Abstract: A method for reducing the formation of deposits on the inner walls of a tubular heat exchanger through which a petroleum-based liquid is flowing comprises applying one of fluid pressure pulsations to the liquid flowing through the tubes of the exchanger and vibration to the heat exchanger to effect a reduction of the viscous boundary layer adjacent the inner walls of the tubular heat exchange surfaces. Reduction of the viscous boundary layer at the tube walls not only reduces the incidence of fouling with its consequential beneficial effect on equipment life but it also has the desirable effect of promoting heat transfer from the tube wall to the liquid in the tubes. Fouling and corrosion are further reduced by the use of a coating on the inner wall surfaces of the exchanger tubes.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for reducing fouling associated with a process stream in a heat transfer component. The method and apparatus include the use of one of a vibration producing device to impart a vibrational force to desired component and a pulsation producing device for apply pressure pulsations to the process stream. The heat transfer component has at least one surface having a surface roughness of less than 40 micro inches (1.1 ?m).

Abstract: This invention relates to a method for making a carbon steel surface more resistant to fouling and corrosion by subjecting a cleaned carbon steel surface to heating in an oxygen-containing atmosphere followed by exposure of the heated surface to sulfur-containing feeds such that a dense layer of Fe1-x S where X is a number from 0.2 to 0.0 is formed on the steel surface, said dense layer having a thickness of from 0.5 to 200 microns.