The potential of thermally conductive polymer composites regarding crystallization fouling mitigation

Abstract

AbstractThe fouling kinetics and amount of calcium sulfate and calcium carbonate, respectively, on different polypropylene/graphite composites in a flat plate heat exchanger are determined and compared to the reference material stainless-steel. For a straight evaluation of the fouling susceptibility of the materials the formation of bubbles on the materials is considered by optical imaging or excluded by a degasser. The results are interpreted using surface free energy and roughness of the surfaces.The results show that when bubble formation is avoided, the polymer composites have a very low fouling tendency compared to stainless steel. This is particularly the case when turbulent flows are present or when sandblasted specimen are used. Sandblasting also continues to increase heat transfer compared to untreated samples by increasing thermal conductivity and creating local turbulences. Depending on the test conditions, the fouling resistance formed on the stainless-steel surface is an order of magnitude greater than on the polymer composites. In addition, the fouling layers adhere only weakly to the composites, which indicates an easy cleaning in place after the formation of deposits.