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 formation of scale and corrosion, as part of a study financed by the European Commission using sensitised, large diameter, polymer, multimode fibres is reported here. The consumption and discharge of water in industrial water systems are currently minimised. The circulation of such water causes the concentration of dissolved and suspended substances, promoting biofouling and scaling 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 the laboratory trials is presented.