Algae is a simple plant and only needs a few things to prosper: water, sunlight, and nutrients like carbon, nitrogen, and phosphorus. This simple recipe makes cooling towers an ideal place for algae to set up shop.  

However, accumulation can cause serious problems for the health and efficiency of systems, which is why an understanding of anti-algae chemicals for cooling towers is extremely important. 

Examples of Chemicals Used 

There are many anti-algae chemicals used to deter growth, and to remove that which has already grown. Some of these chemicals include: 

• Carbamates 
• Guanides 
• Isothiazolines 
• Sulfone 
• Quaternary Ammonium 
• Bis(tributyltin) oxide (TBTO) 
• Terbuthylazine (TBZ) 
• Tributyltetradecylphosphonium chloride (TTPC) 

The efficiency of these various chemicals often depends on the conditions of the cooling water. For example, isothiazolines are only effective in mostly acidic to slightly alkaline conditions (pH 6.5-9.0). Also, some of these chemicals are fine to mix with other biocides, such as chlorine, but others may lose effectiveness when used conjointly. For that reason, it is extremely important to look at all of the additives you are using to make sure they will work harmoniously with each other.  

Why Anti-Algae Chemicals Are Important 

Controlling the growth that occurs inside a cooling tower is very important for keeping the system working. Algae buildup can clog nozzles, pipes, pumps, and filters can quickly cause clogging that will prevent the proper flow of water. 

A coating of plant matter can also decrease the efficiency of heat transfer by insulating the cooling membranes. If you’ve ever touched metal on a hot day, then you are probably familiar with metal’s conductive ability, which is part of what makes cooling towers work so well. However, compare that to touching something fluffy or fuzzy, like grass or fabric. Those substances will not feel as hot, showing how they do not transfer heat easily. When algae or other microorganisms coat the metal in a cooling tower, the heat intended to move into the water will be trapped inside.  

Additionally, large growths of algae can lead to the accumulation of Legionella pneumophila, bacteria that thrive on the growth’s byproducts. Legionella is responsible for Legionnaires disease, a serious type of pneumonia that can be contracted by breathing in water droplets or ingesting water that contains the bacteria. While cooling towers are not usually situated near areas with lots of people, these water droplets can travel far, and their design makes the aeration of water easy.  

Interested in Anti-Algae Chemicals? 

Reducing microorganism growth in industrial machinery is extremely important for increasing the efficiency of the system and preventing damage. At Ecolink, we offer many of the chemicals suggested for algae control. For help with this issue, or any other industrial problem you might have, please reach out today!

Proper waste disposal, especially when handling hazardous chemicals, is extremely important to ensure the safety of the environment and all surrounding life. Unfortunately, toxic chemicals are not always disposed of correctly, and sometimes other factors, such as leaks from storage tanks or spills, can lead to the presence of contaminants in the environment.  

One example of an alarming chemical contaminant is trichloroethylene, or TCE, which has been found to contaminate groundwater and drinking water sources in various locations around the U.S.  

In 2015, TCE was found to contaminate the public water systems in 36 states, specifically about 300 water sources. 

What Is Trichloroethylene?

Trichloroethylene is an organic solvent that is mostly used industrially for degreasing metal equipment and machinery. Though its primary use is as a degreasing agent, the chemical is also used in other industrial and commercial applications, such as:  

• Hydrofluorocarbon (HFC) refrigerant manufacturing 
• Extraction solvent in the textile industry  
• Pharmaceutical manufacturing  
• Spot removers 
• Paint remover additive 
• Paint thinner additive 
• Adhesive additive 
• Lubricant additive  

Why Is Trichloroethylene in Drinking Water a Concern? 

TCE in drinking water is alarming because of the negative effects it may cause on a person’s health, particularly when ingested:  

• TCE is a known carcinogen that may cause kidney cancer, liver cancer, or lymphoma.  
• Moderate TCE exposure can cause dizziness, headaches, confusion, nausea, eye irritation, and/or respiratory irritation. 
• High TCE exposure can cause kidney damage, liver damage, neurological damage, permanent cardiac issues, fetal damage, unconsciousness, and even death.  
• The elderly and very young children are the most vulnerable to TCE health effects.  

While TCE usually evaporates quickly out of surface water, it can remain and accumulate in groundwater for years, where it is not able to evaporate. Many companies are now becoming aware of the long-term effects of TCE usage and have begun to switch to more sustainable and environmentally-friendly options.  

Interested in Eco-friendly Industrial Chemicals?  

Ecolink is proud to provide a selection of environmentally conscious, low toxicity chemicals for various industrial applications. Our products will ensure the protection of both workers’ health and the environment—without compromising on quality.  

To browse our wide selection of products, click here. Not sure which chemical is right for your company’s needs? Reach out to us today and one of our expert staff members will be happy to assist you!