rule for selecting fouling factor
rule for selecting fouling factor
(OP)
Hi,
Is there any code rule for selecting fouling factor when designing shell & tube heat exchanger?
Similarly, is there any rule for selecting allowance for roughening/plugging of tube inside surface when calculating head loss along tubes of shell and tube heat exchangers?
Any comments would be appreciated.
Is there any code rule for selecting fouling factor when designing shell & tube heat exchanger?
Similarly, is there any rule for selecting allowance for roughening/plugging of tube inside surface when calculating head loss along tubes of shell and tube heat exchangers?
Any comments would be appreciated.





RE: rule for selecting fouling factor
The fouling factors do not in themselves affect the pressure drop calculations through the tubes/shells. If the deposits are thick enough to have that effect, you'll need to tweak some other parameter to handle that but I don't know how that is done. Anyone else? I don't think I've seen a 'clean' and 'dirty' dP on an exchanger data sheet.
RE: rule for selecting fouling factor
I suggest using field data whenever possible...
If there are similar heat exchangers i similar service, back calculate the "operating" or actual fouling factors and use this as a basis for your decision.
Some heat exchangers provide acceptable service with regular cleaning schedules. Remember, the maintenance people would love to have huge exchangers that the clean less often......... however, the people who price the capital projects would, of course, love to pay for much smaller units
Just some thoughts......
MJC
RE: rule for selecting fouling factor
Thanks, your comments helped me.
kyong
RE: rule for selecting fouling factor
There is a good article in CEP magazine
"TO FOUL OR NOT TO FOUL,That is the question" November,2001
Hope this helps
Shahin71