The effect of electromagnetic fields on biofouling in a heat exchange system using seawater

Abstract

This article discusses the antifouling action of a continuous physical treatment process comprising the application of electromagnetic fields (EMFs) to seawater used as the refrigerant fluid in a heat exchanger-condenser to maintain the initial ‘clean tube’ condition. The results demonstrated that the EMFs accelerated the ionic nucleation of calcium and precipitation as calcium carbonate, which weakened the growing biofilm and reduced its adhesion capacity. Consequently, EMFs induced an erosive effect that reduced biofilm formation and fouling. This treatment allowed for the maintenance of significantly lower fouling factors in the treated tubes compared to a control group of untreated tubes, thereby leading to a higher heat transfer efficiency.

Keywords:

• biofouling
• antifouling treatment
• electromagnetic fields (EMFs)
• calcium carbonate (CaCO₃)
• heat exchanger
• seawater

Additional information

Funding

This research was financed by the Spanish Ministry of Education and Science [project CTM2006-05471].