Local thermal resistance measurement device for fouling detection
Résumé
Heat exchanger (HX) fouling is one of the main
reason for heat recovery loss of efficiency and
fouling detection can help to schedule maintenance
operation and to optimize resource consumption.
This works presents a patented fouling detection
probe (FDP) based on the measurement of the
related induced thermal resistance thanks to an
electrically heated resistance temperature device.
The main features of the device are presented, as
well as the measurement protocol. A 1D device
model is proposed to handle the corresponding use
conditions and limitations. An example of a fouling
situation from the food industry is described and the
related potential FDP use is discussed. The thermal
resistances (convection and fouling) measured with
the FDP are consistent with both the 1D-model
prediction and the literature data which is the first
validation step of the FDP concept. Future works
will then focus on a 2D-model development to take
into account the 2D heat flux and the related
experimental validation with well-known fluids.