Scaling and fouling inside plate and frame (PFE) heat exchangers can drastically reduce thermal efficiency, increase energy costs, and lead to costly production stoppages. In severe cases, the buildup becomes so thick that it clogs the exchanger entirely—making clean-in-place (CIP) acidic cleaning ineffective.
When this happens, operators face extended downtime, increased maintenance costs, and reduced overall plant productivity.
The Challenge: Fighting Fouling Without Sacrificing Heat Transfer
Recent industry studies from the chemical, district heating, oil and gas, and power generation sectors have shown that applying a thin antifouling coating to PFE plates can significantly reduce buildup and extend cleaning intervals.
However, there’s a trade-off:
Even the thinnest coating layer creates some thermal resistance. The challenge is to apply a protective film that prevents fouling without compromising thermal conductivity.
Research confirms that a thin, thermally conductive antifouling coating allows for much better heat transfer than an equivalent thickness of scale or fouling deposits. This makes coating an attractive solution—if done with precision.
Curran’s Approach: Thin-Film Antifouling Coating Application
Curran International recently completed a large-scale PFE coating project for a major oil and gas facility.
Scope of Work
- Applied a thin layer of antifouling, thermally conductive coating to both sides of each PFE plate
- Protected and masked gasketed areas to avoid adhesion issues
- Ensured precise thickness control for optimal performance
The coating was applied as thin as the specification allowed, balancing adhesion, curing integrity, and maximum thermal conductivity.
Precision Quality Control
To ensure accuracy, each plate underwent a rigorous dry film thickness (DFT) verification process:
- Elcometer® with angled probe used for accurate measurements
- Probe Placement Jig ensured consistent and repeatable readings across all plates
This quality control guaranteed that every coated plate met tight project specifications for both performance and durability.
Project Results
While this was Curran’s first PFE coating project, the work was completed on time, to spec, and above customer expectations. The project also delivered a valuable set of lessons learned to further refine future applications.
Key Benefits of Curran’s PFE Coating Process:
- Reduces fouling and scaling buildup
- Minimizes maintenance downtime
- Preserves thermal efficiency by maximizing conductivity
- Extends service intervals between cleanings
Learn More
If you want to extend the life and performance of your plate and frame heat exchangers, contact:
Patrick Desmarais
📧 pdesmarais@curranintl.com
📞 (281) 339-9993
