A critical review of organic fluid fouling

A critical review carried out to determine the present status of understanding of organic fluid fouling is discussed. In addition, a technical approach is presented for the development of mechanism-based analysis that includes the chemical and physical processes associated with organic-fluid fouling. Analysis of the literature data indicate that organic-fluid fouling usually involves a two-step process in which soluble precursors are first formed followed by a second step in which insoluble foulant is produced. The quantitative effects of physical parameters such as fluid temperature, heat flux and velocity on the rate of fouling are poorly understood. The proposed analytical approach is based on three cases developed on the basis of location of reaction zones where the foulant formation occurs. The objective of the analytical approach is to characterize the effects of physical parameters and to determine the threshold conditions. 51 refs., 2 figs., 9 tabs.