Presentation of Farahbod-Karazhian equation as an accurate mathematical model based on thermodynamics and fluid flow with the aim of predicting the deposition rate of oil heavy compounds in heat exchangers

Abstract

ABSTRACT The fouling formation of crude oil in pipelines and heat exchangers causes operating problems such as decreasing heat transfer coefficient and increasing pressure drop. Therefore, the objective of this research is presenting a new model for crude oil fouling in plain tubes, like heat exchangers. The proposed model, which is named Farahbod-Karazhian Equation, predicts fouling formation rate in the equipment which contain plain tubes. The coefficients of the proposed equation are new and include both hydrodynamic and thermodynamic aspects of the fluid. These coefficients are found by writing appropriate codes in MATLAB 9.6 (R2019a). In addition, the presented equation is verified by experimental data of Australian light oil and also obtained data by Scarborough. The proposed equation is compared with other practical models of fouling rate prediction. Results show, the summation of square error and relative error in Farahbod-Karazhian equation is equal to and about , respectively, when Australian light crude oil is examined. Moreover, the results show the relative error in Farahbod-Karazhian equation is minimum, when Scarborough experimental data are tested. This criterion for proposed equation is 0.276714 and for Polley and Nasr models is 0.681775 and 3.706949, respectively. Finally, the Farahbod-Karazhian equation shows very good accuracy in fouling prediction. Also, results show this model is more practical compared to all the presented equations till now such as Nasr’s model and Polley model.