Fouling Detection Sensor for Fluid Treating Devices
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fouling detection systems for fluid treating devices are unable to determine fouling levels online and during operation, leading to potential damage and increased instability due to delayed detection, and are limited to measuring fouling on heat transfer surfaces, not during the cleaning stage.
Innovation Solution
A fouling detection setup using sensors that measure optical transparency and conductivity, with one sensor located nearby or within exposed surfaces to accurately detect fouling, independent of system operating parameters, allowing for real-time monitoring and efficient cleaning control.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If multiple sensors are used to measure operating parameters (pressure, heat transfer, flow rate), then fouling detection capability is improved, but system instability and failure rate increase
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the fouling detection function from the complex multi-sensor system by using a single sensor positioned to measure only the fouling parameter, separating it from other operating parameters. This single sensor measures fouling directly without being affected by pressure, temperature, or flow rate variations, thus maintaining reliability while achieving accurate fouling detection.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary measurement approach where a single sensor measures fouling as a separate parameter independent of the main operating parameters. This intermediary measurement allows fouling detection without requiring multiple sensors that would otherwise be needed to monitor pressure, heat transfer, and flow rate separately.
2Measurement precision
If fouling detection is based on operating parameters (pressure, heat transfer, flow rate), then fouling can be detected, but detection occurs only when operating parameters are already strongly deteriorated
Solution Approach 1:
The invention implements preliminary action by positioning the sensor to detect fouling at its early stages, before operating parameters are significantly affected. The sensor is placed in a location where fouling accumulates first and can be measured directly, allowing detection and intervention before the fouling impacts pressure, heat transfer, or flow rate performance.
3Measurement precision
If existing fouling detection systems are used, then fouling can be measured, but only during system operation and not during cleaning stage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent achieves universality by designing a sensor system that functions during both operation and cleaning stages. The single sensor positioned to measure fouling directly can detect fouling accumulation during normal operation and also measure the effectiveness of cleaning procedures during CIP, providing continuous fouling measurement across different system states without requiring separate measurement systems.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enables real-time fouling detection and optimal cleaning schedules, reducing downtime and product losses by measuring fouling levels accurately even when minor, and providing robust, easy-to-use monitoring systems for various fluid treating devices.
Implementation Method 1
measuring the optical transparency of a fluid at locations which are chosen such that they are nearby or within exposed surfaces of fluid treating devices and/or internal functional components thereof, which are subjected to fouling
Implementation Method 2
measuring the conductive conductivity of a fluid
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3~4
AI summary
The invention refers to a fouling detection setup (1 ) and method for determining the amount of fouling (5) of surfaces (3) of fluid (6) treating devices (2) and/or internal functional components (4) of such devices, which are exposed to said fluid and are subjected to fouling. Fouling detection setups and methods are useful for monitoring the amount of fouling of surfaces, e.g. heat-transfer surfaces and also for monitoring the cleaning procedure of such fluid treating devices and/or internal functional components of such devices. According to the invention the detection setup (1 ) comprises at least one first sensor (7), with means (9) for measuring the optical transparency T and/or electrical conductive conductivity Q of said fluid (6). The Sensor includes at least one sensitive area (8) that is located nearby and/or within said surfaces (3) and wherein said area is at least temporarily exposed to said fluid (6).