Fouling of tube surfaces: Modeling of removal kinetics

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Abstract
Fouling of tube surfaces from flowing solutions or suspensions is examined. A new approach to the removal aspects of this process is presented linking removal to the morphological and mechanical characteristics of deposit microstructure. A simplified description of deposit microstructure is employed, involving a collection of geometrically similar roughness elements. A dynamic situation is envisioned whereby these elements grow due to deposition and suffer breakage under the action of hydrodynamic forces. A mathematical model for the macroscopic fouling behavior based on the techniques of population balances is obtained and numerically analyzed. The behavior found is in agreement with experimental evidence.

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