Impact of Fouling on Operation on Heat Recovery System with Once-Through Reboiler.
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| Title: | Impact of Fouling on Operation on Heat Recovery System with Once-Through Reboiler. |
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| Authors: | Iijima, Masakazu1 (AUTHOR), Suzuki, Ryota2 (AUTHOR) ryota.suzuki@htri.net |
| Source: | Heat Transfer Engineering. 2026, Vol. 47 Issue 11/12, p1000-1005. 6p. |
| Subject Terms: | *Fouling, *Heat flux, *Scheduling, *Distillation apparatus, *Heat exchanger efficiency, *Heat recovery, *Pressure drop (Fluid dynamics) |
| Abstract: | Stable operation of once-through and thermosiphon reboilers presents a challenge when compared to traditional shell-and-tube heat exchangers due to various factors that can destabilize flow. One such factor, the minimum heat flux, is critical for maintaining a consistent operation. In the context of a reboiler system, fouling can impact performance by reducing heat transfer efficiency and increasing the pressure drop across the system. This problem was exemplified in a case where a once-through reboiler attached to a distillation column exhibited a decline in performance following maintenance activities of a connected economizer unit. Subsequent analyses and plant tests suggested that operating the reboiler below the required minimum heat flux threshold for stable operation was a potential cause. This insufficient heat flux stemmed from an inadequate cleaning schedule for the heat exchange components, highlighting the importance of appropriate maintenance to prevent fouling. By addressing these issues, insights into the optimal minimum heat flux and the significance of cleaning cycles for maintaining reboiler efficiency were gained. These insights are critical for ensuring the proper function of reboiler systems, as fouling can lead to a host of operational challenges, including reduced heat transfer, increased energy consumption, and potential shutdowns for unscheduled cleaning and maintenance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR] |
| Database: | Energy & Power Source |
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| Abstract: | Stable operation of once-through and thermosiphon reboilers presents a challenge when compared to traditional shell-and-tube heat exchangers due to various factors that can destabilize flow. One such factor, the minimum heat flux, is critical for maintaining a consistent operation. In the context of a reboiler system, fouling can impact performance by reducing heat transfer efficiency and increasing the pressure drop across the system. This problem was exemplified in a case where a once-through reboiler attached to a distillation column exhibited a decline in performance following maintenance activities of a connected economizer unit. Subsequent analyses and plant tests suggested that operating the reboiler below the required minimum heat flux threshold for stable operation was a potential cause. This insufficient heat flux stemmed from an inadequate cleaning schedule for the heat exchange components, highlighting the importance of appropriate maintenance to prevent fouling. By addressing these issues, insights into the optimal minimum heat flux and the significance of cleaning cycles for maintaining reboiler efficiency were gained. These insights are critical for ensuring the proper function of reboiler systems, as fouling can lead to a host of operational challenges, including reduced heat transfer, increased energy consumption, and potential shutdowns for unscheduled cleaning and maintenance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR] |
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| ISSN: | 01457632 |
| DOI: | 10.1080/01457632.2025.2502228 |
