Biofilms.

Biofilms are an extremely resistant group of microorganisms which cause contamination to your water. They adapt perfectly to the environmental conditions, which makes the disinfection process a difficult task.

To find out how biofilms are formed and how they develop check out our previous blog >> https://www.aquachem.ie/blog-2/what-exactly-are-biofilms/

One of the main difficulties in removing biofilms if the fact they can enter a “Viable But Non-Culturable” (VBNC) state – where under stress conditions the bacteria “hibernate”.

When in this state, their metabolic activity is greatly reduced and while the bacteria doesn’t divide they are alive and still have the ability to become culturable once resuscitated.

This state can be thought of as an inactive form of life waiting for revival under suitable conditions, and while in this state they are non-detectable by conventional food and water testing methods – offering a false sense of security believing there are no biofilms in their water.

The formation of biofilms in your water can not only result in corrosion but it can be a health hazard for people in the vicinity due to aerosols carrying microbes, such as legionella. For these reasons it is vital that your water is treated correctly.

Biocide Water Treatment

Chlorine / Chlorine Dioxide

Biocide water treatment is necessary because cooling water in a cooling tower or circuit is often at a temperature which allows microorganisms such as bacteria, fungi and algae – and biofilms –  to thrive. Biofilms can substantially reduce the effectiveness of heat exchangers by acting as an insulating layer as well as cause the other issues mentioned above.

Chlorine (or bleach) is one of the most frequently used biocides for cooling towers, the main advantage being: it’s cheap. While it may be a cheaper option it is certainly not the most effective option and may cost you more in the long run.

Chlorine is an oxidising product and has some serious disadvantage in water treatment. The chlorine in bleach breaks down relatively quickly making their shelf life far from ideal. Chlorine also leaves behind a smell, which can be strong in some situations and can be toxic if too much is put into your system, however the main reason chlorine is not as effective in water treatment is that it does not destroy biofilms

Sanosil

Sanosil disinfectants are based on a unique formulation of hydrogen peroxide stabilized with silver – Where the hydrogen peroxide has enough time to penetrate the biofilm structure and destroy the biofilm.

At first glance using Sanosil appears more expensive, however this is offset by the greater effectiveness and longer-lasting effect of Sanosil.

Unlike chlorine and chlorine dioxide, hydrogen peroxide and silver do not merely oxidise, the silver content has an incredibly strong catalytic effect on peroxide while also possessing excellent potential to inhibit new microbial growth.

Because Sanosil biocide can penetrate biofilm before it degrades, bubbles of air form within the slime. The increase in volume literally blows the slime structures right off the surfaces. Once the biofilm structure has been broken, individual microorganisms are practically defenceless against the dual phase effect of the disinfectant.

As a biocide in cooling water, another positive aspect of Sanosil C is that it does not generate trihalomethanes during disinfection. This means the biocide cooling tower dosage can be adjusted without restrictions or concern for the environment. This is especially advantageous during ‘shock dosing’ to combat biofilms.

Sanosil C is an excellent biocide for cooling circuits. It is fast-acting, reliable and long-lasting against biofilms and microbes in water.

Sanosil is proven to be a more effective disinfectant in water treatment, with a far more superior end result.

Sanosil is not only effective in water treatment, it is also extremely effective in;

• Surface disinfectant
• Mould control
• Aerosoldisinfection
• Hand disinfection
• Wastewater treatment

We are proud to be exclusive distributers of Sanosil within Ireland and offer a unique form of water treatment to our clients.

You can visit our Sanosil page to find out more on Sanosil https://www.aquachem.ie/sanosil/

Contact us today to find out how we can improve your water treatment programme.