In recent years a number of surveys have been undertaken to determine heat transfer coefficients (HTC) of the individual vessels in multiple effect evaporators in hamlets mills. The main purpose of sub-optimum performance. In some cases severe steam-side tube fouling conditions were found which were corrected by chemical cleaning (Lewis et at). In the course of this work a fairly substantial body of heat transfer data has been accumulated. The purpose of this paper is to discuss certain indications that can be derived from these results, in respect of both operating conditions and evaporator configuration. Some cautionary remarke on the on the dangers associated with interpretation are also included.