Measuring Local Crystallization Fouling in a Double-Pipe Heat Exchanger

Abstract

Although fouling is a problem varying in space and time, sizing and assessment of a process apparatus is almost always based on one single integral fouling resistance value. Furthermore, the integral fluid dynamic behavior, e.g. the development of time-dependent pressure drop in a heat exchanger, can be influenced by local constrictions. While it is generally possible to determine the time dependency of the integral fouling behavior, local differences are not taken into consideration at present. Therefore, this paper introduces a metrological, an incremental and a segmental approach to study the local development of crystallization fouling by calcium sulfate in a countercurrent double-pipe heat exchanger. The consecutive approaches allow for thermal, volumetric, gravimetric, and optical fouling investigations, aiming to examine the axial distribution of deposit as well as local differences in the deposit morphology. All methods provided congruent results and local fouling could be described properly. An almost clean surface at the colder end of the heat exchanger and an exponential increase of deposit thickness were observed towards the hot end. Hence, the section near to the hot water inlet turned out to be a key area with regards to increasing fouling mass and structural changes of the layer.     

MOVPE growth of (Al, Ga)InP-based laser structures monitored by real-time reflectance anisotropy spectroscopy

Using a specially-designed spectrometer enabling combined reflectance anisotropy spectroscopy (RAS) and reflectance measurements on rotating substrates in a commercial MOVPE reactor, we report the first full-spectroscopic RAS-monitoring of (Al,Ga)InP-based 650 nm laser growth. First, a spectral database was built up from systematic studies of AlGaInP RAS signatures for different Al compositions, doping levels and growth temperatures. These data are subsequently used for the interpretation of characteristic RAS fingerprints taken throughout the entire laser growth process. From the analysis of characteristic changes in the RAS spectra even small deviations from the optimum process (doping levels, composition, etc.) which would effect the performance of the final device can be detected.     

Corrosion of friction stir welded magnesium alloy AM50

The microstructure of a friction stir welded magnesium alloy AM50 was examined by means of optical light microscopy. The chemical composition, particularly the iron content, and morphology of the oxide film were analyzed and discerned via auger electron spectroscopy (AES) and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). Corrosion behaviour of the welds and base materials were investigated by virtue of neutral salt spray tests and potentiodynamic polarization measurements in conventional cells and in a mini cell. The results demonstrate that minor increases in iron concentration as might be speculated to occur as a consequence of tool/work piece interaction during the welding process on the corrosion resistance of the weld can be ignored. The corrosion morphology was predominantly influenced by the distribution of the Mg₁₇Al₁₂ phase. Here, it was also found that the corrosion resistance of the friction stir weld varied in response to changes in the joint microstructure.     

Psychometric properties of the Questionnaire on Stress in patients with Diabetes—Revised (QSD-R).

This study reports the psychometric properties of a 45-item diabetes-specific questionnaire, the Questionnaire on Stress in Patients with Diabetes—Revised (QSD-R), a modified and shortened version of the QSD (G. Duran et al; see record 1996-18805-001). The QSD-R was filled out by 1,930 individuals with insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus and noninsulin-dependent diabetes mellitus. Eight consistent scales were identified (values of Cronbach's α: .69–.81). The test-retest reliability for the total score after a 5-week interval was rtt?=?.63. The results provide evidence for the reliability and validity of this instrument. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Application of defect simulation as a tool for more efficient failure analysis

In modern VLSI processes, increasing process complexity has resulted in an exponential rise in the costs of thorough failure analysis. In this paper, we present a defect simulation-based failure analysis methodology, which can be used to significantly reduce both costs and turn-around time for failure analyses. The methodology is based on the ability to generate a defect dictionary, which can relate defect characteristics to some easily measurable symptoms of defect occurrence.     

In vitro degradation behaviour of a friction stir processed magnesium alloy

In this study, the in vitro degradation behaviour of a friction stir processed AZ31 magnesium alloy was investigated. Electrochemical experiments in simulated body fluid suggest that friction stir processing marginally enhances the degradation resistance of the alloy, which could be attributed to the dissolution of secondary phase particles. Homogenisation of the microstructure reduces galvanic corrosion. It is envisaged that the beneficial effect would be more pronounced for magnesium alloys which contain high volume fraction of galvanic corrosion inducing secondary phase particles.     

Crude Oil Fouling Research: HTRI's Perspective

For 20 years, Heat Transfer Research, Inc. (HTRI), has conducted dedicated, ongoing research into crude oil fouling behavior, specifically on developing test methods to measure fouling resistance over time and comparing fouling tendencies of different crude oils. More than 250 test runs with nineteen crude oils have been conducted. While current methods are sufficient for comparative fouling studies, general methods to predict fouling tendency remain elusive. Recent initiatives have focused our efforts on chemical characterization to screen crude oils and blends for fouling tendency, as well as on identifying thresholds for low fouling. Increasing the shear stress on the heat transfer surface as much as possible can mitigate heat exchanger fouling. Long-term success in controlling fouling depends upon a deeper understanding of the chemical characteristics of an individual crude oil and sound heat exchanger design practices. Current predictive fouling models are limited in their application, but improvements based on chemical characterization look promising.     

Toxicity of three organophosphorus compounds and pyrethrins to malathion-resistant Tribolium castaneum (Herbst) (Coleoptera, Tenebrionidae)

Malathion-resistant red flour beetles, Tribolium castaneum (Herbst), were tested for susceptibility to Bay 77488 (o,o-diethyl phosphorothioate o-ester with phenylglyoxylonitrile oxime), Bay 78182 (o,o-diethyl phosphorothioate o-ester with (o-chlorophenyl)glyoxylonitrile oxime), diazinon, and pyrethrins by topical applications. The malathion-resistant beetles showed 13·3-fold resistance to pyrethrins, 19·7-fold resistance to Bay 78182, 7·7- and 10·7-fold resistance to diazinon, and only 4·5- and 9·5-fold resistance to Bay 77488. Only about one-quarter as much Bay 77488 as malathion was required for the ₅₀ in the resistant beetles. About one-third as much Bay 78182 as malathion was required. Diazinon and pyrethrins were less toxic than malathion to the resistant insects.