Factors Associated With Fouling in the Process Industry

Abstract

This study evaluates the feasibility of using surface coatings on commonly used process surfaces to minimize/delay the effect of fouling. The materials considered here are stainless steel and copper with AgION and Xylan coatings. Sample plates were placed vertically in test tanks and then exposed to untreated lake water for various time periods. Results are presented that compare surface roughness over time. Additional results show transient deposit weight gain. The progressive change in surface appearance with increasing immersion times is also presented and gives a visual representation of the surface at a specific time. This review includes observations on the fouling of coated process surfaces. All coated samples showed some deposit accumulation with no change in surface appearance for the periods of immersion considered. Conclusions and observations regarding the material coatings for surfaces that are commonly used in designs where fouling may be a concern are presented here. Fouling rates, transient surface roughness values, and transient photographs of the frontal surfaces of the materials are given for typical conditions.