Experimental Study on Anti-Fouling Performance in a Heat Exchanger with Low Voltage Electrolysis Treatment

An innovative physical method to control fouling in heat transfer equipment—low voltage electrolysis anti-fouling (LVEAF) technology—is introduced. The objective of the present study is to testify the effect of LVEAF treatment in forced convective system and identify the operating mechanism. A series of fouling tests were carried out with and without LVEAF treatment. During the experiments fouling resistance was monitored, and the properties of test liquid were measured, including hardness, alkalinity, electrical conductivity, and pH. The main results were as follows: (1) The fouling was effectively restrained to form on the heat exchanger surface if the circulating water was treated with LVEAF. The scale inhibition ratios exceeded 90% in most cases. (2) The LVEAF technology is an active anti-fouling technology with lower energy consumption. The properties of treated test liquid were changed. (3) Electrochemical reactions occur near the electrode due to the low current existence in the water when the LVEA...