An Eulerian-like interface-capturing approach for modeling the fouling process by crystallization

Calcium carbonate (CaCO3) is an inverse solubility salt commonly scaled in heat exchangers when the fouling mechanism by crystallization occurs. Several models have been proposed to predict the fouling behavior, considering the growth of fouling mass as the difference between deposition and removal rates. Despite the different alternatives suggested in the literature to approximate these rates, there has been limited discussion regarding the fouling layer growth interface capture within a continuous domain during the time-dependent crystallization process. Hence, in this work, we propose an Eulerian interface-capturing approach for modeling the fouling process by crystallization (EICAFC). This scheme will be implemented using the standard Galerkin Finite Element Method with linear interpolation polynomials. The EICAFC procedure will be outlined employing the Bohnet fouling model. Results about fouling thickness, mass accumulation, fouling resistance, and the EICAFC performance will be discussed.