Fouling in Hydrocarbon Heat Processes

Hydrocarbon fouling in refinery heat exchangers is caused by thermal decomposition and polymerization of crude oil components on hot surfaces. This fouling layer acts as insulation, progressively reducing heat transfer efficiency.

A refinery documented declining heat exchanger performance across multiple units in their process operations. The fouling rate was faster than predicted, shortening maintenance intervals and increasing operating costs.

Strategic installation of Merus Rings on the heat exchanger feed streams reduced the rate of fouling deposit formation. The technology modified the thermal behavior of the hydrocarbons, reducing their tendency to form deposits on heat transfer surfaces.