hiTRAN Wire Matrix Inserts in Fouling Applications

JM Ritchie, P Droegemueller, Mark Simmons

Research output: Contribution to journalArticle

12 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

Fouling characteristics are dictated largely by the properties of the thermal and hydrodynamic boundary layers. As a result, fouling mitigation strategies must take into account the conditions in this region. hiTRAN wire matrix tube inserts are a useful tool in altering the conditions near the tube wall, especially in the laminar and transition flow regions. This review article considers particle image velocimetry and laser doppler velocimetry measurements, which were employed in order to show the hydrodynamic differences between plain tubes and those containing inserts. Measurements indicate that the wall shear rate in tubes containing hiTRAN inserts operating in the laminar flow regime is similar to that for plain bore tubes operating in the turbulent flow regime. Moreover, the increased tube-side heat transfer coefficient that results from the reduction of the thermal boundary layer allows operation with smaller Effective Mean Temperature Differences (EMTDs). This enables the designer to reduce the tube wall temperature to a level below the fouling threshold temperature, e.g., to combat crude oil fouling. The results from the laser analyses into the hydrodynamic boundary layer are backed up by recent research data investigating the effect of hiTRAN inserts on sedimentation and particulate fouling. The thickness of the fouling layer was measured by applying a combination of photographic and laser measurement techniques. The results are compared to plain tube data and are reported as a function of both flow rate and hiTRAN insert packing density. The impact of altering the hydrodynamic and thermal conditions near to the wall is subsequently demonstrated for different fouling mechanisms. Studies of the impact of hiTRAN inserts on biological and chemical reaction fouling in crude oil processing are also reviewed. A better understanding of the threshold shear rates and wall temperatures for different fouling mechanisms is required for any study into the impact of fouling. Combining this knowledge with the principles outlined in this article clearly emphasizes the benefit of using hiTRAN wire matrix inserts as a powerful tool to mitigate fouling.
Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)876-884
Number of pages9
JournalHeat Transfer Engineering
Volume30
Issue number10-11
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 1 Jan 2009

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