If you’ve ever swam in a natural body of water, you may be familiar with the slimy greenish-brown scum that accumulates on most submerged objects. Water is full of bacteria, viruses, algae, and other microorganisms.  

Just like pond scum, the inside of industrial systems containing water is susceptible to organic growth. This undesirable growth, known as biofouling, can clog water flow and decrease efficiency. For this reason, biofouling prevention treatment is critical.  

Biocide Treatment  

Traditionally, a common practice for preventing biofouling has been to add biocides or antimicrobial chemicals to the water that is being flushed through the system. Antimicrobial chemicals are substances that excel at slowing the spread of or killing fungi, bacteria, and viruses, and are used in treatments for: 

• Cooling water systems 
• Industrial water tanks 
• Heat exchangers 
• & more 

However, different microorganisms respond differently to certain biocides/antimicrobials, so it is important to understand our enemy. Listed below are three factors that’ll determine which chemical you should use for preventing biofouling in your industrial water system: 

1. The level of bioactivity 
2. The pH 
3. The temperature of the water 

While your answers to the above factors will determine the type of biocide you use, they’ll also determine the frequency with which you apply the biocide. 

Here are a few examples of common chemicals used as a biocide:  

• Chlorine   
• Chlorine Dioxide  
• Chloramines  
• Potassium Ferrate  
• Ozone  
• Iodine  
• Hydrogen Peroxide  
• Peracetic Acid  
• Sodium Bisulphite  
• Formaldehyde  
• Glutaraldehyde  
• Quaternary Ammonium  

Not all the chemicals listed above will work in every setting. Sometimes certain chemicals can create harmful byproducts, are unstable unless produced on-site, or may be destructive to certain industrial materials. For example, certain chloramines cannot be used for wastewater treatment because they may create carcinogens and are destructive to certain filtering membranes.   

Alternative Biofouling Prevention Treatments  

Luckily, there are alternative biofouling treatments that don’t involve high risks to human and environmental health. Here is a list of safer and greener treatments used to prevent biofouling in industrial settings:  

UV Radiation 

Though not a chemical additive, UV irradiation has also been used as a disinfectant in water treatment. UV exposure works by splitting some of the water molecules to create hydroxyl radicals (unstable “half-molecules”), which can split up bigger organic molecules and inhibit microbial growth by damaging their DNA.  

However, the efficiency of UV irradiation depends on the density of biomass and the ability to expose all the water, making it an expensive solution  

Nutrient Limitation  

Certain microorganisms feed on chemicals such as phosphorus and phosphate. Removing those chemicals from the water, using absorbents or electrochemical coagulation, may reduce the potential for fouling.  

Interruption of QS Signals  

Microorganisms use quorum sensing (QS) to communicate with each other. Several chemicals, including vanillin, furanone, and acylase can interrupt these signals, and deter microbial growth.  

Membrane Surface Modifications   

Sometimes the best method of controlling biofouling is to make changes to the surfaces which accumulate the most debris. This could mean making the membranes out of a blended polymer, coating the surface in a hydrophobic sealant, or including antimicrobial additives in the material.  

Looking for an Industrial-Grade Biofouling Prevention Treatment?  

Ecolink is ready to help you solve your biofouling problem before it even starts! Contact us today to learn what treatments may work best for you! 

Water is used often as a cheap, plentiful, and effective coolant in industrial settings. However, pumping large quantities through commercial equipment can often lead to the build-up of bacteria, fungi, and other organisms, particularly if the water comes from a natural source. 

To keep the system working efficiently and protect the health of the system and the people working with it, the water must be cleaned. Controlling the accumulation of organic material often comes down to the use of biocides for water cooling. 

Examples of BiocidesUsed in Water Cooling 

The most common method of controlling bacteria and other microorganism growth is through halogenation, which involves the introduction of chlorine or bromine. These compounds and their derivatives oxidize certain organic compounds, thus killing the organisms. However, other biocides used include: 

• Chloramines 
• Potassium Ferrate 
• Ozone 
• Hydrogen Peroxide 
• Iodine 
• Peracetic acid 
• Ammonium 

These compounds may be administered individually or in a biocide mix designed for the specific conditions of certain water cooling systems. It is important to understand the organisms you are targeting, but also the materials your cooling system is made of in order to choose the right biocide and dosage. 

Why Is Biocide Needed? 

Without proper management, excess organisms can cause damage and reduce the efficiency of water cooling. Active microorganisms in coolant water can cause corrosion to occur, with organic chemicals eating away at the structure, which is a safety concern.  

Additionally, microorganisms can accumulate on the metal membranes that transfer heat, in a layer known as a biofilm. This coating, which is usually soft and squishy, acts as an insulator and prevents heat from moving between the metal and the water, just like how a kitchen towel prevents your hand from burning when removing a hot plate from the microwave. Removing the biofilm layer is important for effective heat transfer.  

Interested in Biocides for Water Cooling? 

Whether it be a pure oxidizing agent, or a specialized blend specifically designed for water cooling systems, Ecolink provides many industrial solutions. If you find yourself in need of biocides or are simply curious about how to best protect your water cooling system, please reach out to us today!