Experimental development of a scale detection prototype based on optical sensors

The accumulation of calcium salts in industrial pipelines poses a risk of permanent and premature damage to equipment. These deposits not only reduce pipeline efficiency but, by acting as thermal insulators, also decrease boiler performance. In industrial processes, it is therefore necessary to monitor scale formation in conduits to ensure proper maintenance.

The objective of this SEP project is twofold. First, to propose a hardware architecture based on optical sensors to detect scale formation in water pipes, and second, to demonstrate in the laboratory, through an experimental prototype, the feasibility of this approach.