Inverse estimation for unknown fouling geometry on inner wall of forced-convection pipe

A conjugate gradient method (CGM) based on the inverse algorithm is used to estimate the unknown fouling-layer profile on the inner wall of a pipe system using simulated temperature measurements taken within the pipe wall. It is assumed that no prior information is available about the functional form of the unknown profile. Therefore, the procedure is classified as the function estimation in inverse calculation. The temperature data obtained from the direct problem are used to simulate the temperature measurements. The accuracy of the inverse analysis is examined using the simulated exact and inexact temperature measurements. The results show that the excellent estimation of the fouling-layer profile can be obtained for the test case considered in this study. The technique presented in this study can be used in a warning system to call for pipe maintenance when the thickness of fouling exceeds a predefined criterion.