Elements of particle deposition onto nonporous solid surfaces parallel to suspension flows

The available information on particle deposition from suspensions flowing parallel to nonporous smooth and rough surfaces is summarized in terms of particle transport to, attachment at, and reentrainment from the surface. Operation under both isothermal and nonisothermal conditions is considered, and explanations are provided for declining rates of net deposition with time. Particle attachment, commonly accounted for by an elusive sticking probability, is treated alternatively as a rate process in series with particle transport. The Kern-Seaton equation for falling rate asymptotic fouling, commonly interpreted as a model in which gross particle deposition is undermined by particle reentrainment at a rate proportional to the mass of deposit accumulated at any given time, is given alternative possible interpretations by involving autoretardation of deposition in lieu of, or in addition to, reentrainment. Problems meriting further investigation are identified, implicitly or explicitly. (C) Elsevier Science Inc., 1997.