Effect of Surface Conditions on the Adhesion of Crystallization Fouling

In this study, effects of surface conditions in terms of surface roughness and oxide layer, on adhesion of crystallization fouling on heat transfer surfaces were investigated. The experimental results showed that the surface roughness has no obvious effect on the adhesion of crystallization fouling. The polished sample did not present better anti-fouling properties compared to other rough samples. While the formation of Fe₂O₃ layer on the surface is proved to be able to accelerate the adhesion of calcite fouling with hexagonal structure, because there are similar crystalline structure and lattice parameter between the Fe₂O₃ and calcite fouling. Therefore, in order to improve the anti-fouling property of heat transfer surfaces, inhibiting the formation of oxide layer is more important than efforts to improve surface roughness.