A novel technique for on-line measurement of scaling using a multimode optical fibre sensor for industrial applications

The development of a novel on-line fibre optic sensor to measure the format ion of scale and corrosion, as part of a study financed by the European Com mission using sensitised, large diameter, polymer, multimode fibres is repo rted here. The consumption and discharge of water in industrial water syste ms are currently minimised. The circulation of such water causes the concen tration of dissolved and suspended substances, promoting biofouling and sca ling which can cost the industry several million Euros annually. Therefore, the development and validation of an on-line instrumentation and measuring technique regarding the scaling properties of aqueous process fluids and t he laboratory trials is presented. (C) 2000 Elsevier Science B.V. All right s reserved.