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Title: Fouling of carbon steel heat exchanger caused by iron bacteria

Journal Article · · Materials Performance
OSTI ID:6441418

A carbon steel heat exchanger installed in a reverse osmosis unit failed after 1 1/2 years from start-up as a result of tubes, lids, tube sheets, and connection pipes clogging from rust deposits. Chemical analysis of cooling water and scraped precipitates, as well laboratory screening of the deposits for bacteria, revealed that activity of iron-oxidizing bacteria present in cooling water could lead to heat exchanger blockage.

OSTI ID:
6441418
Journal Information:
Materials Performance, Vol. 38:1; ISSN 0094-1492
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English