Fouling Testing for Crude Oil and Petroleum Products
Drawing on decades of experience, HTRI provides fouling testing on contract to both member and non-member companies throughout the world. Our crude oil fouling testing program can provide data to help keep heat exchangers running longer, cleaner, and more efficiently.
To request a test, please fill out the Fouling Testing form and submit online.
How can fouling tests guide your project?
- Measuring fouling propensity and anticipated fouling characteristics of various crudes and blends
- Assessing the impact of additives, such as antifoulants, production additives, and slop
- Estimating fouling thresholds at different temperatures and velocities
- Evaluating the impact of metallurgy
- Interpreting chemistry data
- Assessing primary fouling mechanisms and providing mitigation strategies
What does a fouling test include?
Customized Testing Plan
HTRI researchers will help design a project test plan to best suit your project goals.
Status Updates
Many testing projects involve multiple tests with each test spanning 1-4 weeks. Our fouling researchers will work directly with you keeping you updated as your tests are running. You won’t have to wait for the report; we will share the results as we get them.
Testing Report
Once testing is complete, you will receive a report containing a summary of the tests performed and test methods, analysis of the results, and recommendations to guide your project.
Data
If you want to further analyze the data or prepare your own plots, we provide a spreadsheet containing flow formation, physical properties, duty, bulk, and surface temperatures, fouling resistance, and measured heat transfer coefficients for each test.
Deposit Inspection
We inspect every deposit and provide the images in your report.
Samples
We sample your crude before and after each test, as well as collect the fouling deposit. By analyzing the chemical properties of these samples, we gain insight to the dominant fouling mechanism and mitigation strategy.
Chemical Characterization
From more than 20 years of fouling studies, we know the chemistry that impacts fouling. We can help you analyze your samples with more than 20 optional chemical characterizations, such as SARA, oil compatibility, particle size distribution, and carbon residue, if requested.
Fouling Test Units
HTRI has three fouling units, each a different tool for specific tests. As part of developing a testing plan, our experts will help pick the right rig for your project.
| High-Temperature Fouling Unit (HTFU-1) |
High-Temperature Fouling Unit 2 (HTFU-2) |
Rotating Fouling Unit (RFU) |
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|---|---|---|---|
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| Test sections |
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| Number of test sections | 2 | 4 | 1 |
| Geometry | Intube flow | Intube flow | Rotating cup encircled by heated probe |
| Flow paths | 2 | 2 | 1 |
| Fluid charge volume | 41.6 L (11 gal) | 72 L (19 gal) | 3.8 L (1 gal) |
| Maximum pressure | 6309 kPa (915 psia) | 4930 kPa (715 psia) | 6309 kPa (915 psia) |
| Maximum bulk temperature | 315 °C (600 °F) | 315 °C (600 °F) | 260 °C (500 °F) |
| Maximum wall temperature* | 400 °C (750 °F) | 400 °C (750 °F) | 400 °C (750 °F) |
| Maximum test section duty | 2300 W (7850 Btu/hr) | 2300 W (7850 Btu/hr) | 600 W (2050 Btu/hr) |
| Maximum shear stress* | 30 Pa (0.63 lbf/ft2) | 30 Pa (0.63 lbf/ft2) | 2 Pa (0.042 lbf/ft2) |
| Maximum velocity* | 4 m/s (13 ft/s) | 4 m/s (13 ft/s) | 1200 RPM |
| Viscosity at bulk temperature* | 100 cP | 100 cP | 100 cP |
| Typical run duration | 1 - 6 weeks | 1 - 6 weeks | 1 - 7 days |
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| Advantages |
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| *Actual limits may vary based on the fluid's physical properties and the test conditions. | |||
Getting Started
Fouling testing services are available through HTRI Proprietary Contracts. In order to speed up the process and allow us to better serve your needs, please fill out the Fouling Testing form and submit online.
