Study of Particulate Fouling Inhibition Characteristics on a Novel Composite Coating

Particulate fouling is a common fouling in heat exchange equipment, it causes tube corrosion and increases flow resistance. Particulate fouling increases the hidden danger of equipment and requires high treatment costs. In this paper, a novel Ni-P-TiO2 composite coating is prepared on 316 stainless steel using electroless plating and the fouling inhibition characteristics of the novel composite coating are studied using a dynamic monitoring experimental system. The experimental results show that the fouling thermal resistance of the Ni-P-TiO2 composite coating is obviously lower than that of 316 stainless steel under the same working conditions. With the increase in cooling water velocity and inlet temperature, the surface fouling thermal resistance decreases, while, with the increase in particle concentration, the fouling thermal resistance increases. Based on DLVO theory, it is found that the surface energy of Ni-P-TiO2 composite coating is close to the best surface energy for inhibiting particulate fouling deposition, which can significantly inhibit particulate fouling deposition. Compared with the stainless-steel surface of a conventional plate heat exchanger, the Ni-P-TiO2 composite coating not only inhibits the accumulation of particulate fouling, but also reduces the adhesion strength of particulate fouling; additionally, the fouling is easier to strip off the heat exchange surface, which realizes the lasting and efficient fouling inhibition on the heat exchange surface. The research results can provide a data reference for the fouling inhibition design and daily efficient operation of heat exchangers.

Automated summary

In this study, a novel Ni-P-TiO2 composite coating was successfully prepared on 316 stainless steel surface using electroless plating. The fouling inhibition characteristics of the composite coating were investigated and compared with stainless steel. Experimental results showed that the fouling thermal resistance of the composite coating was significantly lower, indicating its effectiveness in inhibiting fouling deposition. The coating demonstrated lasting and efficient fouling inhibition, making it a potential solution for heat exchange equipment.