Experimental study of ozone as an anti-fouling system in an exhaust gas heat exchanger in the presence of n-hexadecane and n-dodecane

This study analyzed the use of ozone as an anti-fouling agent in a stream containing hydrocarbons. The analysis was based on tests conducted using a fouling test bench connected to two systems, one for ozone injection and the other for hydrocarbon injection. The experimental tests were carried out under controlled conditions, with variables such as the type of hydrocarbon, the injection rate, and the presence or absence of ozone. These tests allowed analysis of the effects of ozone on fouling deposits and exhaust gases. The hydrocarbons employed in this study were n-hexadecane and n-dodecane. Various tests examined the effects of ozone on thermal efficiency, pressure drop, deposition, and exhaust-gas composition. Gas analysis included measurement of THC, opacity, O 2 , CO 2 , CO, and NO. In addition, a hyperspectral camera was used to identify characteristic areas within the samples, which were subsequently analyzed. In most cases, ozone injections led to improvements in thermal efficiency exceeding 4% in 8-h tests. THC levels were reduced more than 6 times while CO emissions increased by over 30% under ozone injections. Ozone injection reduced fouling layer thickness; however, fouling mass and HC content increased. • Ozone tested as antifouling strategy in heat exchangers with hydrocarbon content. • Hexadecane and dodecane introduced into exhaust at varying flow rates. • The presence of ozone improved thermal efficiency by more than 4% in 8-h tests. • Ozone reduced THC more than 6 times but has increased CO by more than 30%. • Ozone lowered fouling thickness yet increased HC wetness and deposited mass.