On-Line Measurement of Biofouling at Water Interfaces using Plastic Optical Fibre

摘要

Large diameter, multimode, plastic optical fibre with the cladding removed was used to measure biofouling and scaling at water interfaces by means of evanescent field attenuation. It provides a cheap, easy to handle and rugged throw-away sensor. The performance of the sensor in a European Commission funded project (CLOOPT) to study biofouling and scaling in closed loop water systems such as heat exchangers in the cooling tower of an electric power plant, is summarised. Initial results of studies under a new EC project involving interface sensors for water quality monitoring (AQUA-STEW) are presented, involving biofilm removal and surface cleansing.