Fouling-Monitoring

Development of an ultrasound-based Fouling-Monitoring-Solution for in-situ detection and prediction of scalings and biofilms in geothermal power plants and open cooling circuits

Project partners:

measX GmbH & Co. KG

Z&H Wassertechnik GmbH

Lehrstuhl für Hydrogeologie

Project Description:

The output of geothermal power plants is significantly compromised by fouling occurring in process water piping and heat exchangers. The aim of this project is to develop a monitoring solution, which allows counteractive measures to be implemented via an early warning system. To this end, an innovative, temperature-stable ultrasound sensor network will be devised in order to characterize fouling. In cooperation with the project partners, a software will be created which is able to predict when a critical degree of fouling will be reached, based on the ultrasound data. Thus, preventive and cleaning measures can be taken in a targeted manner at an early stage.

Project start: 01.12.2019

Duration: until 2023

Funding: BMWi ZIM

Person in charge: Isabelle Stüwe