Fouling and Reduced Heat Transfer in Heat Exchangers

During operation with liquids and gases a dirt film may build up on the heat exchanger surfaces . The deposit film is referred to as fouling. 

Increased thermal resistance caused by the deposit can normally only be obtained from tests or experience. The fouling factor can be determined as

R_d = 1 / U_d - 1 / U                            (1)

where 

R_d = fouling factor - or unit thermal resistance of deposit (m²K/W)

U_d = overall heat transfer coefficient of heat exchanger after fouling (W/m²K)

U = overall heat transfer coefficient of clean heat exchanger (W/m²K)

(1) can also be expressed as:

U_d  = 1 / (R_d + 1 / U)

Typical Fouling Factors

• Alcohol vapors : R_d = 0.00009 (m²K/W)
• Boiler feed water, treated above 325 K : R_d = 0.0002 (m²K/W)
• Fuel oil : R_d = 0.0009 (m²K/W)
• Industrial air : R_d = 0.0004 (m²K/W)
• Quenching oil : R_d = 0.0007 (m²K/W)
• Refrigerating liquid : R_d = 0.0002 (m²K/W)
• Seawater below 325 K : R_d = 0.00009 (m²K/W)
• Seawater above 325 K : R_d = 0.0002 (m²K/W)
• Steam : R_d = 0.00009 (m²K/W)

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Citation

This page can be cited as

• Engineering ToolBox, (2010). Fouling and Reduced Heat Transfer in Heat Exchangers. [online] Available at: https://www.engineeringtoolbox.com/fouling-heat-transfer-d_1661.html [Accessed Day Mo. Year].

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