Name tell-tale signs of fouling in an economizer or heat exchanger.

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Fouling makes heat transfer less effective and adds resistance to flow. Deposits on the tubes form an insulating layer and reduce the area available for heat transfer, so the exchanger can’t transfer heat as well as designed. That means the exhaust gas leaves hotter than normal, causing higher stack temperatures. The deposits also increase friction and restrict the flow, raising the back pressure across the economizer or heat exchanger. With more buildup, these effects become more pronounced, and you may even see soot or scale on the tubes. So the tell-tale signs are increased back pressure, higher stack temperatures, reduced heat transfer, and soot or scale buildup. Signs like a higher flow rate, lower back pressure, or no noticeable change would suggest the system is not fouled.