Conceptualizations for cleaning OTEC heat exchangers

Technical Report · Fri Sep 01 04:00:00 EDT 1978

DOI:https://doi.org/10.2172/6534788· OSTI ID:6534788

Rice, M S; Hagel, D; Conn, A F

A critical operating aspect of Ocean Thermal Energy Conversion (OTEC) plants is the maintenance of clean surfaces on the seawater-side of the heat exchangers. The objective of this program was to assess the state of the art of biofouling control techniques and to evaluate the potential of these existing methods for solving the biofouling problems in the OTEC system. The first task of the program involved an in-depth review and discussion of various fouling control methods including water treatment, surface conditioning, and cleaning techniques. The methods considered applicable to OTEC were identified. This volume summarizes the second task of the program. The compatibility of the various cleaning and fouling control techniques with the different proposed heat exchanger designs and materials are discussed. Also provided are conceptual illustrations for adapting and incorporating the methods into an OTEC power plant. These conceptual designs suggest means for overcoming some of the shortcomings of the techniques which are considered suitable, however, detailed designs of the modified systems are beyond the scope of this report. Chlorination, chemical cleaning, Amertap recirculating sponge rubber balls, and MAN flow-driven brushes are the methods considered applicable for tubular heat exchangers with seawater inside the tubes. Water jets are suggested for the open-cycle and the ''trombone'' (Applied Physics Laboratory) heat exchanger designs. Although none of the methods are immediately applicable to OTEC in their present configuration, in several cases only minor developmental efforts should produce designs which can satisfy the stringent OTEC cleanliness requirements. Further research and development appear warranted for a number of other methods which indicate promise for long-range applicability. Specific recommendations are included.

• Research Organization: Hydronautics, Inc., Laurel, MD (USA)
• DOE Contract Number: EY-76-C-06-1830
• OSTI ID: 6534788
• Report Number(s): PNL-2627
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

14 SOLAR ENERGY
140800* -- Solar Energy-- Ocean Energy Systems
BIOLOGICAL FOULING
CHEMICAL REACTIONS
CHLORINATION
CLEANING
DISPERSIONS
FOULING
HALOGENATION
HEAT EXCHANGERS
JETS
MAINTENANCE
MIXTURES
OCEAN THERMAL POWER PLANTS
POWER PLANTS
REAGENTS
SLURRIES
SOLAR POWER PLANTS
SURFACE CLEANING
SURFACE FINISHING
SURFACE TREATMENTS
SUSPENSIONS
TECHNOLOGY ASSESSMENT