Application of a stepwise method for analyzing fouling in shell-and-tube exchangers

This article presents the results of the application of a quite simple meth od for analyzing shell-side fouling in shell-and-tube exchangers, capable o f taking into account the formation of irregular fouling deposits with vari able thermal conductivity. This method based on the utilization of elementa ry hear exchangers, has been implemented for E-shell TEMA-type heat exchang ers with two tube passes. Several fouling deposit distributions have been s imulated so as to ascertain their effects on the heat transfer rate. These distributions consider that fouling is concentrated in zones where the temp erature of the fluids is maximum or minimum.