Statistical Aspects of CaCO3 Fouling in AISI 316 Stainless-Steel Tubes

Abstract

Calcium carbonate fouling is typically encountered in a cooling-water circulating system. An experimental program is initiated to study fouling growth law (s) as well as the basic mechanism of calcium carbonate (CaCO3) scaling. After a brief description of the experimental apparatus and procedure for calculating fouling resistance, we present the deposition data in terms of fouling resistance as a function of time taken at different sections of the tube. In addition, the randomness of fouling growth is illustrated by repeating the experiments several times under the same thermal-hydraulic conditions. The results are presented in terms of a set of sample functions and their associated probability density functions at various levels of fouling. In addition, basic mechanism of CaCO3 scale formation is also explained through Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) and Energy Dispersive X-Ray Spectroscopy (EDX).

The impact of fouling on performance evaluation of multi-zone feedwater heaters

“…The strong bonds characterizing the structure of such deposits make removal mechanisms somewhat ineffective. This hypothesis, initially proposed by Taborek et al [18,19], is further supported by the experimental work of Hasson et al [20], Andritsos et al [21], and Zubair et al [22] while investigating the mechanism of CaCO 3 scale growth in laboratory experiments.…”

A probabilistic fouling and cost model for plate-and-frame heat exchangers

“…The strong bonds characterizing the structure of such deposits make removal mechanisms somewhat ineffective. This hypothesis, initially proposed by Taborek et al (1972a), is further supported by the experimental work of Hasson et al (1968), Andritsos et al (1996), and Zubair et al (1997b) while investigating the mechanism of CaCO 3 scale growth in laboratory experiments.…”

A literature survey of water-side fouling applicable to cooling tower condensers

“…Zubair et al [37] attempted to model calcium carbonate scaling using a statistical model instead of the models describing the fouling processes. Zubair et al [37] argued that while there has been significant progress in understanding and modelling fouling, the previously published models had the following limitations.…”

“…Zubair et al [37] argued that while there has been significant progress in understanding and modelling fouling, the previously published models had the following limitations.…”