Chem-Aqua has invested in state-of-the-art research to develop chemical treatments capable of disrupting biofilms; contact us today to find out how to protect your facility from biofilm harm.
The most difficult challenge your cooling water system faces
Bacteria prefer to live in biofilms, which start out microscopic in size, but can grow into visible biofouling deposits in just a matter of DAYS. The biofilm structure protects bacteria from biocide additions, allowing them to form highly sophisticated communities that constantly adapt to become resistant to chemical treatments and mechanical removal.
Biofilms tend to form in hard to reach places. When conditions become unfavourable, they propagate by releasing bacteria into the bulk water to inhabit other surfaces. Multiple survival mechanisms make biofilms incredibly tenacious and difficult to control.
Biofilms also play a key role in the transmission of Legionnaires’ disease by providing a protective environment for Legionella bacteria to grow and multiply.
For more information watch our video on the key roles of biofilms in the amplification of Legionella bacteria and the transmission of Legionnaires’ disease.
Should this be a concern? Yes!
Biofilms and their impact on cooling systems’ performances
Biofilms are much more insulating than calcium carbonate scale or iron oxide, which are traditionally recognised as problematic. For example, a mere 0.1 mm layer of biofilm is 4 times more insulating than an equivalent coating of scale build-up, affecting heat transfer and significantly increasing operational and production costs.
System pipework and mission critical equipment in cooling systems like heat exchangers, chillers, etc. can be seriously damaged by the bacteria growing underneath and within the biofilm layer. The deterioration, called Microbiologically Influenced Corrosion (MIC), is up to 1,000 times more aggressive than normal corrosion decay and is accountable for up to 50% of the total costs of corrosion prevention and treatment to the worldwide economy. Biofilms are extraordinarily tenacious and difficult to remove. Effective control requires specialised expertise and technologies that address the unique, often underestimated challenges associated with biofilm control.
Addressing the biofilm problem with
“Get clean, Keep Clean”Chem-Aqua’s “Get Clean, Keep Clean” program provides the specialised products, equipment and expertise you need to solve difficult biofilm problems. Our patented bioeXile® cleaning solution paired with our award winning bioDART® biofilm monitor is new, cutting-edge technology to clean your cooling water systems and keep them clean.
For more information about our Get Clean, Keep Clean program or to request a free consultation, contact us today!
bioeXile® Biofilm Cleaning Breakthrough
bioeXile works with biocide additions to remove biofilm far more effectively than using biocides alone or with conventional biodispersants.
bioDART Biofouling Monitor provides a sensitive, predictive indicator of the potential to form biofilm that can be used to gauge microbial control and provide an early warning of problems
Understanding the root cause of problems in water systems is the first step to solving them. Chem-Aqua provides custom designed water treatment programmes for your water systems to ensure you don’t lose control of your water treatment.
Chem-Aqua is registered with the Legionella Control Association (LCA); arrange a survey with us today to ensure you’re compliant with the latest legislation to keep your facility and staff protected.
Chem-Aqua has the Solution
Don’t battle against biofilm alone; Chem-Aqua will help you tackle the biofilms plaguing your water systems.