SBIR-STTR Award

Bridger Scientific, Inc. proposed to develop an inexpensive, real time monitor which utilizes proven surface, "heat transfer loss" monitoring techniques to measure both microbial and abiotic fouling on surfaces exposed to coolant seawater. The monitor will be designed as a small insertion probe, capable of being "hot tapped" into existing cooling water pipelines. Real time data generated by the probe will provide a means of monitoring and segregating both microbial and abiotic fouling deposit buildup. The probe will allow a means of simulating both heat transfer surface temperatures and tube/plate materials found in various cooling system heat exchangers. Correlation of probe microbiofouling data due to seawater cooling system fouled surfaces will be determined. The monitor, when utilized within a "feedback loop", with adjustable chemical injection pumps, will be able to accurately monitor and control microbiological and/or scale buildup within cooling water systems under changing water quality and operating conditions.

The development of a compact, accurate and sensitive in-line fouling monitor is critical to the control of detrimental fouling deposits which buildup within most cooling water systems. The objective of this research project is to continue the development of a probe type fouling monitor which can provide the needed information required to maintain the surfaces of cooling water pipelines and heat exchangers in a clean condition. In Phase I, the feasibility of this novel fouling probe was demonstrated. The probe measures fouling using "heat transfer" technology and is designed in such a manner that biological type fouling (biotic) can be differentiated from scaling type fouling (abiotic). Fouling, as measured by the probe, is nearly identical to that as measured by a utility industry standard DATS TM fouling monitor. Phase II will involve further design optimization of the probe with the incorporation of microprocessor based control, display and data logging functionality. Fully functional probes will be evaluated in test installations at both naval and commercial sites. The use of the probe, combined with chemical metering systems, in a feed back loop configuration, will be evaluated for automated control of biotic and/or abiotic fouling. The development of a compact, accurate and sensitive in-line fouling monitor is critical to the control of detrimental fouling deposits which buildup within most cooling water systems. The objective of this research project is to continue the development of a probe type fouling monitor which can provide the needed information required to maintain the surfaces of cooling water pipelines and heat exchangers in a clean condition. In Phase I, the feasibility of this novel fouling probe was demonstrated. The probe measures fouling using "heat transfer" technology and is designed in such a manner that biological type fouling (biotic) can be differentiated from scaling type fouling (abiotic). Fouling, as measured by the probe, is nearly identical to that as measured by a utility industry standard DATS TM fouling monitor.

Benefits:
The fouling probe will allow the end user a simple and inexpensive means of "real-time" monitoring accumulating fouling deposits within operating process loops, pipelines, and cooling water systems. The probe will allow the user a means of both measuring and differentiating between Biotic (microbiofouling, slime) and Abiotic (scaling) type of deposits so that appropriate treatments can be applied. The probe in a "feed-back" control loop will provide a means for automated fouling control.

Keywords:
Fouling Monitor Scaling Monitor Biofouling Sensor Flow Meter Biofilm Chlorination Fouling Control System