range of its application to a wider class of phenomena of contamination of heat transfer surfaces under conditions where the intensity of the process is controlled by mass transfer in the main flow and the reaction rate at the interface between the liquid and solid phases. The application of the proposed fouling formation model made it possible to develop a mathematical model for the formation of fouling in the channels of a plate heat exchanger, taking into account changes in the main process parameters along the heat transfer surface. To check the obtained model and determine the dimensionless parameters that enter into it, it is planned to carry out calculations for specific conditions and compare it with experimental studies and industrial tests of plate heat exchangers when working with media prone to the formation of fouling on the heat transfer surface.