Petrolite Corporation

Champion Chemicals, Inc.

Paul E Eaton

Robert R Annand

This invention relates to a laboratory device which produces a fouling deposit, under controlled temperature and pressure, which reproduces actual plant conditions, and accurately measures the deposit of foulant accumulated during the deposition process. The device is utilized for testing the fouling tendencies of a wide variety of fluids which change on contact with a hotter surface, forming a solid or semisolid deposits which stick to the surface. The apparatus has the capability of calibration and measurement of the probe temperature and temperature measurement changes with fouling, and may be advantageously related to the amount of fouling present. The apparatus includes multiple probes each removably supporting test wires which are electrically heated to selected temperatures for simultaneous multiple fouling tests by a constant heat flux or to a constant temperature.

Method and apparatus for conducting fouling tests

A fouling test apparatus comprising a cylindrical pressure vessel, means for controlling the temperature of fluid contained in the vessel, cylindrical probe having a metallic surface concentric with the vessel walls and provided with a heater for such surface; stirrer in the form of a rotor open at at least one end and positioned between and concentric with the vessel walls and the probe, and sensor for measuring the temperature of the fluid contained in the vessel and the temperature of the probe surface. The probe simulates a heat exchanger surface exposed to a fouling liquid medium. Deposits accumulate on the heated surface in a similar fashion to an actual system and the parameters which affect fouling are all represented. The probe operates with a constant heat flux. As deposits accumulate, the surface temperature of the probe increases and is used as a measure of the deposit formation. The probe is maintained in a stationary position and the stirrer is not dependent on an electrical feed-through.

Fouling test apparatus

A flush mounted probe assembly for monitoring the corrosion environment within a thin boundary liquid film disposed along the interior sidewall surface of a pipeline carrying fluids. The assembly comprises a probe received within a nipple secured to the pipeline. An end portion of the probe projects snugly into the opening and terminates in an end face residing substantially in alignment with the interior sidewall surface. The probe is releasably secured within the nipple and sealed thereto against fluid leakage. The probe's end face has an imperforate smooth surface which is contoured and dimensioned within the opening in the pipeline to substantially conform to the interior sidewall surface without a surface discontinuity in the pipeline to disrupt the thin boundary liquid film. The probe carries electrodes having smooth exposed surfaces merging into the end face. Electrical conductors connect with the electrodes in the probe and extend in electrical isolation to an external circuit connection. In a preferred embodiment, the end portion is circular with a planar end face containing annular metal electrodes.

Growing community of inventors

Cedar Hill, MO, United States of America

Paul E Eaton