Basic Problems That Can Affect a Typical Heat Exchanger - Causes and Effects of these problems.
Basic Problems That Can Affect a Typical Heat Exchanger - Causes and Effects of these problems. Fouling is a term that's often used to describe the buildup of deposits on the internal surfaces of the heat exchanger. When fouling occurs, the result is an additional layer of material that heat must pass through. This additional layer reduces the ability of the unit to transfer heat. Also, if the buildup becomes excessive, the flow of fluids through the unit may be restricted. Fouling can be caused by many things. One common cause is impurities in the fluids passing through the heat exchanger. For example, in a process that uses water, impurities such as calcium can come out of the water and form an additional layer of material. Another source of fouling is small plants and animals that enter the heat exchanger. Many forms of algae and bacteria can live and grow inside the unit and form a layer of slime on the internal surfaces of the heat exchanger. Gases di...