Detection method for surface deposits - uses differential heat flow measurement in comparison with reference surface

摘要

The detection and measurement of deposits, such as scale or wax on different types of surfaces, is determined by thermal measurements on a test sample compared with a reference. This procedure is sensitive enough to detect deposits without having to wait until they effect operation of a system. A test and a reference surface are submitted to a fluid environment and are subjected to heat flow in a known relationship. The transfer of heat between the surfaces and their fluid environments is compared. Heat flow is applied differentially to decrease difference in temp. of the fluid. These measurements are then used to determine their effect on deposit formation.