Combined monitor for direct and indirect measurement of biofouling.

Biofouling is one of the most important problems associated with heat exchangers, leading to a loss of thermal performance in their cycle. To maintain them in optimum working condition, biofouling must be kept under control and, to do so, instrumentation is required for its monitoring. The development of the biofouling layer can be qualitatively followed, but only during maintenance shutdown periods is it possible to attain a quantitative assessment.

Optimisation of biocide dose as a function of residual biocide in a heat exchanger pilot plant effluent.

Biofouling is one of the most serious problems facing numerous industrial processes. In the case of a heat exchanger unit, biological deposits adhering to the inside surface of its tubes reduce heat transfer and, thus, the thermal performance of the cycle. Control of this phenomenon is proving fundamental for both land and marine equipment to operate in optimum working conditions.