Title : Nanobubble vapor infusion for heat exchanger fouling prevention
Abstract:
Vapor infusion is an antifouling technology that reduces HX fouling and carbon expression through the creation of a chemically and mechanically induced nanobubble formation.
Cooling water used in the heat exchange processes may contain dissolved, sedimentary, or planktonic fouling agents. They will attach to heat transfer surfaces, forming intrusive, insulating beds through adhesion and solidification that impede water flow and heat transfer. This type of fouling impacts the mechanical or electrical system associated with the heat exchanger. Responding to reduced heat transfer or elevated pressure drop often means compensatory action to increase water flow, which in turn necessitates additional energy draw that, through fuel burn, elicits elevated carbon presentation.
Heat exchangers are a vital component in most industrial process systems, and carbon expression associated with heat exchanger fouling could account for a significant amount of atmospheric discharge. Any achievable improvement could offer broad impactful environmental and energy saving benefits. Providing a sufficient water supply, without fouling, is key to this endeavor.
Nanobubbles are tiny vapor-filled structures with a diameter of less than about 1 µm and are potentially 2500 times smaller than a single grain of sand. Nanobubbles have been shown to induce the removal of fouling mineral sites held together by minerals such as calcium carbonate and provide the cleaning of stainless-steel surfaces. The task of treating cooling water in an environment such as a heat exchanger necessitates a simple, easily integrated approach. Vapor infusion is just such an approach and can form high nanobubble concentrations.
This presentation will discuss vapor infusion and nanobubble science, nanobubble creation and development, impact on fouling, and commercial applications.
