InCoPi: Development of a cost-effective production technology for inside coated pipes with high fouling resistance

Fouling is the accumulation of unwanted deposits on solid surfaces, leading to deterioration of functionality. For example, heat exchangers can experience a decrease of heat transfer when deposits adhere to the internal surface of the pipe. In addition, it can lead to life shortening of pipes and to the need for frequent maintenance and cleaning, all leading to an increase of costs.

Milk handler (left) and fouling by cooling water (above)

It is known that surface treatment can help in preventing of fouling. Such treatments include electropolishing (EP), diamond like carbon coatings (DLC) and the combination of both treatments.

Possible applications of DLC inside coated pipes are found in the food industry (e.g. milk handling), the chemical industry and the pharmaceutical industry, where accumulation of deposits is unwanted. Furthermore, DLC-coatings are corrosion and abrasion resistant and other applications in this direction can be imagined.

DLC coatings improve fouling resistance. They are deposited by PACVD (Plasma Assisted Chemical Vapour Deposition) in which the plasma has to be in direct contact with the surface to be coated. So the question rises how the inside of the pipes can be coated?

Methods exist in which the plasma is generated inside the pipe. Unfortunately they are relatively slow and costly.