Comparing Calcium Sulfate Fouling on Polymeric and Metal Heat Transfer Surfaces

Fouling mitigation provides many challenges in process equipment, especially in heat exchangers. In this work, the fouling behaviors of two polymers are compared to 1.4301 stainless steel (SS) in calcium sulfate solutions. An experimental setup that allows to classify the materials quickly and under varying process conditions is used to determine the fouling behavior. Results are compared to a screening apparatus which can test up to three materials simultaneously. Finally, the cleaning behavior of all three materials is investigated. Results show that polyether ether ketone (PEEK) is superior to SS in mitigating fouling and is easier to clean; however, polyether ether ketone with 30 % talcum (TKT) is not. This is attributed to the surface roughness of the materials. The fouling behavior of two polymer surfaces and benchmark steel in calcium sulfate solution is investigated for a wide range of process parameters. Two different experimental setups, which allow to classify the materials, are compared for scale-up purposes. Finally, the cleanability of the materials is investigated. image