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Characteristics of calcium carbonate fouling on heat transfer surfaces under the action of electric fields

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Abstract

The present study examined the effect of electric fields in calcium carbonate (CaCO3) scale formation on a heat transfer surface. The effects of electric fields ranging from 0 V to 4000 V on the fouling properties of CaCO3 were investigated. Results showed that the optimal electric voltage was approximately 500 V, at which the asymptotic value of fouling resistance and the deposited weight were minimal and corresponded to 52.8 % and 61.3 % reductions, respectively, compared with the results recorded at 0 V. At higher voltages of 3000 V or 4000 V, the asymptotic value of fouling resistance and the weight of fouling deposits increased relative to those obtained at 0 V. The scanning electron microscope images of the fouling deposits obtained at 0 V showed mainly aragonites with sharp and needle-like crystal structures. The structure of CaCO3 fouling changed from aragonites to spherical vaterites as the applied voltage was increased.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. School of Energy and Power Engineering, Northeast Electric Power University, Jilin, 132012, China

    Zhiming Xu, Hongliang Chang, Bingbing Wang & Jingtao Wang

  2. School of Science and Engineering, University of Dundee, Dundee, DD1 4HN, U.K.

    Qi Zhao

Authors
  1. Zhiming Xu
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  2. Hongliang Chang
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  3. Bingbing Wang
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  4. Jingtao Wang
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  5. Qi Zhao
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Corresponding authors

Correspondence to Hongliang Chang or Qi Zhao.

Additional information

Recommended by Associate Editor Ji Hwan Jeong

Zhiming Xu obtained his B.Sc. in 1982 from Northeast China Institute of Electric Power, his M.Sc. in 1987 from Northeast China Institute of Electric Power, and his Ph.D. in 1996 from Xi’an Jiaotong University. He is a Professor in the Northeast Electric Power University. His main research interests include fouling and countermeasures of heat-exchanger equipment.

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Xu, Z., Chang, H., Wang, B. et al. Characteristics of calcium carbonate fouling on heat transfer surfaces under the action of electric fields. J Mech Sci Technol 32, 3445–3451 (2018). https://doi.org/10.1007/s12206-018-0648-0

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s12206-018-0648-0

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