Abstract: A system and a method are provided for detecting and monitoring changes in frequency in a process stream. At least one probe is placed in the process stream that is capable of detecting a change in frequency due to a build-up of mass on the probe from scale, corrosion, biofilm or the like in the process stream. A processor receives the signal produced by the probe to produce an output signal indicative of the change in frequency which is proportional to mass detected by the probe. A feeder is capable of feeding a product into the process stream as a result of the detected change in frequency of the probe to combat the mass build-up from scale, corrosion, biofilm or the like in the process stream. The system and method are further capable of measuring anti-scalant, corrosion inhibitor, biocide efficacy and controlling product feed into the process stream based on the determined efficacy.

Abstract: The performance of a treating agent added to a body of water employed in a cooling tower is continuously monitored by real-time analysis of a spectral or chemical characteristic of an inert tracer proportioned to the treating agent, said characteristic being indicative of tracer concentration, and converted to a voltage analog. The voltage analog is compared to a monitor value representing par performance and if performance is nonstandard (nonpar) a signal is generated which alters the output of a pump which feeds the dosage of treating agent containing proportioned tracer.