Fouling of Heat Transfer Surfaces by Solutions of Egg Albumin

A major problem which can be encountered when biological fluids are heated is the deposition of components from the fluid on the heating surface. This results in loss of efficiency in the heat transfer process and usually contributes to requirements for more severe cleaning regimes to return the surface to the original clean condition. Since proteins have been implicated as a major source of the problem in heat exchanger fouling, we studied the effect of process and fluid variables on deposition from protein solutions. An electrically heated stainless steel surface was exposed to egg albumin solutions flowing at a variety of temperatures, fluid flow rates, and concentrations. The system for studying the rate of burn-on is unique and has been described elsewhere. The surface temperatures of the stainless steel surface could be monitored and controlled to any desired temperature. Results of the study indicated: (a) fouling rate increased with an increase in protein concentration, (b) increasing the fluid flow rate did not have a significant effect on rate of fouling, (c) increasing the temperature difference increased fouling rate, and (d) surface finish did not influence fouling.