Investigation of Crystallization Fouling on Novel Polymer Composite Heat Exchanger Tubes

Abstract

Metals are common construction materials for heat exchangers. However, metals may suffer from failure due to corrosion, especially in harsh environments. Innovative thermally conductive polymer composite tubes based on polypropylene or polyphenylene sulphide filled with graphite have been developed. Crystallization fouling on metal surfaces has been extensively studied. However, fouling data for polymer surfaces are very limited. In the current study, a stirred vessel test rig and a horizontal tube falling film test rig were used to compare the fouling propensity of the polymer composite tubes and common stainless steel tubes. Experiments were performed with calcium sulphate solutions and mixed salt solutions containing calcium carbonate and calcium sulphate. The induction periods and the fouling resistances over time were measured. The novel polymer composite tubes showed a lower crystallization fouling propensity compared to the stainless steel tubes. The induction period was longer and the reduction of the overall heat transfer coefficient over time was notably lower compared to the metal tubes.

Whey protein fouling on polymeric heat exchangers

“…Instead, losses can also be reduced by utilizing less fouling susceptible heat exchanger materials such as polymers. 17,18 Polyether ether ketone (PEEK) is a high-performance polymer that has good tensile strength and low susceptibility to crystallization and biological fouling [19][20][21][22] and is FDA (US Food and Drug Administration) approved for food-grade applications. 23,24 However, very little data has been published on the effectiveness of PEEK on dairy product fouling, 24 and no work was found on continuous heat exchanger operation.…”

Thermally conductive polypropylene composites as corrosion‐resistant materials for plate heat exchangers

“…[14][15][16] There are not many studies on polymer composites with respect to their use in heat exchangers and are mainly related to the production of polymer composite tubes for application in seawater desalination. 17,18 Studies of polymer composites for application in PHEs are rare. However, graphite impregnated with synthetic resin is meanwhile used by manufacturers, such as SGL Carbon, to produce graphite heat exchangers under the DIABON ® brand.…”

“…However, the examinations are mostly of a fundamental nature and focus often on thermal management applications in batteries, automotive, electronics, and photovoltaic devices 14–16 . There are not many studies on polymer composites with respect to their use in heat exchangers and are mainly related to the production of polymer composite tubes for application in seawater desalination 17,18 . Studies of polymer composites for application in PHEs are rare.…”