CFD modeling of Asphaltene deposition in turbulent flow inside heat exchanger pipe

In this research, the Asphaltene particles deposition is modeled using species transport equations. It is assumed that the deposition phenomenon consists of two steps: transport of Asphaltene particles toward the wall and attachment of them to the wall. Due to the small size of Asphaltene particles, their motion is simulated using species transport equation. Transport of Asphaltene particles is modeled by turbulent and Brownian diffusion and attachment mechanism is modeled employing first order chemical reaction. Effects of surface temperature and velocity is considered in the model. Finally the effects of velocity, surface temperature and Asphaltene concentration is investigated and compared with experimental data. The simulation results are agreed well with experimental data and the maximum error of is about 20 percentage. Also in addition of deposition rate, transport and attachment rate are investigated. The results indicate that Asphaltene attachment is more important than transport of Asphaltene, so accurate modelling of attachment has significant effect on prediction of Asphaltene deposition rate.