The effect of biofouling in simulated Ocean Thermal Energy Conversion (OTEC) evaporator tubes at a potential site in Puerto Rico

Conference · Mon Dec 01 04:00:00 EST 1980 · Alternative Energy Sources; (United States)

OSTI ID:6817784

Sasscer, D S; Morgan, T O; Tosteson, T R

Since 29 January 1980, continuous flow of ocean surface water has been maintained through simulated Ocean Thermal Energy Conversion (OTEC) evaporator tubes in order to determine in situ, long-term effects of microbiofouling on heat exchanger efficiency. The experimental apparatus consists of two aluminum and two titanium modules mounted on a research platform moored at the potential OTEC site off Punta Tuna, Puerto Rico. The fouling resistance (R /SUB f/ ), a relative measure of heat transfer efficiency, is being monitored regularly, and the units have been cleaned four times. Postcleaning fouling rates (dR /SUB f/ /dt) for the aluminum units have not changed significantly but are considerably higher than the initial fouling rates. At first, post-cleaning fouling rates for the titanium units were less than for the aluminum units, but this value has been progressively increasing and now all units are fouling at approximately the same rate. Cleaning with manually operated M.A.N. brushes did not reduce R /SUB f/ to zero. On four occasions, flow velocity through the units has been increased. Results from these experiments suggest that initially the fouling layer is easily dislodged from the tube surface but that, with time, it becomes more firmly attached.

• Research Organization: Center for Energy and Environment Research University of Puerto Rico Mayaguez
• OSTI ID: 6817784
• Report Number(s): CONF-801210-
• Conference Information: Journal Name: Alternative Energy Sources; (United States) Journal Volume: 4
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

14 SOLAR ENERGY
140800* -- Solar Energy-- Ocean Energy Systems
BIOLOGICAL FOULING
DESCALING
ENERGY TRANSFER
EVAPORATION
FEDERAL REGION II
FOULING
GREATER ANTILLES
HEAT EXCHANGERS
HEAT TRANSFER
HYDROGEN COMPOUNDS
ISLANDS
MONITORING
NORTH AMERICA
OCEAN THERMAL POWER PLANTS
OXYGEN COMPOUNDS
PHASE TRANSFORMATIONS
POWER PLANTS
PUERTO RICO
SEAWATER
SOLAR POWER PLANTS
SURFACE FINISHING
THERMAL POWER PLANTS
TUBES
USA
WATER
WEST INDIES