This NACE standard describes three types of test heat exchangers that can be used to monitor corrosion and fouling control in cooling tower water systems. Methods are presented for collecting test data to determine average fouling and corrosion rates that can be used in predicting the expected service life of a field exchanger.

This standard was prepared by NACE Task Group T-7A-10, a component of Unit Committee T-7A on Cooling Water, and is issued by NACE under the auspices of Group Committee T-7 on Corrosion by Waters. This standard is a revision of NACE Publication 5C165, "Standard Heat Exchanger for Cooling Water Tests." This standard was reaffirmed with editorial changes by T-7A in September 1988.

 1.1 Cooling tower water systems are critical elements in the operation of most process plants. Recirculation of the water used in cooling tower systems reduces fresh water requirements and makes it economically feasible to adjust the water composition in order to control corrosion and fouling rates. The effectiveness of corrosion and fouling control programs in cooling water systems can be monitored by test heat exchangers mounted in a bypass. Conditions on heat transfer surfaces can then be determined at any time, without removing plant equipment from service.

1.2 This standard describes three types of test heat exchangers that have proved to be valuable in many operating cooling towers: (1) Multiple tube steam-heated exchanger

(2) Two tube steam-heated exchanger (3) Single tube electrically heated visual monitor

Historical Document 1988