Abstract
Metals are common construction materials for heat exchangers. However, metals may suffer from failure due to corrosion, especially in harsh environments. Innovative thermally conductive polymer composite tubes based on polypropylene or polyphenylene sulfide filled with graphite have been developed. Crystallization fouling on metal surfaces has been extensively studied. However, fouling data for polymer surfaces are very limited. In the current study, a stirred vessel test rig and a horizontal tube falling film test rig were used to compare the fouling propensity of the polymer composite tubes and common stainless steel tubes. Experiments were performed with calcium sulfate solutions and mixed salt solutions containing calcium carbonate and calcium sulfate. The induction periods and the fouling resistances over time were measured. The novel polymer composite tubes showed a lower crystallization fouling propensity compared to the stainless steel tubes. The induction period was longer and the reduction of the overall heat transfer coefficient over time was notably lower compared to the metal tubes.
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