Patent ID: 7726874
Filing Date: 2010-06-01
Classification: F28F

Abstract:
1. A method for determining a cooling capacity of a heat exchanger, comprising: measuring an inlet temperature and an outlet temperature of the product whose temperature is to be changed by the heat exchanger; measuring an inlet temperature and an outlet temperature of the auxiliary medium that serves as a cooling or heating medium during operation of the heat exchanger in an at least minimum flow condition; calculating a heat transfer coefficient of the heat exchanger as a function of the measured temperature values; determining that a change in the heat content of the product, a change in the heat content of the auxiliary medium, and an amount of heat transmitted by the heat exchanger, determined with the calculated heat transfer coefficient, are in a relationship within a defined range from which a change in capacity is identified; and displaying the change in capacity in a unit of temperature to determine a level of fouling within the heat exchanger, wherein to determine that a change in the heat content of the product, a change in the heat content of the auxiliary medium, and an amount of heat transmitted by the heat exchanger are in a relationship within a defined range the changes determined with a plurality of value pairs (θ where θ where θ the change {dot over (Q)}