Abstract
Fouling in phosphoric acid concentration process of preheat exchangers is a chronic operational problem that compromises energy recovery in these systems. Progress is hindered by the lack of quantitative knowledge of the dynamic effects of fouling on heat exchanger transfer. The subject of this work is an experimental determination of the thermal fouling resistance in the graphite blocks heat exchanger installed in a phosphoric acid concentration process. By measuring the inlet and outlet temperatures and mass flows of fluids, the overall heat transfer coefficient has been determined. Determining the overall heat transfer coefficient for the heat exchanger with clean and fouled surfaces, the fouling resistance was calculated. The results obtained from the heat exchanger studied, show that the fouling resistance increase with time presenting an exponential evolution in agreement with the model suggested by Kern and Seaton, with the existence of fluctuation caused by the instability of the flow rate and the temperature. Bad cleaning of the heat exchanger involves the absence of the induction period and consequently, causes high values of the fouling resistance and of the deposit fouling during a relatively short period of time.
Highlights
The most serious and complex problem faced by various industries is the accumulation, on the heat transfer surfaces, of organic compounds or various particles dissolved or present as a suspension in the fluid [1]
The evolution of the fouling resistance in the phosphoric acid concentration process of the heat exchanger was followed by a study period quoted previously
The results of the fouling resistance are presented in the curve form on Fig
Summary
The most serious and complex problem faced by various industries is the accumulation, on the heat transfer surfaces, of organic compounds or various particles dissolved or present as a suspension in the fluid [1]. This phenomenon which called fouling affects the device functioning by reducing their thermal efficiency and by creating a considerable pressure loss. Fouling in heat transfer systems is often inevitable and reduces energy efficiency and the functionality of the facility. Number of studies have shown that the fouling rate rise by the reduction of the fluid temperature [8]
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