Biocide Optimization: Performance Improvements and Reduced Chemical Usage

Essentially all industries include biocide treatments as a part of their control of microbiologically influenced corrosion (MIC) and biofouling in cooling waters and process waters.  Controlling biofilms on surfaces is the most effective methods for mitigating MIC, for maintaining heat transfer efficiency, and for avoiding the growth of pathogens such as Legionella bacteria.  However, biocides are expensive and over-dosing of biocides, especially oxidizing biocides, will have undesirable side effects, including increased corrosion of piping, heat exchangers, and process equipment. 

Case histories from a number of industries have shown that biocide optimization can be achieved by effectively monitoring biofilm on surfaces using an electrochemical biofilm sensor with integrated data acquisition and data analysis capabilities.

Key words: monitoring, biocide, MIC, power plant, chemical processing, natural gas, pulp and paper