System and method for on-line deposit detection in process fluids

Abstract

A system for analyzing deposits (e.g., scale, siltation, biofilm, or corrosion) within a fluid treatment system 10, such as an industrial water system 12, is described. The system includes a conduit 16 adapted to be fluidically coupled to the fluid treatment system to receive a fluid stream from the fluid treatment system; a substrate 18 within the conduit, the substrate having a surface representative of a surface within the fluid treatment system; a device 40 for varying the temperature of the substrate; at least one temperature sensor 44, 46, 48, 50 for measuring heat transfer through the substrate; at least one fluorometer 54 for monitoring fluorescence of the substrate surface caused by microorganisms at a plurality of fluorometer positions; at least one camera 56 for acquiring images of the substrate surface at a plurality of camera positions; and a controller for receiving data from the at least one temperature sensor, the at least one fluorometer, and the at least one camera and determining, based on the received data, a resistance to heat transfer through the substrate and a nature and level of deposits.

Description

[0001] CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0002] This patent application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62 / 925,430, filed on October 24, 2019, which is incorporated herein by reference for all purposes. Technical Field

[0003] This patent disclosure relates generally to sediment detection in fluid treatment systems, and more particularly, the present invention relates to such detection, classification, quantification, and treatment in industrial water systems. Background Art

[0004] In fluid handling systems, it can be crucial to keep surfaces in contact with fluids free of sediment and to clean such surfaces for providing the desired operation and efficiency of associated equipment. For example, in water systems, particularly in industrial water systems (such as cooling water systems and hot water systems), keeping heat exchange surfaces free of sediment is important for optimizing energy efficiency. Mineral deposits, particularly calcium salts, and more particularly calcium carbonate, can be in the form of scaling or fouling. Typically, scaling is the precipitation of inorganic salts on equipment surfaces, and fouling is produced by the sediment of insoluble particles suspended in the liquid. Biofilm fouling on heat exchange surfaces can also lead to inefficient industrial water systems. For example, compared with mineral deposits, biofilm fouling is typically an insulator 4 to 5 times better than mineral deposits. Typically, biofilm is sticky, and the microorganisms that cause the formation of biofilm fouling may only represent a small portion of the biofilm content.

[0005] Monitoring industrial water systems can provide information that can be used to improve or at least maintain the efficiency in the operation and / or treatment procedures of industrial water systems to reduce or prevent sediment (biofilm, mineral matter, corrosion or other substances) from being deposited on heat exchange surfaces. In order to reach the optimal performance of the system, chemical treatment products can be introduced into the industrial water system as a preventive measure to minimize the accumulation of biological siltation. However, if sediment accumulates on the surface, the chemical treatment products introduced in the system may need to be changed or adjusted. Further, it may be necessary to take action to reduce or eliminate this type of sediment. The action that may be taken will depend on the type of sediment accumulated. For example, the introduction of a chemical treatment program can be used to handle the accumulation of biofilm, and may require another chemical treatment program or physical intervention to handle sediment, such as mineral scaling. Summary of the Invention

[0006] The disclosed systems and methods utilize autofluorescence, optical imaging, and heat transfer resistance techniques to simultaneously monitor the same simulated surface area of ​​sediment. The systems and methods can provide continuous monitoring, detection, characterization, and quantification of sediment. Using this information, the associated control system can trigger alarms, initiate chemical treatment or physical intervention, and adjust treatment chemicals and preventative measures to minimize and / or eliminate problems.

[0007] In one aspect, the present disclosure describes a system for analyzing deposits in a fluid treatment system. The system for analyzing deposits includes a conduit suitable for fluid coupling to the fluid treatment system to receive a representative fluid flow from the fluid treatment system. Contained in the conduit is a substrate, the substrate including a surface configured to contact the representative fluid flow. The substrate represents a system surface in the fluid treatment system. A temperature modification element is provided to change the temperature of the substrate. At least one temperature sensor is provided to measure the temperature transmitted through the substrate in order to determine the heat transfer resistance of the substrate. At least one fluorometer is provided to monitor the fluorescence of the surface of the substrate at multiple fluorometer positions along the substrate, and at least one camera is provided to provide an optical image of the surface of the substrate at multiple camera positions. The obtained heat transfer data, fluorescence, and optical image can be analyzed to identify whether there is any accumulation of deposits. In at least one embodiment, the system for analyzing deposits includes multiple cameras and / or multiple fluorometers provided at multiple positions to collect data along the substrate.

[0008] In at least one embodiment, the determination of the type of deposit can be used to determine what action, if any, should be taken. For example, the data can be used to initiate an appropriate chemical treatment program to cause a representative fluid stream to enter the system for analysis. Alternatively or additionally, such a chemical treatment program can be provided to the fluid treatment system, and / or the additives introduced into the fluid treatment system can be changed. In another example, steps can be taken to introduce a cleaning process or physical cleaning of the substrate to remove mineral deposits.

[0009] In at least one embodiment, a system for analyzing deposits includes a movably mounted fluorometer and / or a movably mounted camera to collect data along the substrate.

[0010] In at least one embodiment, a system for analyzing sediments includes a motor adapted to move at least one of the cameras to a plurality of camera positions and / or to move the fluorometer to a plurality of fluorometer positions.

[0011] In at least one embodiment, a system for analyzing deposits includes a controller configured to receive data from at least one temperature sensor, a fluorometer, and a camera, determine a level of heat transfer resistance through a substrate, and determine at least one of a property of the deposit and a level of the deposit based on the data from at least one of the fluorometer, the camera, and the temperature sensor, the controller further configured to control operation of a motor.

[0012] In at least one embodiment, a system for analyzing includes a plurality of temperature sensors including a substrate temperature sensor.

[0013] In at least one embodiment, a system for analyzing deposits includes at least one of an ambient temperature sensor, a representative fluid inflow temperature sensor, and a representative fluid outflow temperature sensor.

[0014] In at least one embodiment of the system for analyzing deposits, the conduit is adapted to be fluidly coupled to a chemical treatment supply for selectively supplying a chemical treatment flow to the substrate.

[0015] In at least one embodiment, a system for analyzing deposits includes a chemical treatment supply fluidly coupled to selectively supply a chemical treatment flow to a substrate.

[0016] In at least one embodiment of the system for analyzing deposits, the conduit includes an inner surface comprising a substrate.

[0017] In at least one embodiment of the system for analyzing deposits, at least a portion of the conduit is transparent.

[0018] In at least one embodiment, the system for analyzing deposits further includes a control system comprising at least one controller configured to receive data from at least one temperature sensor, at least one fluorometer, and at least one camera, determine a level of heat transfer resistance through the substrate based on the temperature data received from the at least one temperature sensor, and at least one of characterize the deposit and determine the level of the deposit based on at least one of fluorescence data received from the fluorometer, optical data images received from the camera, and the heat transfer resistance.

[0019] In at least one embodiment of the system for analyzing deposits, the controller is further configured to issue an alarm when at least one of a threshold type and level or a preset type and level of deposits is identified on the surface of the substrate.

[0020] In at least one embodiment, a system for analyzing deposits is configured to initiate a chemical process when at least one of a threshold type and level or a preset type and level of deposits is identified on a surface of a substrate.

[0021] In at least one embodiment of the system for analyzing, the controller is configured to adjust the deposit and scaling control program based on data received from at least one of the at least one temperature sensor, the fluorometer, and the camera and the type and level of the identified deposits.

[0022] In at least one embodiment of the system for analyzing deposits, the controller is configured to adjust at least one of a biocide program and a biofilm inhibition treatment program for preventative treatment based on data received from at least one of the at least one temperature sensor, the fluorometer, and the camera and the type and level of deposits identified.

[0023] In at least one embodiment, a controller of a system for analyzing sediment is configured to determine the type of sediment based on at least one of: (1) determining that biofouling is present if both the fluorescence data received from the fluorometer and the optical data image received from the camera are positive; (2) determining that mineral scaling or fouling is present if the optical data image received from the camera is positive and the fluorescence data received from the fluorometer is negative; and (3) determining a treatment procedure specific to the type of sediment identified for corrective action.

[0024] In at least one embodiment of the system for analyzing, the fluid handling system is an industrial water system.

[0025] In another aspect, the present disclosure also describes a method for determining deposits within a fluid handling system. The method includes providing a representative fluid flow from the fluid handling system to a surface of a substrate representing a system surface within the fluid handling system, providing a temperature change condition to an opposing surface of the substrate, measuring a heat transfer resistance through the substrate to the representative fluid, monitoring fluorescence of the surface of the substrate at multiple locations along the substrate, acquiring an optical image of the surface at multiple locations along the substrate, and characterizing a property of the deposits on the surface of the substrate based on at least one of the monitored fluorescence, the optical image, and the heat transfer resistance. In at least one embodiment, the method includes characterizing a property of the deposits on the surface of the substrate and a level of the deposits on the surface of the substrate based on at least one of the monitored fluorescence, the optical image, and the heat transfer resistance. In at least one embodiment, the method for determining deposits within a fluid handling system includes characterizing a property of the deposits on the surface of the substrate and a level of the deposits on the surface of the substrate based on at least one of the monitored fluorescence, the optical image, and the heat transfer resistance.

[0026] In at least one embodiment of a method of determining deposits within a fluid handling system, providing a representative fluid flow from the fluid handling system to a surface of a substrate representative of a system surface within the fluid handling system includes providing a substrate comprising a material and surface roughness similar to the system surface within the fluid handling system.

[0027] In at least one embodiment of a method of determining deposits within a fluid treatment system, providing a representative fluid flow from the fluid treatment system includes providing the representative fluid flow to a conduit including a substrate.

[0028] In at least one embodiment, a method of determining deposits within a fluid treatment system includes fluidly coupling a conduit to the fluid treatment system.

[0029] In at least one embodiment of a method of determining deposits within a fluid treatment system, providing a flowing or representative fluid includes providing a representative fluid flow that simulates shear stress experienced by the fluid within the fluid treatment system.

[0030] In at least one embodiment of a method of determining deposits within a fluid treatment system, providing a temperature change condition to an opposing surface includes providing a temperature change condition that simulates a temperature condition representative of a temperature experienced by a system surface within the fluid treatment system.

[0031] In at least one embodiment of a method of determining deposits within a fluid processing system, measuring the heat transfer resistance through the substrate to the representative fluid includes measuring a representative fluid exit temperature.

[0032] In at least one embodiment of a method of determining deposits within a fluid handling system, measuring heat transfer resistance through a substrate includes measuring at least one of ambient temperature, temperature of a representative fluid flowing to the substrate, temperature of a surface of the substrate, and temperature of a temperature changing element.

[0033] In at least one embodiment of a method of determining deposits in a fluid handling system, measuring fluorescence includes moving a fluorometer to a plurality of fluorometer positions along the substrate and measuring fluorescence of a surface of the substrate at the plurality of fluorometer positions.

[0034] In at least one embodiment of a method of determining deposits within a fluid processing system, acquiring an optical image includes moving a camera to a plurality of camera positions along the substrate and providing optical images of a surface of the substrate at the plurality of camera positions.

[0035] In at least one embodiment of a method of determining deposits within a fluid treatment system, measuring fluorescence includes acquiring measured fluorescence using a plurality of fluorometers disposed at a plurality of fluorometer locations.

[0036] In at least one embodiment of a method of determining deposits within a fluid treatment system, acquiring optical images includes acquiring optical images from a plurality of cameras at a plurality of camera positions.

[0037] In at least one embodiment, the method of determining deposits within a fluid handling system further comprises mechanically cleaning the surface of the substrate when at least one of a predetermined type of deposit and a predetermined level of deposit is determined.

[0038] In at least one embodiment, the method of determining deposits within a fluid treatment system further includes selectively supplying a chemical treatment flow to the substrate.

[0039] In at least one embodiment, the method of determining deposits within a fluid treatment system further comprises supplying a chemical treatment flow to the substrate when at least one of a predetermined type of deposit and a predetermined level of deposit is determined.

[0040] In at least one embodiment, the method of determining deposits within a fluid processing system further includes stopping the flow of a chemical treatment fluid to a substrate and restarting at least one of: measuring a heat transfer resistance through the substrate to a representative fluid; monitoring fluorescence of a surface of the substrate; acquiring an optical image of the surface of the substrate; and determining at least one of a type and a level of deposits on the surface of the substrate based on at least one of the monitored fluorescence, the monitored optical image, and the heat transfer resistance.

[0041] In at least one embodiment of a method of determining deposits within a fluid handling system, monitoring the surface of the substrate for fluorescence includes monitoring the surface of the substrate through a transparent conduit, and acquiring an optical image of the surface of the substrate includes acquiring an optical image of the surface of the substrate through the transparent conduit.

[0042] In at least one embodiment, the method of determining deposits within a fluid treatment system further includes providing data from the at least one temperature sensor, the at least one fluorometer, and the at least one camera to a control system including at least one controller.

[0043] In at least one embodiment, the method of determining deposits within a fluid treatment system further includes issuing an alarm when a predetermined type and level of deposits is determined.

[0044] In at least one embodiment, the method of determining deposits within a fluid treatment system further includes adjusting a deposit and scaling control program based on data received from at least one of the at least one temperature sensor, fluorometer, and camera and the type and level of the identified deposits.

[0045] In at least one embodiment, the method of determining deposits further includes adjusting at least one of a biocide program and a biofilm inhibition treatment program for preventative treatment based on data received from at least one of the at least one temperature sensor, the fluorometer, and the camera and the type and level of the identified deposits.

[0046] In at least one embodiment, the method of determining deposits further includes determining basic deposits based on at least one of: (1) determining the presence of biofouling when both the fluorescence data received from the fluorometer and the optical data image received from the camera are positive; and (2) determining the presence of general deposits or scaling when the optical data image received from the camera is positive and the fluorescence data received from the fluorometer is negative, and the level of transport resistance does not indicate corrosion.

[0047] In at least one embodiment of the method of determining deposits, the fluid handling system is an industrial water system.

[0048] In at least one embodiment, the method of determining deposits further includes at least one of chemically treating and cleaning a surface of the substrate to produce a clean surface, acquiring an optical image of the clean surface of the substrate, comparing the optical image of the clean surface of the substrate to a previously acquired digital image of the substrate, and identifying whether a corrosive change has occurred on the clean surface of the substrate.

[0049] In at least one embodiment, the method of determining deposits further includes draining the representative fluid from the surface of the substrate prior to monitoring the fluorescence of the surface of the substrate and acquiring an optical image of the surface of the substrate.

[0050] In at least one embodiment, the method of determining deposits further includes performing image analysis to characterize the corrosion as general or localized, combining the results of the analysis with process monitoring data, and adjusting the corrosion inhibitor treatment program based on the level and type of corrosion. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0051] Figure 1 schematically illustrates an exemplary arrangement of a system for analyzing sediments according to the teachings of the present disclosure;

[0052] Figure 2 schematically illustrates an alternative exemplary arrangement of a system for analyzing sediments according to the teachings of the present disclosure;

[0053] Figure 3 schematically illustrates an exemplary control system for a system for analyzing sediments according to the teachings of the present disclosure;

[0054] Figure 4 is a diagram showing an example of detecting biofilm growth by autofluorescence and optical methods;

[0055] Figure 5 is a diagram showing an example of biofilm growth detected by autofluorescence and heat transfer resistance;

[0056] Figure 6 is a graph showing an example of biofilm growth and bioactivity over time;

[0057] Figure 7 is a graph showing an example of biofilm growth and bacterial count changes over time;

[0058] Figure 8 is a diagram showing an example of biofilm growth in mixed sediment; and

[0059] Figure 9 is a graph showing an example of biofilm fluorescence and biocide treatment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0060] The present disclosure relates to a system for determining sediment and sediment levels within a fluid treatment system, and methods for such analysis. The present disclosure incorporates by reference the entire disclosures of U.S. Publication Nos. 2018 / 0001262, 2018 / 0017490, 2018 / 0024031, 2018 / 0022621, and 2019 / 0145722, and U.S. Patent Nos. 6,475,394, 9,772,303, and 9,810,676 for all purposes. In addition, for the purposes of this disclosure, the following terms have the definitions set forth below:

[0061] "Deposits" refers to foreign matter on a surface that may be caused by suspended solids and / or process contamination or reactions between a fluid and a surface. "Deposits" include mineral deposits, corrosion, biofilm accumulation, and combinations thereof. Mineral deposits may include, for example, calcium salts, iron, and magnesium, which may be in the form of scale or scale accumulation. Typically, scale is the precipitation of inorganic salts on a surface, and accumulation is caused by the deposition of insoluble particles suspended in a liquid. Suspended solids may include, for example, soil particles (such as silt, sand, or clay introduced by water and air scrubbing), pollen, and particles carried by these media. Process contamination may include, for example, any contamination of water or the primary process fluid by other process fluids (such as organic contaminants). Typically, biofilms or biofilm accumulations are caused by contamination in the fluid of a fluid system, which can lead to microbial growth on wetted surfaces. Microbial growth may begin with a few cells deposited on a surface, which over time can increase to a fully formed biofilm—a population of microbial organisms in a matrix of organic material created by contamination with microbial organisms in the fluid of a fluid system that can lead to the growth of the microorganisms themselves.

[0062] "Fluid" refers to a liquid or flowable substance.

[0063] A "fluid handling system" is any system in which a fluid is circulated. An example of a fluid handling system is an industrial water system.

[0064] An "industrial water system" is any system that circulates water as its main component. Examples of "industrial water systems" may include cooling systems, heating systems, membrane systems, papermaking processes, or any other system that circulates water as described above.

[0065] A "regimen" refers to a set of instructions that may include concentration, flow rate, mixing rate, temperature, volume, mass, or any number of other criteria known to those skilled in the art. As relevant to the present invention, a "regimen" may control the mixing and / or injection of a treatment into the water of an industrial water system. A "regimen" may be created and / or stored using an electronic input-output device, which may be a computer, a programmable logic controller (PLC), or any input-output device programmed with appropriate software and / or firmware that transmits instructions to execute a "regimen" in an automated manner. Additionally, a "regimen" includes optimization methods and techniques based on a physical model, an empirical model, a semi-empirical model, or a combination of models to develop a set of instructions.

[0066] A "sensor" is a measuring device that measures a parameter and is capable of outputting the measured parameter.

[0067] "Water" refers to any substance having water as its primary component. Water may include purified water, tap water, fresh water, salt water, steam, and / or any chemical, solution, or blend circulated in an industrial water system.

[0068] Go to Figure 1 , an exemplary fluid treatment system 10 is shown. Although the details of the exemplary fluid treatment system 10 are not shown in detail, those skilled in the art will understand that such a fluid treatment system 10 may include an industrial water system 12 that circulates water as its primary component. Although not shown in detail, the industrial water system may include, for example, a cooling system, a heating system, a membrane system, a papermaking process, or any other system that circulates water.

[0069] According to the present disclosure, a system 14 for analyzing sediments within a fluid treatment system 10 is provided. The system 14 for analyzing sediments can be provided as a separate arrangement, including a fluid connection 24 or the like, that fluidically couples the system 14 for analyzing sediments to the fluid treatment system 10, or the system 14 for analyzing sediments can be incorporated into the fluid treatment system 10. The system 14 for analyzing sediments can be selectively fluidically coupled to or within the fluid treatment system 10 by any suitable arrangement.

[0070] The system 14 for analyzing deposits includes a conduit 16 that houses a substrate 18. The substrate 18, and more specifically, a substrate surface 20, can be formed of any suitable material representative of a surface within the fluid processing system 10. The surface 20 of the substrate 18 preferably has the same material type and surface characteristics, and is maintained at the same surface temperature as the surfaces within the fluid processing system 10, so that a representative fluid flowing through the surface 20 at a rate similar to that exhibited within the fluid processing system 10 will produce similar shear stresses on the surface 20.

[0071] By way of example only, surface 20 may be a metal surface such as type 304 stainless steel, type 316L stainless steel, mild steel (grades 1010 to 1022), naval brass, copper, 90:10 copper nickel, 70:30 copper nickel, aluminum 7075, Titanium, titanium alloys, aluminum bronze, and galvanized steel. Surface 20 may alternatively be formed from a non-metallic surface such as wood, or a polymeric material such as polyvinyl chloride (PVC) or polypropylene.

[0072] The surface 20 of the substrate 18 further preferably exhibits a surface roughness such that the shear stress of a representative fluid flowing over the surface 20 is representative of the surfaces within the fluid treatment system 10. By way of example only, the surface roughness may be expressed as an Ra grade range of [0.025 to 50] μm (ISO grade numbers [N1-N12]) and produces shear stress at a liquid linear velocity of [0-15] ft / s within a surface temperature range of -4°F to 212°F (-20°C to 100°C). In a more specific example, the surface roughness may be expressed as an Ra grade range of 0.3-0.7 μm (ISO grade numbers N4-N7) and produces shear stress at a liquid linear velocity of 0-8 ft / s within a surface temperature range of 40°F to 150°F (4°C to 65°C).

[0073] The conduit 16 is fluidly coupled to the fluid handling system 10 to receive a representative fluid flow from the fluid handling system 10. Preferably, the flow through the conduit 16 substantially simulates the flow through the fluid handling system 10 itself. In this regard, a flow meter 17 may be provided to monitor the flow to the conduit 16. Figure 1 In the exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the inlet valve 22 is disposed in a fluid connection 24 that is fluidically coupled to the flow within the fluid treatment system 10. Figure 1 In an embodiment, the inlet valve 22 can be a flow control valve. In this way, the fluid flowing over the surface 20 substantially simulates the conditions of the fluid flowing over the surface within the fluid treatment system 10, including shear stress.

[0074] Inlet valve 22 can be selectively operated to provide or prevent flow from fluid processing system 10 to system for analyzing sediment 14. In at least one embodiment, an inlet-side drain valve 26 is further provided that can be used in conjunction with valve 32, for example, to drain the system for analyzing sediment 14 or cleaning surface 20.

[0075] The flow from the system 14 for analyzing sediments can be directed appropriately. For example, Figure 1 As shown, in some embodiments, flow can be directed back to the fluid treatment system 10 (see fluid connection 28). However, to selectively direct flow to a drain 30, an outlet valve 32 can be provided. In this way, if it is not desired to direct flow back to the fluid treatment system 10, the outlet valve 32 can direct flow to the drain 30. In at least one embodiment, such as Figure 2 In the embodiment of FIG. 1 , representative fluid flowing from the system for analyzing sediment 114 can be directed to the fluid processing system 110. Figure 2 middle, Figure 1 For identical or similar components, the same reference numerals are preceded by a “1”, i.e., “1xx”.

[0076] Conduit 16 can likewise have any suitable design. For example, conduit 16 can be a tube through which fluid flows, or a tank through which fluid is directed. In at least one embodiment, conduit 16 is a quartz glass tube, and substrate 18 is a separate element disposed within conduit 16. For example, substrate 18 can be at least a portion of tubular structure 38 extending within conduit 16. In at least one embodiment, conduit 16 itself includes at least a section that forms substrate 18 and presents surface 20 within conduit 16. Surface 20 can include a single surface or multiple surfaces and can have any surface profile. For example, surface 20 can be convex, concave, or flat, or any combination thereof.

[0077] According to one aspect of the present disclosure, the system for analyzing deposits 14 further includes a temperature changing element 40 configured to change the temperature of the substrate 18. For purposes of the present disclosure and the appended claims, changing the temperature of the substrate should be understood as applying a temperature that is different from the temperature of a representative fluid flowing through the substrate 18. The temperature changing element 40 may be, for example, a heating element or a cooling element.

[0078] The temperature changing element 40 can have any suitable design and can be positioned at any suitable location relative to the substrate 18, so long as it applies a temperature that can be transferred through at least a portion of the substrate 18 to the surface 20 that is configured to be positioned adjacent to the representative fluid. The operation of the temperature changing element 40 can be controlled by a relay 41, such as a heater relay. In at least one embodiment, the temperature changing element 40 can be positioned to provide a changed temperature to an opposing surface 42 of the substrate 18, which is the surface of the substrate 18 opposite the surface 20 that is in contact with the representative fluid. Figure 2 For example, the temperature change element 140 may be in the form of a rod 143 extending through at least a portion of the substrate 118 having the tubular structure 138. In alternative embodiments, the substrate 18 itself may include the temperature change element 40, e.g. Figure 1 As shown. Figure 1 In the embodiment shown, substrate 18 may include a temperature change element 40 that extends through or into the material forming the substrate. For example, in the embodiment shown, surface 20 may be the outer surface of rod 43 itself. As a further example, a heated liquid may be pumped or otherwise circulated through temperature change element 40.

[0079] To assess the condition of the surface 20 of the substrate 18, the resistance to heat transfer through the substrate 18 may be determined. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that surface conditions such as corrosion and the deposition of minerals and other solids or silt may affect the transfer of heat or cold through the substrate and into the fluid.

[0080] In order to determine the resistance to heat transfer through the substrate 18, at least one temperature sensor is provided. Figure 1 In some embodiments, a plurality of temperature sensors 44, 46, 48, 50 are provided. In at least one embodiment, at least one surface temperature sensor 44 is positioned to measure the temperature of the surface 20 near or substantially adjacent to the substrate 18. Although the surface temperature sensor 44 may be positioned at alternative locations along the substrate 18, Figure 1 In the illustrated embodiment, the surface temperature sensor 44 is positioned near the outlet end 52 of the substrate 18, i.e., at or near the outlet end 52 where the representative fluid exits the system for analyzing deposits 14. In this manner, the representative fluid at or near the outlet end 52 of the substrate 18 will likely have reached a temperature that is very close to the temperature of the surface 20 of the substrate 18. Using the data from the temperature sensors 44, 46, 48, 50, as well as the temperature of the temperature changing element 40 and the flow meter 17, a representative heat transfer resistance map can be calculated.

[0081] In at least one embodiment, the surface temperature of substrate 18 can be identified by an operator. In this operating mode, the surface temperature is maintained constant by feedback control via surface temperature sensor 44, temperature change element 40, and control system 70 (discussed below), i.e., an algorithm associated with control system 70. The temperature of temperature change element 40 can be increased or decreased to achieve a desired temperature at surface temperature sensor 44. In this operating mode, an overall heat transfer coefficient can be calculated, for example, based on data from temperature sensors 44, 46, 48, 50, flow meter 17, and temperature change element 40. In a second operating mode, the power to temperature change element 40 can be maintained constant, and as deposit conditions on surface 20 change, the heat transfer resistance is calculated based on data from temperature change element 40 and surface temperature sensor 44.

[0082] Additional sensors may be provided to provide a more accurate representation of the resistance to heat transfer through substrate 18. For example, inlet fluid temperature sensor 46 may be provided to measure the temperature of the fluid entering conduit 16, outlet fluid temperature sensor 48 may be provided to measure the temperature of the fluid exiting conduit 16, and ambient temperature sensor 50 may be provided to measure the temperature surrounding conduit 16.

[0083] In order to additionally monitor deposits that may appear on the surface 20 of the substrate 18 due to the flow of representative fluids from the fluid treatment system 10, the system 14 for analyzing the deposits includes at least one fluorometer 54 and at least one camera 56. In at least one embodiment, the fluorometer 54 and the camera 56 are contained in a single unit, that is, the single unit is capable of obtaining both optical images and UV data. Such optical images can be, for example, digital images. However, it should be understood that the fluorometer 54 and the camera 56 can be mounted together or separately.

[0084] To provide visual access to the surface 20 of the substrate 18 to the fluorometer 54 and the camera 56, the conduit 16 includes at least one substantially transparent section 57 through which the surface 20 of the substrate 18 can be observed. In embodiments where the conduit 16 is a quartz glass tube, the conduit 16 itself is transparent, allowing visual access to the surface of the substrate 18 contained therein. In at least one embodiment, the conduit 16 can include one or more transparent sections 57 positioned in one or more locations allowing visual access to the surface 20. In embodiments where the conduit 16 itself is incorporated into the substrate 18, the conduit 16 can likewise include one or more such transparent sections 57. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that fluorescence and optical imaging data can be obtained through the representative fluid, while in other arrangements it may be desirable to drain the representative fluid from the conduit 16 before obtaining such data.

[0085] According to aspects of the present disclosure, the fluorometer 54 and camera 56 are configured to monitor fluorescence and provide multiple images at locations along the surface 20 of the substrate 18. Because the occurrence of biofilm is random, i.e., a biofilm can start essentially anywhere along the catheter 16, such multi-point imaging can enhance the reliability of the data acquired, particularly for biofilm detection. In at least one embodiment, five such monitoring locations and images are provided. Figure 1 In an embodiment, the fluorometer 54 and camera 56 are movably mounted so that they can be advanced along the length of the substrate 18 to monitor fluorescence and acquire multiple images. The fluorometer 54 and camera 56 can be movably mounted by any suitable means. By way of example only, the mount 58 of the fluorometer 54 and camera 56 can include an internally threaded section 60 that can engage a threaded shaft 62 that can be rotated by a motor 64, with rotation of the threaded shaft 62 advancing the fluorometer 54 and camera 56 to multiple positions along the substrate 18 to monitor fluorescence and acquire multiple images. In at least one embodiment, the fluorometer 54 and camera 56 are configured to scan the surface 20 of the substrate 18 between the position sensors 66, 68 at operator-controlled time intervals. However, those skilled in the art will appreciate that other arrangements can be provided to allow the fluorometer 54 and camera 56 to observe multiple positions.

[0086] In at least one embodiment, the fluorometer 54 and camera 56 are combined using a UV sensitive camera (eg, a bare CCD or image intensifier) ​​to collect spatially resolved UV fluorescence using a UV excitation light source and a standard image using a white light source.

[0087] In at least one embodiment, camera 56 is a hyperspectral imaging device that provides wavelength-dependent image analysis for improved classification of sediment characteristics on the surface.

[0088] Alternatively or additionally, multiple fluorometers 154 and / or cameras 156 may be provided to monitor fluorescence and obtain multiple images of the surface 20 of the substrate 18. Figure 2 In the embodiment of FIG. 1 , for example, three fluorometers 154 and three cameras 156 are spaced apart along the length of the catheter 116 near the plurality of transparent sections 157. Although the fluorometers 154 and cameras 156 are fixedly mounted in this embodiment, those skilled in the art will appreciate that one or more of the fluorometers 154 and cameras 156 may also be movably mounted.

[0089] Those skilled in the art will appreciate that using monitoring of fluorescence, optical, and heat transfer conditions on the same surface 20 can help diagnose the nature of deposits, the stage or level of deposits, and the rate of deposit formation, particularly biofilms. Analysis of this information can further help construct effective treatment plans to reduce or eliminate the formation of such deposits. The use of three technical areas reduces the interference that can result from using a single technology. In addition, acquiring data at multiple data points can improve the reliability of detection, identification, and processing.

[0090] Optical cameras and image analysis techniques can be used to identify deposits resulting from general deposits, fouling, corrosion, and microbial changes on the surface 20 through contrast changes, color and color variations, surface texture, and coverage monitoring and accumulation outputs, particularly relative to an initial starting point. Fluorescence monitoring of the same area can help identify biofouling, i.e., the biomass / biofilm portion of the deposit. As described above, data regarding heat transfer resistance can further refine the analysis, particularly when either or both the fluorescence and optical signals are positive. An analysis based on a combination of the three different types of inputs can be used to determine the basic properties of deposits on the surface 20 of the substrate 18, representative of deposits that may be generated in the fluid treatment system 10. For example, in at least one embodiment, when both the optical signal and fluorescence monitoring results are positive, this indicates biofouling or biofouling and fouling. In at least one embodiment, if the optical signal is positive but the fluorescence monitoring is negative and no corrosion is observed, this indicates a general deposit or fouling control issue. In at least one embodiment, if the optical signal is positive and brown deposits are observed, this may indicate a corrosion issue, where the deposits may not be affected by the chemical treatment cycle. When either or both the optical signal and fluorescence are positive, the heat transfer data can be further refined by determining the effect of accumulation on heat transfer and by classifying the type of accumulation (e.g., mineral or biofilm); determination of transfer resistance aids in thickness estimation.

[0091] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, data used to determine heat transfer resistance (including readings from any or all of sensors 44, 46, 48, 50 and flow meter 17) along with fluorescence data from fluorometer 54 and optical images from camera 56 can be used to assess deposits and apply appropriate chemical treatments from source 80 (such as a tank). This information can further be used to develop or adjust a chemical treatment regimen for the larger fluid treatment system 10.

[0092] Heat transfer resistance can be used to detect, characterize, and quantify corrosion. U.S. Publication No. 2018 / 0024031, incorporated herein for all purposes, discloses the use of an imaging system to monitor corrosion on a metal substrate. In the system 14 for analyzing deposits disclosed herein, heat transfer resistance can be used to detect microbiologically induced corrosion (MIC) and sub-deposit corrosion on a heated metal substrate. By way of example only, MIC corrosion on a mild steel substrate will appear as dark spots or dark areas on the metal substrate due to corrosion products. Collecting a sequence of substrate images over time allows tracking the detection of MIC signatures and activity levels, i.e., the rate of change of MIC signature areas. This provides an indication of the level of corrosion and whether the treatment procedure has suppressed the corrosion rate. However, due to biofilms and / or scaling coatings on the substrate surface, the details of the impact and classification of corrosion (e.g., local versus general) may not be obvious. By applying an in-situ chemical treatment procedure (e.g., acid, bleach, etc.) to the substrate surface 20 to remove surface deposits, a clear image of the surface 20 can be captured. If corrosion is present, surface defects, such as pits, can be detected in the image. Corrosion is then classified as localized or general based on area coverage. Typically, corrosion features covering more than 50% of the substrate area are classified as general. Furthermore, an estimated corrosion rate can be determined based on the time the substrate is exposed to a representative fluid prior to cleaning. While corrosion rates are typically determined by weight loss, in the disclosed system, rates can be inferred from image data.

[0093] refer to Figure 3 , data from sensors 44, 46, 48 and flow meter 17, as well as data from fluorometer 54 and images from camera 56 at multiple locations along substrate 18 are provided to a control system 70. Control system 70 includes at least one controller 72 and may include a user interface 74 and additional analytical software and hardware, a server or cloud system 76, and a fluid handling system process controller 78.

[0094] Usually by Figure 3 A control system 70, indicated by arrows in FIG, may operate to control certain aspects of the system for analyzing sediments 14. The control system 70 may be a stand-alone system that may communicate with one or more systems that control aspects of the fluid treatment system 10, or may control aspects of the fluid treatment system 10.

[0095] The control system 70 may include components at the system for analyzing sediments 14 and may also include components located remotely from the system for analyzing sediments 14. As a result, the functionality of the control system 70 may be distributed such that certain functions are performed at the system for analyzing sediments 14, while other functions are performed remotely, such as at a remote operations center. The control system 70 may include a communication system including a wireless communication system and a wired communication system for transmitting signals between the components.

[0096] The control system 70 may include an electronic control module or controller 72 that may receive various input signals from the components of the system for analyzing sediments 14, as well as information from the fluid treatment system 10 via a wireless communication system, a wired communication system, the control system, and sensors associated with the system for analyzing sediments 14, or from any other source. The control system 70, including the controller 72, may control the operation of and provide input to various aspects of the system for analyzing sediments 14, including specific tasks and operations performed by the components of the system for analyzing sediments 14.

[0097] The controller 72 may be an electronic controller that operates in a logical manner to perform operations, execute control algorithms, store and retrieve data, and other required operations. The controller 72 may include or access memory, auxiliary storage devices, a processor, and any other components used to run applications. The memory and auxiliary storage devices may be in the form of read-only memory (ROM) or random access memory (RAM) or integrated circuits accessible to the controller. Various other circuits may be associated with the controller 72, such as power supply circuits, signal conditioning circuits, driver circuits, and other types of circuits.

[0098] Controller 72 can be a single controller or can include more than one controller, and it is arranged to control the various functions and / or features of control system 70.Term " controller " is intended to be used in the broadest sense, to include one or more controllers and / or microprocessors, they can be associated with the system 14 for analyzing sediment and can cooperate to control the various functions and operations at fluid treatment system 10.The functions of controller 72 can be implemented in hardware and / or software and have nothing to do with the functions.Controller 72 can rely on one or more data maps and the characteristics and capabilities of the components of the system 14 for analyzing sediment and fluid treatment system 10 that can be stored in the memory of the controller.Each of these data maps can include a data set in the form of a table, a chart, an equation and / or historical data.

[0099] The control system 70 can be configured to control the operation of the motor 64 to control the position of the fluorometer 54 and the camera 56 along the conduit 16, as well as the operation of the fluorometer 54 and the camera 56. The control system 70 can be further configured to control or adjust the cleaning or chemical treatment regimen of either or both of the fluid treatment system 10 and the system for analyzing sediments 14.

[0100] The user interface 74 can be used to control and monitor various aspects of the system 14 for analyzing sediments, as well as other functions that will become apparent upon reading the further discussion below. The user interface 74 can be used, for example, to directly control the number of images acquired, as well as the frequency with which the fluorometer 54 and camera 56 acquire images. As a further example, the user interface can be used to set the UV dose range of the fluorometer 54. In at least one embodiment, the effective UV dose range for autofluorescence for biofilm monitoring is 0.01 mJ / cm per half hour. 2 -5 mJ / cm 2 The user interface 74 can also be used to control the flow rate of the representative fluid through the system 14 for analyzing sediments by controlling the inlet valve 22 .

[0101] By controlling the UV dose and tracking the fluorescence signal over time, this method provides a means of determining the level of biofouling. For example, the method can include applying a large UV dose outside the standard range to kill bacteria on the surface, then applying a normal UV dose range for biofilm detection, i.e., avoiding quenching, and tracking the signal level to provide an indication of the level of biofouling.

[0102] Via the user interface 74 and / or the controller 72, the control system 70 can be configured to apply various control algorithms to monitor and characterize and quantify biofouling conditions, corrosion, and deposits / scaling. Configuration can also be accomplished via a standalone computer or via a controller controlled by a program. By way of example only, the control system 70 can be configured to characterize the properties of deposits, including biofouling conditions, issue alarms when necessary, initiate or schedule system chemical treatments, and adjust biocide programs for preventative treatments as well as biofilm growth inhibition treatments. The control system 70 can be configured to monitor, characterize and quantify as well as deposition problems, and initiate or adjust deposition control programs. The control system 70 can be further configured to monitor, characterize and quantify corrosion problems, as well as warn of corrosion problems, and initiate or adjust corrosion control programs. The control system 70 can provide control operations and adjustments to the fluid handling system process controller 78, and / or reference Figure 1 , additives are selectively applied to the fluid treatment system 10 .

[0103] Before the monitoring cycle begins and / or after completion, a chemical treatment can be applied to the surface 20. In the illustrated embodiment, a pump 82 can be operated to selectively pump the chemical treatment from the source 80 through the check valve 84 through the line 86. The chemical treatment is a chemical formulated to clean the surface 20 of the substrate 18, sensor surfaces, and deposits on the system 14 typically used to analyze deposits. The chemical treatment can be any suitable chemical treatment and can be determined by the type of fluid handling system 10 involved. By way of example, in at least one embodiment, the chemical treatment can be Nalco DC 14, a chemical product formulated for cleaning sensor and system surfaces.

[0104] Via the user interface 74, the chemical treatment sequence may be initiated and continued for a set time, as scheduled by an operator, or it may be initiated and continued for a set time, as set by an operator or preset by the control system 70. In some embodiments, the chemical treatment sequence may be initiated by the control system 70 when the system 14 for analyzing deposits has identified that the surface 20 has reached a predetermined deposit index level for a defined time period; the operator may preset the details of the deposit index level and the defined time period via the user interface 74.

[0105] The chemical treatment sequence may include, for example, controller 72 shutting off heater relay 41, allowing the representative fluid to continue flowing through conduit 16, and allowing substrate 18 to cool to the temperature of the representative fluid entering system 14 for analyzing deposits, as measured by inlet fluid temperature sensor 46. Controller 72 instructs inlet valve 22 to close, and then, by causing drain valve 26 and outlet valve 32 to open, the representative fluid may be discharged from system 14 for analyzing deposits. Controller 72 may then instruct the closing of drain valve 26 and outlet valve 32. Controller 72 may then operate pump 82 for a period of time, as described above, to pump the chemical treatment from source 80 through check valve 84 and line 86 to conduit 16. The length of time pump 82 is operated may be calibrated to pump the required volume to treat system 14 for analyzing deposits. The chemical treatment then remains within system 14 for a set period of time, as described above, to allow the chemical treatment to react with the deposits. Controller 72 then instructs inlet valve 22 to open, allowing the representative fluid to flush through the chemical treatment and placing system 14 for analyzing deposits back into service. In at least one embodiment, the controller 72 opens the outlet valve 32 to allow the representative fluid to flush the chemical process to the drain 30 .

[0106] A fluorometer 54 and / or camera 56 may additionally be used during the cleaning process. By incorporating the fluorometer 54 and / or camera 56 during the cleaning step, the resulting data can help determine the level of cleanliness on the substrate 18, i.e., "proof of cleanliness." If the level of cleanliness of the substrate 18 after a cleaning cycle is insufficient, the process can be repeated. Tracking the number of cleaning cycles and the length of the cleaning cycles in conjunction with image analysis can be used as a target reference and can provide an indication of the level and type of deposits on the substrate 18. The data collected during the cleaning process can be stored for comparison and / or trending over time.

[0107] The data obtained by the controller 72 can be provided to the user interface 74 or otherwise analyzed by the control system 70 and can be sent to the server 76 independently or via the controller 72, for example, at a schedulable frequency. In addition to data from various sensors within the system, data from the fluorometer 54 and camera 56 can be provided to the controller 72 and other locations within the control system 70. For example, in at least one embodiment, biofilm detection is obtained using Ex280 and Em340 nm. In at least one embodiment, it has been determined that the signal from the fluorometer 54 is proportional to the general bacterial concentration. In addition, the control system 70 can analyze the optical image provided by the camera 56, which can be compared with optical images captured after the chemical treatment cycle to determine the degree of change per unit time, including the percentage of surface coverage. The control algorithm within the control system 70 can then determine the theoretical biofilm thickness in the sediment detected from the bacterial concentration and percentage of coverage.

[0108] Example 1

[0109] Go to Figure 4 , shows an example of detecting biofilm growth by autofluorescence and optical methods, more specifically, fluorescence and optical fouling indices as a function of time. The fluorescence signal shows the dynamics of biofilm growth on the heater surface, while digital image analysis shows a relatively stable accumulation. In this example, digital image analysis involves illuminating the surface with white light, capturing the image, and integrating the image for overall intensity, thereby reducing the image to a single point. In this example, the fluorescence method detected biofilm growth approximately 18 hours earlier than the optical method. Trends derived from the image analysis indicate that deposits form on the substrate surface and increase over time. The fluorescence measurements provide classification of the deposit as a biofilm.

[0110] Example 2

[0111] Go to Figure 5, shows an example of biofilm growth detected by autofluorescence, compared to surface heat transfer resistance. The fluorescence signal reveals the dynamics of biofilm growth on the heater surface, while the heat transfer resistance shows a relatively delayed response, as it depends on the type, thickness, and surface coverage of the deposit. In this example, the fluorescence method reliably detects biofilm growth before growth affects heat transfer efficiency. Autofluorescence reveals more dynamics of biofilm growth conditions on the monitored surface.

[0112] Example 3

[0113] Go to Figure 6 , shows an example of biofilm growth and is compared with bacterial bioactivity, more specifically, fluorescence and bacterial ATP measurements as a function of time. Biofilm growth is detected by T1 fluorescence, and bioactivity is determined by measuring bacterial ATP. The free ATP measurements on the surface of the isolated specimens are consistent with the biofilm growth shown in this figure. ATP levels are expressed as relative light units (RLU) using Hygiena's Ultrasnap system (Hygiena, ATP test product ASY0093 US 2020 Ultrasnap for surface ATP testing, 2018).

[0114] Example 4

[0115] Go to Figure 7 , shows an example of biofilm growth (T1 fluorescence) and bacterial counts, more specifically, fluorescence and total bacterial counts as a function of time. The total viable bacteria (TVC) count is determined from a sample on the isolated specimen surface. The bacterial population on the specimen surface is sampled and counted using a plating technique. 3M Petrifilm is used for total aerobic bacterial counts (3MPetrifilm aerobic counting plates, distributed by Lab Media, product number Part#LR11001). It was found that the growth of total bacteria on the specimen surface was very correlated with the biofilm growth on the heater surface monitored by autofluorescence, as shown in this figure.

[0116] Example 5

[0117] Go to Figure 8, shows an example of biofilm growth dynamics in mixed sediments, more specifically, fluorescence and sediment accumulation index as a function of time. Biofilm growth is detected by T1 fluorescence, and changes in mixed sediments are determined by the sedimentation index. The sedimentation index can be an index generated by the output difference between the paired sensor outputs of a clean sensor and a fouled sensor relative to the output of the clean sensor at a given time. Biofilm growth on a surface depends on many factors. In this experiment, no treatment for scaling, corrosion, or microbial growth was performed in the cooling water. Under cooling water operating conditions, the accumulation process is natural for both biofouling and scaling. As shown in the figure, fluorescence decreases as the conditions of the surface sediment change.

[0118] Example 6

[0119] Go to Figure 9 , shows an example of changes in biofilm fluorescence and turbidity as a result of biocide treatment. More specifically, biofilm fluorescence, biocide treatment, and water turbidity are shown as functions of time. Autofluorescence from the biofilm is used to assess biocide effectiveness. As shown, biofilm fluorescence decreases significantly when biocide dose 1 is applied. This confirms that the biofilm is disrupted and released from the surface due to the increase in cooling water turbidity. As shown in the figure, fluorescence decreases further as more biocide is dosed.

[0120] It should be understood that the foregoing description provides examples of the disclosed systems and techniques. However, it is contemplated that other embodiments of the present disclosure may differ in detail from the foregoing examples. All references to the present disclosure or its examples are intended to reference the specific example being discussed at the time and are not intended to imply any limitation on the scope of the present disclosure more generally. All distinctions and derogatory language with respect to certain features are intended to indicate a lack of preference for those features, but not to exclude those features from the scope of the present disclosure entirely, unless otherwise indicated.

[0121] Recitation of ranges of values ​​herein are merely intended to serve as a shorthand method of referring individually to each separate value falling within the range, unless otherwise indicated herein, and each separate value is incorporated into the specification as if it were individually recited herein. All methods described herein can be performed in any suitable order unless otherwise indicated herein or clearly contradicted by context.

[0122] Unless otherwise indicated herein or clearly contradicted by context, the terms "a," "an," "the," "at least one," and similar referents used in the context of describing the invention (especially in the context of the following claims) should be understood to cover both the singular and the plural. Unless otherwise indicated herein or clearly contradicted by context, the term "at least one" used after a list of one or more items (e.g., "at least one of A and B") should be interpreted to refer to one item (A or B) or any combination of two or more of the listed items (A and B) selected from the listed items.

[0123] Accordingly, this disclosure includes all modifications and equivalents of the subject matter recited in the claims appended hereto as permitted by applicable law. Furthermore, this disclosure encompasses any combination of the above-described elements in all possible variations thereof unless otherwise indicated herein or clearly contradicted by context.

Claims

1. An apparatus configured to provide data for analyzing deposits within a fluid treatment system (10) having a system surface, the apparatus comprising: a length of conduit (16) adapted to be fluidly coupled to the fluid handling system (10) to receive a representative fluid flow from the fluid handling system (10) through the length of conduit (16); a substrate (18) disposed within the conduit (16), the substrate (18) having a surface (20) configured to contact the representative fluid stream, the substrate (18) representing a system surface within the fluid handling system (10); a temperature changing element (40) configured to change the temperature of the substrate (18); at least one temperature sensor (44) configured to measure heat transferred through the substrate (18); Characterized in that the device further comprises: at least one fluorometer (54) configured to monitor fluorescence of the deposit on the surface (20) of the substrate (18) at a plurality of fluorometer (54) locations; and at least one camera (56) arranged to provide an optical image of the surface (20) of the substrate (18) at a plurality of camera positions; Data from one or more of the at least one temperature sensor (44), the at least one fluorometer (54), and the at least one camera (56) is thereby provided for use in analyzing the deposit.

2. The apparatus (14) of claim 1, wherein at least one of a plurality of cameras (56) is provided at the plurality of camera positions, and a plurality of fluorometers (54) is provided at the plurality of fluorometer positions.

3. The apparatus (14) of claim 2, wherein the plurality of cameras (56) are provided at the plurality of camera positions and the plurality of fluorometers (54) are provided at the plurality of fluorometer positions.

4. The apparatus (14) of claim 1 , wherein the at least one camera (56) is movably mounted to provide optical images of the surface (20) of the substrate (18) at the plurality of camera positions, and the at least one fluorometer (54) is movably mounted to monitor fluorescence of the surface (20) of the substrate (18) at the plurality of fluorometer positions.

5. The apparatus (14) of claim 4, further comprising at least one motor (64) adapted to move at least one of the cameras (56) to the plurality of camera positions and to move the at least one fluorometer (54) to the plurality of fluorometer positions.

6. The apparatus (14) of claim 1, comprising a plurality of temperature sensors, the plurality of temperature sensors comprising at least one of a substrate temperature sensor (44), an ambient temperature sensor (50), a representative fluid inflow temperature sensor (46), and a representative fluid outflow temperature sensor (48).

7. The apparatus (14) of claim 1, further comprising a fluidly coupled chemical treatment supply (80) to selectively supply a chemical treatment flow to the substrate (18).

8. The apparatus (14) of claim 1, wherein the conduit (16) includes an inner surface, the inner surface including the substrate (18), and wherein at least a portion of the conduit (16) is transparent.

9. The apparatus (14) according to any one of claims 1 to 8, further comprising a control system (70), the control system comprising at least one controller (72), the controller (72) being configured to receiving data from the at least one temperature sensor (44), the at least one fluorometer (54), and the at least one camera (56), determining a level of heat transfer resistance through the substrate (18) based on heat transfer data received from the at least one temperature sensor (44), and At least one of a property of the deposit and a level of the deposit is determined based on at least one of fluorescence data from the at least one fluorometer (54), an optical data image received from the at least one camera (56), and heat transfer resistance.

10. The apparatus (14) of claim 9, wherein the controller (72) is further configured to perform at least one of the following: issuing an alarm when at least one of a threshold type and a level of deposits of the threshold type and a preset type and a level of deposits of the preset type are identified on the surface (20) of the substrate (18), initiating a chemical treatment when at least one of a threshold type and a level of deposits of the threshold type and a preset type and a level of deposits of the preset type are identified on the surface (20) of the substrate (18), and At least one of a biocide program for preventative treatment, a biofilm inhibition treatment program, and a deposit and scale control program is adjusted based on data received from at least one of the at least one temperature sensor (44), the at least one fluorometer (54), and the at least one camera (56) and at least one of the identified threshold type and level of deposits of the threshold type and a preset type and level of deposits of the preset type.

11. A method of characterizing deposits within a fluid treatment system (10), the fluid treatment system having a system surface, the method comprising: providing a representative fluid flow from the fluid handling system (10) to a surface (20) of a substrate (18) representative of a system surface within the fluid handling system (10); providing a temperature change condition to an opposing surface (42) of the substrate (18); measuring the resistance to heat transfer through the substrate (18) to the representative fluid; It is characterized in that The method further comprises: monitoring fluorescence of the surface (20) of the substrate (18); acquiring an optical image of the surface (20) of the substrate (18); and wherein monitoring fluorescence and acquiring an optical image of the surface (20) of the substrate (18) comprises at least one of monitoring fluorescence of the surface (20) of the substrate (18) at a plurality of locations and acquiring an optical image of the surface (20) of the substrate (18) at a plurality of locations; At least one of a nature and a level of deposits on the surface (20) of the substrate (18) is characterized based on at least one of the monitored fluorescence, the optical image, and the heat transfer resistance.

12. The method of characterizing deposits in a fluid treatment system (10) according to claim 11, wherein Providing the representative fluid flow from the fluid handling system (10) includes providing the representative fluid flow to a conduit (16) including the substrate (18), Providing the representative fluid flow from the fluid treatment system (10) includes providing a representative fluid flow that simulates shear stress experienced by the fluid within the fluid treatment system (10), Providing the temperature change condition to the opposing surface (42) includes providing a temperature change condition that simulates a temperature condition representative of a temperature experienced by the system surface within the fluid handling system (10).

13. A method for characterizing deposits within a fluid handling system (10) according to claim 11, wherein the method includes characterizing the nature and the level of the deposits on the surface (20) of the substrate (18) based on at least one of the monitored fluorescence, the optical image and the heat transfer resistance.

14. The method of characterizing deposits within a fluid treatment system (10) according to claim 11, wherein Measuring the resistance to heat transfer through the substrate (18) to the representative fluid comprises measuring at least one of an ambient temperature, a temperature of the representative fluid flowing to the substrate (18), a temperature of the surface (20) of the substrate (18), and a temperature of a temperature changing element (40), monitoring the fluorescence comprises at least one of moving a fluorometer (54) to a plurality of fluorometer positions along the substrate (18) and measuring the fluorescence of the surface (20) of the substrate (18) at the plurality of fluorometer positions, and acquiring measured fluorescence with a plurality of fluorometers (54) disposed at the plurality of fluorometer positions, and Acquiring the optical image includes moving the camera (56) to a plurality of camera positions along the substrate (18) and acquiring at least one of optical images of the surface (20) of the substrate (18) at the plurality of camera positions, and acquiring the optical image includes acquiring the optical image from the plurality of cameras (56) at the plurality of camera positions.

15. The method of characterizing deposits within a fluid treatment system (10) according to claim 14, comprising at least one of the following: issuing an alarm when at least one of a threshold type and level of deposits and a preset type and level of deposits is identified on the surface (20) of the substrate (18), initiating a chemical treatment when at least one of a threshold type and level of deposits and a preset type and level of deposits is identified on the surface (20) of the substrate (18), adjusting at least one of a biocide program, a biofilm inhibition treatment program, and a deposit and scale control program for preventative treatment based on data received from at least one of the at least one temperature sensor (44), the at least one fluorometer (54), and the at least one camera (56) and the type and level of identified deposits, and The surface (20) of the substrate (18) is mechanically cleaned when at least one of a predetermined type of deposit and a predetermined level of deposit is determined.

Images