AN EVALUATION OF FOULING FACTOR ON HEAT-TRANSFER SURFACES USING FUZZYKNOWLEDGE-BASE

The numerical estimation of fouling factor on heat transfer surfaces i s possible only partly. For this reason were worked up some recommenda tions from available literature and experiences, that are obtained by discussions with experts from petrochemical industry, with methods of fuzzy-heuristic These primary experiences were formulated with knowled ge based methods as fuzzy-sets of simple determined statements. Becaus e of the variety and the complexity of fouling problematic it was Poss ible to generate rules only for the fouling process by sedimentation a nd for hydrocarbon mixtures. On one of more possible versions of the f uzzy knowledge base are detailed described two realistic questions and answers obtained using the knowledge base.