How to determine scaling in parallel heat exchangers
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Dear sea friends, we have 4 heat exchangers connected in parallel without any valves in between. How can we determine which heat exchanger is faulty by checking the parameters? Due to the absence of valves, the piping layout is not perfect, resulting in flow deviation in the heat exchanger. Should it be determined as flow deviation or scaling?
This design should include control valves, as well as thermometers at each outlet. The operating condition of the cooler can be determined through temperature changes.
There are no valves, and temperature measurement is available at the inlet and outlet. How to tell? Are there any good solutions?
In principle, it is impossible to distinguish between deviation and blockage. It would be best to send a schematic diagram; adding a control valve should not be a problem.
I’m not entirely familiar with your process. For example, if all four units are heated by steam and the only issues involved are flow deviation and scaling, then can your two problems be resolved in this way: 1. Identification of faulty heat exchangers: The heat exchanger whose outlet temperature is abnormal is the one that has a problem； 2. Investigation of reasons for heat exchanger abnormalities: During shutdown, use the same medium at a constant flow rate to pass through these four heat exchangers one by one, and then monitor the outlet temperatures. If there are no abnormalities in these temperatures, it may be caused by uneven flow distribution ； If the temperature is abnormal, it may be caused by scaling.
Thank you, but it’s not possible to conduct a single-device experiment on-site.