Final answer:
True, fouling does introduce additional thermal resistance in heat transfer equipment, reducing its efficiency by acting as an insulating layer.
Step-by-step explanation:
The statement is true: Fouling introduces additional thermal resistance in heat transfer equipment. Fouling is the accumulation of unwanted material on the surfaces of heat transfer equipment, which inhibits heat transfer by acting as an insulating layer. This additional layer increases the thermal resistance and decreases the efficiency of the heat transfer. In other words, because of fouling, more energy is required to achieve the same amount of heat transfer as would be needed in a clean system. Effective heat transfer relies on good contact between surfaces, and fouling can prevent this contact, leading to inefficiencies in the system.