Classification of Fouling Monitoring Techniques

In the list of requirements in Table 15.1, two of these requirements (in situ fouling assessment, foulant composition analysis) are the main difficulties for process-oriented applications. The online, in situ and in real-time analysis of compositions 

Performance measurement Pressure drop, flux, conductivity or turbidity Fouling assessment Online, in situ, non-invasive, foulant composition analysis Information acquirement Real time, representative, accurate, reproducible, automatic Device requirement Reliable, user friendly, robust, low cost  

Level 1 monitoring devices Devices which can detect the kinetics of deposition and changes in thickness of a fouling layer but cannot provide the information of foulant compositions. 

Level 2 monitoring devices Devices which can distinguish between inorganic and organic compositions of a given foulant. 

Level 3 monitoring devices Devices which can provide detailed information about the chemical composition of the foulant or directly address microorganisms. 

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