F-13 Analysis of HTRI Crude Oil Fouling Data

C. A. Bennett and J. W. Palen

2003

HTRI experimentally determined the effects of surface temperature, velocity, and composition on fouling rates for fifteen different crude oils. Temperature effects were consistent with Arrhenius behavior. Fouling rates decreased as velocity increased. Fouling rates increased, however, with increasing Colloidal Instability Index (CII), a qualitative metric of asphaltene suspension stability. High Temperature Fouling Unit (HTFU) fouling rates agreed reasonably well with field data, providing confidence that HTRI research will contribute to enhanced preheat train economics through improved design and operation.