New sensor detects biofilm and scaling in real time

Reliable protection against deposits
New sensor detects biofilm and scaling in real time

How can deposits on plant surfaces in process water be reliably detected before they cause malfunctions, performance issues or hygiene problems in processes? DULCOTEST SurfaceGuard – comprising a sensor and a transmitter – provides the answer: it continuously measures biofilms and inorganic deposits within the process and detects even thin layers at an early stage.

The system is based on a heat transfer measurement principle that detects layer thicknesses in the micrometre range. The measurement system maps the rheological and thermodynamic properties of the respective plant surface and provides representative measurement values. Changes become apparent at an early stage and can be reliably assessed.

A key feature is the distinction between biofilm and inorganic deposits. Two sensor surfaces with different surface temperatures enable this differentiation during operation. This allows cleaning and dosing processes to be controlled precisely, for example when using biocides or antiscalants.

DULCOTEST SurfaceGuard supports stable process control across a wide range of applications: from cooling circuits and cleaning-in-place processes, through potable water treatment, to pulp and paper, mining, refineries and marine applications. Continuous monitoring helps to detect efficiency losses – for example, in heat exchangers – at an early stage, to identify hygiene-critical changes in good time, and to use chemicals as required – for more sustainable, chemical-efficient operation.

Thanks to factory calibration, the measuring system remains permanently operational. Recalibration after cleaning is not required, which reduces maintenance effort and minimises downtime. Overall, DULCOTEST SurfaceGuard makes a significant contribution to cost savings in energy, chemicals and process operation. “Operators today are under constant pressure to Radice Energy and chemical costs whilst complying with hygiene and safety standards. With DULCOTEST SurfaceGuard, we are offering, for the first time, a solution that distinguishes between biofilm and scaling in real time and whilst the process is running – thereby laying the foundation for targeted, needs-based measures. This represents a genuine step from reactive to predictive process control,” says Andreas Zühlcke, Vice President of Product Management & Marketing at ProMinent.

The measurement system complements the range of measurement and control technology and can be integrated into existing systems. Operators, plant manufacturers and chemical suppliers can use it to assess deposits in a targeted manner and manage measures as required.