Biofilm, or the slick, slimy layer of microorganisms that can form on any surface, can cause real problems for cooling towers. Whether it blocks the flow of water or hinders the exchange of heat, it is important to explore methods to biofilm.
Examples of Biocides for Cooling Towers
The most common and cost-effective method of removing biofilm in cooling towers is using biocides. Biocides come in two main types: non-oxidizing biocides and oxidizing biocides.
Oxidizing biocides, which work by destabilizing the exterior molecules of the cells by removing electrons, are among the most commonly used. Some examples of these chemicals include:
- Cl2 (gas)
- NaOCl
- Calcium hypochlorite
- Bromine chloride
- Stabilized bromine
- Hydrogen peroxide
- Ozone (gas)
Chlorine and bromine are used very commonly because of their low cost and high efficiency of oxidation, in part because both elements are highly electronegative, meaning they can easily attract electrons to leave the microorganisms.
Non-oxidizing biocides, which work by disrupting the reproduction and other life functions of microorganisms, might include:
- Thiocyanates
- Glutaraldehyde
- Isothiazolone
- Quaternary ammonium compounds
All of these compounds work best under certain conditions, so it is important to consider the qualities of the cooling tower, and the type of biofilm afflicting it.
Methods of Cleaning Cooling Towers
Beyond the introduction of biocides, there are physical methods of removing biofilm. These include:
- Flushing water quickly through the system
- Electrical currents
- Ultrasound exposure
Flushing the tower with a large amount of water can work to dislodge biofilm and remove any free-floating residue. That is an important aspect because unless they are completely removed, microorganisms can grow back exponentially.
Running an electrical current through a water-based infrastructure may seem far-fetched, but even a small voltage can have an impact on microorganisms. While small voltages do not typically kill existing organisms, they will prevent them from reproducing, which ultimately prevents greater accumulation.
Ultrasound technology is increasingly used in cleaning processes because of its ability to create bubbles. When ultrasound waves penetrate a liquid, it creates negative spaces, which then quickly collapse into themselves, creating an abrasive effect, which can help dislodge biofilm from cooling tower membranes. However, it is difficult to effectively submit all areas of a cooling tower to the same level of ultrasound, so this method may be used in conjunction with another.
Interested in Removing Biofilm?
While biocide may not be the only method of interest, the means to remove biofilm from cooling towers requires chemical expertise. If you are looking to introduce a new cleaning method to your industrial system, the experts at Ecolink are here to help you along the way. Please don’t hesitate to reach out today!
What Is the Most Commonly Used Paint Remover Chemical?
/in Ecolink News/by Industrial DegreasersThe most utilized paint remover chemical is methylene chloride, also known as dichloromethane. Though effective and relied on by many industries, this chemical is controversial due to its toxicity.
In this blog post, we’ll take a look at the dangers associated with dichloromethane exposure and alternative chemicals for paint removers that aren’t only safer, but greener.
Dangers of Dichloromethane
Some of the main concerns of using paint removers that contain dichloromethane are worker safety and environmental health. Dichloromethane is classified as an air pollutant and has several hazards associated with exposure to this chemical:
Methylene chloride has even been banned in U.S. consumer paint removers and in the EU. It’s no surprise that many companies are beginning to make the switch from traditional hazardous paint remover chemicals to modern products that are much safer, not only for workers but for the environment as well.
One example of such a product is Safe Strip, an environmentally conscious paint and resin solvent that has been formulated to replace hazardous solvents like methylene chloride, benzene, and toluene.
Benefits of Safe Strip
Not only is Safe Strip ideal for those searching to create a safer workspace, but it also gives peace of mind to those who want to contribute less to environmental damage. Because of strict regulations on hazardous chemicals, companies that switch to safer products do not have to worry about multiple regulations or limits on product usage.
Looking to Purchase Safe Strip for Your Business Needs?
You are in the perfect place! Here at Ecolink, we can help you find the ideal chemicals for various applications. You can check out the Safe Strip product page here, or reach out to our staff with any questions to get help finding the best product for your needs.
Where to Find a Non-flammable Paint Remover
/in Ecolink News/by Industrial DegreasersAggressive paint removers tend to have one specific chemical property that may be undesirable to certain individuals or companies: flammability.
Most industries do not necessarily require a non-flammable chemical, but certain industries may desire one in order to create a safer workplace and reduce risks of fire hazards.
When it comes to painting removal, a non-flammable paint remover ensures a lower health risk for workers, especially for those utilizing the chemical around potential sources of ignition or electrical equipment.
Are Most Paint Removing Chemicals Flammable?
Unfortunately, yes.
The most common chemical used in paint removers is methylene chloride—a potentially carcinogenic flammable compound. Methylene chloride is also infamous for its toxicity, even being banned in consumer paint-removing products.
Those looking for a non-flammable paint remover shouldn’t feel discouraged just yet though, as there are many non-flammable options that are highly effective and are environmentally preferable. For example, Safe Strip is an ideal non-flammable paint and resin solvent that carries considerably fewer health hazards and can even replace hazardous solvents like methylene chloride or benzene.
Why Is Safe Strip the Ideal Non Flammable Solvent?
Safe Strip provides a wider range of applications with its non-flammable property, as workers will not have to worry about using the product around most electrical equipment or potential sources of ignition. On top of that, Safe Strip carries numerous desirable qualities:
Interested in Purchasing Non flammable Paint Remover?
If you’re looking for a high-quality, non-flammable paint removal chemical for your business or industrial needs, then Safe Strip may be the right product for you. Reach out to our expert team today to learn if Safe Strip is right for your company, or visit Safe Strip’s product page to learn more.
What Is Biodegradable Paint Remover?
/in Ecolink News/by Industrial DegreasersMost people know that a product labeled as biodegradable is considered an eco-friendly option, but not many know what the term actually means, or the harm that a non-biodegradable product can cause.
In this blog post, we’ll discuss not only what biodegradable means, but also help you find the best industrial-grade biodegradable paint remover for your company’s needs.
What Does it Mean if a Product Is Biodegradable?
If a product is biodegradable, it means that it is usually non-hazardous, can decompose in the environment, and does not accumulate.
Unfortunately, many paint removers contain methylene chloride and other harmful chemicals that may eventually biodegrade but are air pollutants that will contribute to ozone depletion and harm the environment before being decomposed.
Other risks associated with methylene chloride include:
Those searching for a biodegradable and eco-friendly paint remover are most likely searching for a safer option that does not pose as many health risks. Luckily, there are multiple options available that are biodegradable, significantly less toxic, and ensure a safer work environment.
What Are Some Examples of Biodegradable Paint Removers?
A common example that is becoming increasingly popular is acetone-based products, which are usually inexpensive and are not a concern for the environment or humans at normal exposure levels. Another example is soy-based products that are derived from soybean oil and are biodegradable and non-ozone depleting.
Individuals searching for a specifically formulated industrial solvent may be more interested in a product like Safe Strip.
Safe Strip is an environmentally preferred paint and resin solvent that effectively replaces hazardous solvents like methylene chloride and benzene. The benefits of the paint remover highly outweigh the few benefits of hazardous solvents, and include the following:
Interested in Purchasing Safe Strip?
Safe Strip can be purchased from Ecolink, a chemical supplier that offers an array of eco-friendly options that also ensure a safer work environment. If you would like to purchase Safe Strip, reach out to our staff by clicking here!
Where Can I Find a Safe Paint Remover?
/in Ecolink News/by Industrial DegreasersFinding a safe paint remover on the market, whether industrial or commercial, can be surprisingly difficult. Many traditional paint removers contain highly toxic chemicals that do not only have the potential to harm human health but also environmental health.
Luckily, there are several safer, and more eco-friendly options becoming available.
In this blog post, we’ll discuss the risks associated with exposure to the harmful chemicals in traditional paint and varnish removers, and where you can find a safer paint remover product for your company’s industrial needs.
Dangers of Traditional Paint Removers
Many traditional paint removers are highly toxic. This is mostly because of the fact that most paint removers contain harmful chemicals as active ingredients, such as dichloromethane.
Dichloromethane, also known as methylene chloride, is easily the most common active ingredient in these products. This chemical is a volatile halogenated solvent that possesses serious health and environmental risks, such as:
Dichloromethane use harms the environment and puts industrial workers at serious risk for various health issues.
Though effective and still widely used in the U.S., the chemical is banned in many countries, in the EU, and by the EEA trading members. Many companies are beginning to search for safer options that are eco-friendly and ensure a safer work environment.
Luckily, new products are now available that not only effectively replace hazardous paint removers, but pose significantly fewer health and environmental risks.
What Is an Example of a Safe Paint Stripper?
There are a few environmentally conscious options available to those searching for a safe paint remover.
Some examples are acetone or methyl soyate-based removers, which are significantly less toxic than traditional removers. An ideal option for those searching for a safe industrial paint removing the solvent is also Safe Strip.
What Makes Safe Strip Safe?
Safe Strip is an environmentally conscious paint and resin solvent that effectively replaces hazardous solvents like dichloromethane and benzene.
The solvent possesses many beneficial characteristics:
Looking to Buy Safer Paint Removers for Industrial Use?
Companies no longer have to choose between the quality of paint removers and the safety of their workers. If you are looking to purchase Safe Strip for your industrial or business needs, reach out to the Ecolink staff here today!
Best Ways to Remove Biofilm from Cooling Towers
/in Ecolink News/by Industrial DegreasersBiofilm, or the slick, slimy layer of microorganisms that can form on any surface, can cause real problems for cooling towers. Whether it blocks the flow of water or hinders the exchange of heat, it is important to explore methods to biofilm.
Examples of Biocides for Cooling Towers
The most common and cost-effective method of removing biofilm in cooling towers is using biocides. Biocides come in two main types: non-oxidizing biocides and oxidizing biocides.
Oxidizing biocides, which work by destabilizing the exterior molecules of the cells by removing electrons, are among the most commonly used. Some examples of these chemicals include:
Chlorine and bromine are used very commonly because of their low cost and high efficiency of oxidation, in part because both elements are highly electronegative, meaning they can easily attract electrons to leave the microorganisms.
Non-oxidizing biocides, which work by disrupting the reproduction and other life functions of microorganisms, might include:
All of these compounds work best under certain conditions, so it is important to consider the qualities of the cooling tower, and the type of biofilm afflicting it.
Methods of Cleaning Cooling Towers
Beyond the introduction of biocides, there are physical methods of removing biofilm. These include:
Flushing the tower with a large amount of water can work to dislodge biofilm and remove any free-floating residue. That is an important aspect because unless they are completely removed, microorganisms can grow back exponentially.
Running an electrical current through a water-based infrastructure may seem far-fetched, but even a small voltage can have an impact on microorganisms. While small voltages do not typically kill existing organisms, they will prevent them from reproducing, which ultimately prevents greater accumulation.
Ultrasound technology is increasingly used in cleaning processes because of its ability to create bubbles. When ultrasound waves penetrate a liquid, it creates negative spaces, which then quickly collapse into themselves, creating an abrasive effect, which can help dislodge biofilm from cooling tower membranes. However, it is difficult to effectively submit all areas of a cooling tower to the same level of ultrasound, so this method may be used in conjunction with another.
Interested in Removing Biofilm?
While biocide may not be the only method of interest, the means to remove biofilm from cooling towers requires chemical expertise. If you are looking to introduce a new cleaning method to your industrial system, the experts at Ecolink are here to help you along the way. Please don’t hesitate to reach out today!