Area targeting of Heat Exchanger Network considering fouling

Area targeting of heat exchanger network is, calculation of the minimum surface for a heat transfer area among hot and cold streams and utililities. Fouling is generally defined as the accumulation of unwanted materials on the surfaces of processing equipment. It is a transient process that begins with a clean heat transfer surface and continues until the point that surface become fouled to the point that the heat exchanger can no longer be used effectively . Fouling ads an additional heat transfer resistance on both tube and shell side of the heat exchanger. As the fluid fouls not only the overall heat transfer coefficient decrease significantly but also pressure drop will also increase significantly. The total cost associated with fouling deposition is significant. Fouling affects both the capital and the operating cost of heat transfer equipment. By implementing an optimal area targeting , the performance of heat exchanger networks prone to fouling can be significantly improved and their operating cost reduced.

Keywords:

fouling , area targeting , heat exchanger , network