Model for fouling deposition on power plant steam condensers cooled with seawater: Effect of water velocity and tube material

A kinetic model for fouling evolution prediction is proposed. The model suggested in this paper represents fouling evolution versus time, and is a modification of the model defined by Konak [A.R. Konak, Prediction of fouling curves in heat transfer equipment, Trans. Inst. Chem. Eng. 51 (1973) 377]. The proposed model is a combination of the first order equation and the driving force concept employed by Konak. It is also a new expression of the classic logistic equation proposed by Verhulst in 1839 to interpret biological population growth data. The new model has the additional advantage that its kinetic parameters, the maximum asymptotic limit of the thermal resistance (R-f infinity) and the rate at which that maximum value is reached (k), present a clear physical significance. As application and validation of the model performance, the effects of water velocity and tube material on fouling deposition have been tested and modeled. It can be concluded that the maximum asymptotic limit of the thermal resistance decreases as velocity increases. After the application of the model it can also be concluded that for all seasons of the year, titanium tubes are more prone to be fouled, although the process is slower, than with brass tubes. (c) 2007 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.