Objetivo
Objectives of the project
The project concerns the development of:
a methodology for optimising the configuration and the design of compact heat exchangers with respect to fouling and for obtaining criteria helpful in selecting heat exchanger type,
predictive tools for two major classes of applications (cooling water, food products) to assist in taking appropriate measures,
a novel multifunctional computer-aided method for fouling assessment and mitigation.
Technical approach
Geometrical configurations of compact heat exchanger (CHEs) less prone to fouling will be identified by numerical simulation of the flow field inside CHE channels. "Optimised" CHE geometries will then be constructed and tested further with typical model fluids in order to recommend further improvements. Experimental studies on some key aspects of fouling mitigation practices will be performed i.e. use of ion implentation to generate plate heat exchanger surfaces with reduced stickability, evaluation of the adhesive forces between deposit and heat transfer surface, colloidal particle agglomeration and influence of particles on precipitation rate, effect of flow arrangement of the plate heat exchangers.
Fouling measurements will be carried out in industrial installations, under carefully controlled conditions, in order to enrich the database on which the proposed new methods will be founded.
For the two systems of major practical significance, cooling water and protein dispersions, the new and available data will be assessed in order to allow improvement of models or development of correlations.
The novel predictive method will be developed on the basis of software modules devoted individually to a fouling data bank, models/correlations and chemistry calculations.
Expected achievements and exploitation
The following achievements are expected to be exploited. Plant and laboratory data will be set up to demonstrate improved operation of compact heat exchangers under fouling conditions in cooling water service. Prototypes of new heat exchanger plates and enhanced tubes with reduced fouling tendency will be built. Pilot plant and laboratory data will be set up and used to demonstrate the benefits in the food industry. A computer programme for the selection of fouling resistances in compact heat exchangers and to help in fouling mitigation measures will be elaborated. Partners will improve their know-how on CHE design techniques for specific fluids and on industrial applications of novel CHE's. Marketing and sales departments of CHE manufacturers and technical departments of the industrial partners will promote exploitation of the results outside of the consortium.
Ámbito científico
Tema(s)
Convocatoria de propuestas
Data not availableRégimen de financiación
CSC - Cost-sharing contractsCoordinador
38054 GRENOBLE
Francia