New methods for monitoring scale and corrosion inhibiting water treatment programs have been developed. These new patented methods utilize the measurement of system consumption of actives in the treatment program by fluorescence analysis.'-' The applied dosage of treatment program and the amount of actives available to the system are measured with inert fluorescent tracers added to the treatments.
System consumption of actives is defined as the difference between the amount of actives added and remaining in the system. 2,5- 7 Consumption measurements determine changes in the whole operating system (not a simulated, small portion of the system). Consumption measurements can also be made on individual portions of the system (heat exchangers). Changes in consumption of inhibitors and dispersants can .be related to changes in system operating conditions and performance. Reducing consumption of actives or maintaining consumption within a specified range can be related to optimization of the operation of the cooling system and treatment program.