Q1-3 The Fouling Factor: Use and Misuse in Heat Exchanger Design

J. W. Palen

1996

Fouling factors are an important consideration in every heat exchanger design. HTRI members regularly use them as entries on the data records of all HTRI programs. They typically increase the size of the heat exchanger by as much as 30 to 50 percent. However, the values used may have little or nothing to do with actual fouling rates. This article will examine the impact of fouling factors on heat exchanger design.