Abstract: A system and method determine a heat exchanger efficiency of a fluid that flows through a heat exchanger included in a working fluid system. Characteristics of a fluid are monitored in real-time as the fluid flows through the flow path of a heat exchanger. A fluid status is determined in real-time that is associated with a plurality of heat exchange parameters of the fluid as the fluid flows through the flow path of the heat exchanger that is determined from the heat exchanger parameters detected by the fluid monitoring device. A corrective action is determined in real-time when the fluid status of the fluid indicates that the corrective action is to be executed to prevent damage to the working fluid system and an assessment is generated of the corrective action that is to be executed based on the heat exchanger parameters detected by the fluid monitoring device.

Abstract: A data plate assembly for installation with a plate heat exchanger. The data plate assembly includes a monitoring device assembled with a spacer plate. The spacer plate includes inlet and/or outlet holes, and a port that extends from an outer edge of the spacer plate to one of the inlet and/or outlet holes. The port retains the monitoring device therein such that the monitoring device extends into the inlet and/or outlet holes to monitor characteristics of the process and cooling fluids flowing through the holes and the plate heat exchanger. As the performance of the plate heat exchanger degrades, the characteristics accumulated over a period of time may provide an indication that the performance of the plate heat exchanger is degrading and/or the rate in which the performance of the plate heat exchanger degrades.