The article considers the processes of deposits formation on the walls of heat exchangers. Experimental studies of the composition and structure of deposits in heat exchange equipment elements are carried out. The regularities of deposition are studied. The possibility of virtualization of deposits monitoring sensors is analyzed. The conclusion is made about the possibility of analytical prediction of the behavior of heat exchange equipment during the deposition and their influence on the heat transfer process. A partial replacement of experimental physical and chemical studies by simulation is proposed.