inline Differential Scale Loop

Inline measurement of salt deposits on site

inline Differential Scale Loop view from left side

The inline Differential Scale Loop (iDSL) is a specialized instrument for measuring crystalline scale deposition directly at the production site. It can be connected inline to operating systems and is ideally suited for geothermal installations, oil & gas production, and industrial pipeline systems affected by scale formation such as carbonates, sulfates, silicates, phosphates, iron compounds, or even sugar crystallization.

Unlike conventional tube-blocking systems, the iDSL allows true live testing using production fluids — no sampling, transport, or laboratory simulation required.

All important features of inline DSL

Application Areas of inline Differential Scale Loop

The inline Differential Scale Loop can be used both in the laboratory and directly in the field for monitoring aqueous fluids with scaling tendencies

Investigation of geothermal brines or industrial water

Testing of silicate, carbonate, sulfate, and iron scales

Evaluation of scale inhibitors

Warning system for scaling / Long-term online monitoring of scaling tendencies

Quality control of production and industrial systems

Prevention and early detection of crystalline deposits

Mobile, robust, and designed for production environments

Live testing instead of laboratory simulation

The iDSL combines laboratory-grade precision with the robustness required for field deployment. Production fluids at temperatures up to 250 °C and pressures up to 172 bar are fed directly into the system. If required, the fluid is conditioned before entering the test section.

Scale formation is detected at a very early stage by monitoring the pressure increase across the spiral-groove test section. This pressure-based method provides higher sensitivity and reliability than optical techniques and allows the iDSL to be used as an online scale warning system during long-term operation.

This enables precise optimization of inhibitor selection and dosage directly under real operating conditions.

inline Differential Scale Loop view from right side

IN USE WORLDWIDE

Used by Leading Labs

mDSL test capillary with scale

Innovative measurement concept

Direct access to scale deposits

For inline operation, the traditional test capillary has been fundamentally redesigned. Instead of a closed metal capillary, the iDSL uses a pressure-resistant cartridge with a spiral groove machined into a solid metal cone.

This design allows:

  • Direct visual inspection of scale deposits
  • Easy access to the deposited material for further analysis
  • Simple mechanical cleaning after each test

As a result, the iDSL is particularly suitable for hard-to-dissolve scales, such as silicates and phosphates, which are difficult or impossible to handle with conventional systems.

Advanced temperature control

The iDSL features a compact electrical heating system combined with active cooling, allowing fast temperature changes and short turnaround times between tests. This ensures high operational flexibility both in the laboratory and in the field.

Two-pump system with automation options

Third pump for automated tests in the lab

In its standard configuration, the iDSL is equipped with two pumps:

  • One for inhibitor dosing
  • One for brine stabilization or destabilization

This setup supports automated tests and long-term online monitoring.
For laboratory applications, semi-automated test sequences can be performed.
Optionally, a third pump can be added to enable automatic variation of inhibitor concentration during a test.

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Online Demo with inline Differential Scale Loop iDSL

During the product demonstration, you will gain many insights into how it works. You can follow the measuring process live and then discuss your questions with our experts.

The most important facts at a glance

Temperature range +10 .. +180 °C, inlet up to +250 °C
Pressure Range 3.4 .. 45 / 172 bar (49 .. 650 / 2,500 psi)
Flow rate Each pump: 0.1 .. 5 ml/min
total: max. 10 ml/min
Model pipeline Length: 1 m, ID: 0,35 mm,

Data sheet inline DSL

In the product data sheet you will find the exact specification as well as many data and options to help you decide on the inline Differential Scale Loop iDSL.

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WHY PSL?

We set new laboratory standards with our devices

We have been developing, manufacturing and selling innovative laboratory instruments specifically for Flow Assurance for 25 years, setting new standards in the laboratory for professionals. We have been awarded innovation prizes for this. Our export quota of 90 % earned us the Export Oscar of Northern Germany.

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with a user-friendly, high-quality design for simple, correct and safe handling.

LONG LIFETIME MADE IN GERMANY

thanks to the sophisticated and robust design as well as the high-quality materials and manufacturing.

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with our online support, maintenance contracts and on-site service. We guarantee 20 years of repair service.

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