Patent ID: 6818417
Filing Date: 2004-11-16
Classification: C12Q,Y10S

Abstract:
A method for locating hidden microbial deposits on water contact surfaces of industrial water systems comprising the steps of:a) providing an industrial water system; b) draining the water from said industrial water system, or in the alternative, from a targeted portion of said industrial water system; c) applying a solution or dispersion of a fluorogenic reagent in water to the water contact surfaces of said industrial water system and allowing said fluorogenic reagent to react with any hidden microbial deposits present, wherein said fluorogenic reagent is selected from the group of fluorogenic reagents that are known to react with microbial deposits such that a fluorescent signal of said fluorogenic reagent is detectable in such a way as to make the detection of the fluorescent signal indicate that there are hidden microbial deposits present on the water contact surfaces of the equipment and piping; d) collecting said solution or dispersion after it has been in contact with the hidden microbial deposits on water contact surfaces of said industrial water system; e) providing means for measurement of the fluorescent signals of said fluorogenic reagent in the collected solution or dispersion; f) using said means for measurement as set forth in step e of said fluorescent signals of said fluorogenic reagent to measure the fluorescent signal of the fluorogenic reagent; and g) using the measured fluorescent signal to determine whether hidden microorganisms deposits are present on the water contact surfaces of the equipment and piping of the industrial water system.