Numerical investigation of design parameters for optimization of the in-situ ultrasonic fouling removal technique for pipelines

Abstract

Fouling build-up in engineering assets is a known problem and, as a solution, the application of power ultrasonic for in-situ fouling removal has gained much attention from the industry. Current state-of-the-art fouling removal includes the use of hydraulic, chemical and manual techniques. Much research has been conducted to advance the knowledge on the potential uses of ultrasonics across different fouling applications, primarily in reverse osmosis membranes and heat exchangers. However, the optimization of in-situ ultrasonic fouling removal has not yet been investigated and is still in its infancy. The present study uses a previously experimentally-validated numerical model to conduct a parametric study in order to optimize the technique. Focus was given to the adoption of ultrasonics for large diameter pipes. Therefore, this investigation was conducted on a 6 in. schedule 40-carbon steel pipe. Parameters investigated include: optimum number of transducers to remove fouling in long pipes from a single transducer location; performance at elevated temperature; different fluid domains; optimum voltage; variety of input signals and incremental thickness of fouling. Depending on the particular studied conditions, the possible fouling removal of up to +/−3 m from a single transducer location is demonstrated in a 6 in. schedule 40 carbon steel pipe.