System and method for measuring scale deposition including a tuning fork for use in the system and the method

Abstract

A system and a method for measuring scale deposition in a process system are provided. Also, a tuning fork used as a sensor for measuring scale deposition and the process that is used with the system and method are also set forth. The tuning fork detects vibrations which have a virtually linear relationship with the scale deposition on the tuning fork. The change in frequency of vibration is, therefore, measured and may be monitored and used to change a signal which, in turn, may run or control a pump for adding necessary components, such as anti-scalant products, to the process stream. The resulting measurement is conducted in real time and, therefore, scale formation in a mineral processing system or other system in which the tuning fork is implemented may also be conducted in real time.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.