What Exactly Is Biocide?

Biocide is a treatment chemical that is designed to stop the growth of microbial. Uncontrolled growth in microbial populations can cause a range of issues, such as health risks, biofilm formation, chemical breakdown and heat transfer losses. the restriction of flow, and even under deposit corrosion.

It is essential that the right biocidal treatment process is in place and regular checks are carried out in order to make sure that the microbial populace in a range of systems including drinking water and down water services, closed circuits, process waters as well as recreational water systems and open cooling systems are in check.

The control of microbial growth is usually achieved by ensuring systems are cleaned upon starting up and as often as needed to avoid contamination of the system and by dosing with a biocide either on a continuous basis or through a program of shock doses.

Biocide types

There are two kinds of biocides: oxidising and non-oxidising. Bromine, chlorine dioxide and hydrogen peroxide are examples of biocides that are oxidising. Non-oxidising biocides include bronopol, quaternary ammonium compound, THPS, DBNPA and Gluteraldehyde.

When choosing a IRO Biocide to use in a process, whether as biocidal flush biocide maintenance dose biocide, or a shock dose biocide, a range of factors need to be taken into consideration, including contact time as well as temperature, concentration as well as pH, compatibility, efficacy against microbes present in the system and cost-effectiveness. The technical department can assist in selecting the best biocide.

Biocide that oxidizes

Oxidising biocides are generally used at lower concentrations than non-oxidising biocides , and their use is more cost effective.

One of our most important chemicals is Ultralox 40'" a exclusive active chlorine solution that rapidly eliminates waterborne bacteria in addition to breaking down the biofilms which house the pathogens within water systems . Ultralox 40'" is highly effective against planktonic as well as sessile microorganisms. It can be used in water hygiene applications and pipework treatment to swiftly get rid of Legionella. Pseudomonas and other microbes.

Chlorine dioxide

The outstanding broad-spectrum oxidising chemical chlorine dioxide can be used for a broad variety of applications. It is used for disinfection and sanitisation and water treatment. Chlorine dioxide is 2.5x more efficient than chlorine in oxidizing , and has a shorter contact time. Chlorine dioxide is efficient in alkaline conditions (pH <10) whereas biocide such as sodium hypochlorite lose activity quickly as the pH rises and are not suitable for use at pH >8. The main advantage of chlorine dioxide is its capability to destroy biofilm, which is unlike other biocides.

Chlorine dioxide is not a common chemical that does not interact with water treatment chemicals or nitrogen compounds like ammonia, and organic substances that naturally occur like organic acids.

Chlorine dioxide has been widely endorsed for a variety of applications, for treatment of potable water, hospital water systems and food process sanitation.

The most commonly used solutions for the generation chlorine dioxide through the chlorine dioxide generator include BV19, BV123. There are many other strengths available for this purpose. Contact our technical department for further details.

Biocide that is non-oxidising

Constant use of just one biocide that is non-oxidising could result in the establishment of a resistant flora within the water system being treated. This can lead to microbiological fouling within the water system. Regularly changing the non-oxidizing biocides in closed cooling systems as well as open systems is a common solution to this issue.

Biodispersants

Biodispersants don't harm organisms, but they disintegrate any deposits of microorganisms allowing the biocides to target organisms more efficiently. They also prevent microorganisms from attaching to metal surfaces.

The Biocidal Products Regulation (BPR), Regulation (EU) 528/2012 is one of the main driving factors for the availability and future availability of biocidal products in water treatment. Our regulatory experts ensure that our customers and we are in compliance with all laws.