Fouling detection setup and method to detect fouling

US8970829B2 · kind B2 · utility

Assignee

• ECOLAB USA INC. · US

Inventors

• Claudia Caussin de Schneck · Düsseldorf, DE
• Hartmut Forster · Meerbusch, DE
• Karl Helminger · Ainring, DE
• Ralf Krack · Saint Paul, US
• Robert Najman · Konstancin-Jeziorna, PL

Key dates

• Filing date: Dec 11, 2009
• Grant date: Mar 3, 2015
• Expiry date: Jul 28, 2030

Classification

• Technology area (CPC G): Physics
• CPC primary: G01N2021/157
• WIPO field: Measurement
• WIPO sector: Instruments

Abstract

The invention refers to a fouling detection setup (I) and method for determining the amount of fouling (5) of surfaces (3) of fluid (6) treating devices (2) and/or internal functional components (4) of such devices, which are exposed to said fluid and are subjected to fouling. Fouling detection setups and methods are useful for monitoring the amount of fouling of surfaces, e.g. heat-transfer surfaces and also for monitoring the cleaning procedure of such fluid treating devices and/or internal functional components of such devices. According to the invention the detection setup (I) comprises at least one first sensor (7), with means (9) for measuring the optical transparency T and/or electrical conductive conductivity Q of said fluid (6). The Sensor includes at least one sensitive area (8) that is located nearby and/or within said surfaces (3) and wherein said area is at least temporarily exposed to said fluid (6).