title: Influence of flow velocity on biofilm growth in a tubular heat exchanger-condenser cooled by seawater.
abstract: The influence of flow velocity (FV) on the heat transfer process in tubes made from AISI 316L stainless steel in a heat exchanger-condenser cooled by seawater was evaluated based on the characteristics of the resulting biofilm that adhered to the internal surface of the tubes at velocities of 1, 1.2, 1.6, and 3 m s(-1). The results demonstrated that at a higher FV, despite being more compact and consistent, the biofilm was thinner with a lower concentration of solids, and smoother, which favoured the heat transfer process within the equipment. However, higher velocities increase the initial cost of the refrigerating water-pumping equipment and its energy consumption cost to compensate for the greater pressure drops produced in the tube. The velocity of 1.6 m s(-1) represented the equilibrium between the advantages and disadvantages of the variables analysed for the test conditions in this study.
authors.affiliation: a Department of Sciences & Techniques of Navigation and Ship Construction , University of Cantabria , Santander , Spain.
authors.forename: Alfredo
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Trueba
authors.forename: Sergio
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: García
authors.forename: Félix M
authors.initials: FM
authors.lastname: Otero
authors.forename: Luis M
authors.initials: LM
authors.lastname: Vega
authors.forename: Ernesto
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Madariaga
mesh_terms: D018441:Biofilms / Q000254:growth & development*; D057219:Biofouling / Q000517:prevention & control*; D006358:Hot Temperature; D011312:Pressure; D012623:Seawater; D013193:Stainless Steel; D013814:Thermal Conductivity; D014872:Water Movements
chemical_list: D013193:Stainless Steel
keywords: biofouling; flow velocity (FV); heat exchanger; seawater; stainless steel; turbulent flow