A dynamic model for milk fouling in a plate heat exchanger

A two-dimensional dynamic fouling model for milk fouling in a plate heat exchanger (PHE) is proposed. Emphasis is placed on fouling prediction based on the hydrodynamic and thermodynamic performances of the PHE. A 12-channel PHE with counter-current flows is used in quantification of the milk deposition developed inside the channels. The aggregation rate of unfolded protein is found to increase exponentially with increasing wall temperature and is accompanied by a substantial reduction in the heat-transfer coefficient.