ISSN Online: 2377-424X
ISBN Print: 0-89116-299-2
International Heat Transfer Conference 7
THE EFFECTS OF SHEAR STRESS ON BIOFOULING DEPOSIT FORMATION AND REMOVAL
Abstract
A radial-flow growth chamber and a tubular test section in a rig sited in a water works were used to study the effects of surface shear stress on the initial rate of biofouling at four nutrient loadings. In general, rates of deposit formation fell rapidly with increasing shear stress up to a "critical" value beyond which they remained low but significant. Oeposits became more adherent with time. Thev formed much faster in the presence of even 0.14mg of glucose/kg., to give more open biofilms than without glucose. Therefore, to be completely effective in preventing biofouling, early control is desirable to reduce cleaning problems, and contamination of cooling water with even trace amounts of potential nutrients should be avoided.