Fouling

Module from the Heat Exchanger Engineering Curriculum curriculum.

Module 8 - Fouling and Cleaning · Learning Objectives · 1. Apply TEMA fouling resistance (Rf) by service type · 2. Select cleaning method: hydroblast, chemical, mechanical, sponge ball · 3. Diagnose fouling type: particulate, scale, biofouling, chemical, corrosion · 4. Monitor fouling with U trend, dP trend, and effluent temperature rise · 5. Size cleaning frequency by economic optimum (energy vs downtime) · TEMA Fouling Resistance Rf (hr-ft2-F/BTU)

Service	Rf	Equivalent h fouling	Notes	Cleaning Freq	Ref
Steam (clean)	0.0005	2000	Minimum	Never	TEMA 9th
Distilled water	0.0005	2000		Rare	TEMA
Treated cooling water	0.002	500	Most common	Annual	TEMA
Brackish water	0.003	333		6 months	TEMA
Seawater	0.002-0.003	333-500	MIC issues	6 months	TEMA
Light HC liquid	0.001	1000	Clean	2-3 yr	TEMA
Gasoline, kerosene	0.001-0.002	500-1000		2 yr	TEMA
Fuel oil	0.005	200	Heavier	Annual	TEMA
Vac tower bottoms	0.01+	100	Coking	Annual	TEMA
Amine lean	0.002	500		18 mo	TEMA
Amine rich	0.003	333	Foul	Annual	TEMA
Sour water	0.003	333	NH4HS	Annual	TEMA

Source: Heat_Exchanger_Engineering_Curriculum_v1.xlsx · Sheet: Fouling

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