MONITORS AND MODELS FOR THE ASSESSMENT OF PETROLEUM FOULING OF REFINERY HEAT EXCHANGERS

Published literature contains very little information to assist engineers in the design and operation of heat transfer equipment. The lack of information, combined with the costly and inconvenient nature of fouling, has led to the development of heat transfer monitors and fouling models. An extensive critical review of these existing fouling technologies has been made. While each addresses an aspect of refinery fouling, there remains a need for a more comprehensive approach and improved methods of fouling measurement and prediction.