Effect of flow oscillation on surface fouling

Abstract EN

A fundamental fouling model is developed in the light of oscillating flow dynamics.

Flow oscillation inside tube is considered to study the effect of the dynamic aspects on the particulate fouling.

A mathematical model for flow oscillation has been employed in conjunction with the fouling model to elaborate their mutual effects A parametric computational study has been carried out to study the effect of oscillating flow parameters such as pressure amplitude, frequency, and wave form on the fouling rate and its asymptotic value.

The effect of Reynolds number on the dynamic characteristics has been investigated as well.

Five different periodic pressure gradients wave forms namely sine, step, triangular, trapezoidal, and saw teeth, have been used in this investigation.

All parameters are represented in non-dimensional forms.

The dynamic flow has been exploited to mitigate the fouling evolution.

It is found that any marginal flow oscillation that can be tolerated by the equipment designer or operator has a fair effect in favor of fouling reduction.

On the other hand, if the flow oscillation is deliberately exist, a pronounced fouling reduction could be obtained.