Fouling - Micro Fouling

Micro Fouling

As to micro fouling, distinctions are made between:

• Scaling or precipitation fouling, as crystallization of solid salts, oxides and hydroxides from water solutions, for example, calcium carbonate or calcium sulfate;
• Particulate fouling, i.e., accumulation of particles, typically colloidal particles, on a surface;
• Corrosion fouling, i.e., in-situ growth of corrosion deposits, for example, magnetite on carbon steel surfaces;
• Chemical reaction fouling, for example, decomposition or polymerization of organic matter on heating surfaces;
• Solidification fouling - when components of the flowing fluid with a high-melting point freeze onto a subcooled surface;
• Biofouling, like settlements of bacteria and algae;
• Composite fouling, whereby fouling involves more than one foulant or fouling mechanism.