The 3-Omega Method for the Measurement of Fouling Thickness, the Liquid Flow Rate, and Surface Contact.

The 3-omega method is conventionally used for the measurement of thermal conductivity in solid samples. The present work includes the experimental characterization and proof-of-concept measurements of sensor concepts, based on the 3-omega method. It is shown that this method can be used to measure fouling layers with a thickness of 10 to 400 mu m, to conduct the measurement of flow rates with a high precision, and finally, as a simple on-off contact sensor with a fast response time.