Biofouling

What is biofouling and why should it be treated

Bio-fouling is the formation of the slime of microbiological origin within the cooling water circuits; it hinders the correct heat exchange and can trigger the formation of inorganic deposits or corrosion of microbiological origin.

The development of aquatic microbiology is standard in almost all water plant cooling, and the particular typology is almost always characteristic of the process in which the water system is inserted or of the same industrial settlement.

The minor contaminations from the process bring substances that determine the selection of natural microbiology established in the circuit, or the contaminants reach the cooling water circuit through the “washing” of the ambient air in substantial quantities volumes exercised by the evaporative towers.

Examples of industrial plants impacted by Bio-fouling

Fertilizer manufacturing plants, where nitrogen compounds (primarily ammonia in the air) stimulate the development of nitrifying bacteria, form slimes, and lower the water pH resulting from metabolic products.

Another typical micro-system is oil refineries, where contamination from hydrocarbons determines the selection of cyanobacteria (from light hydrocarbons) or type candida yeasts (from lubricating or heavy oils).

Bio-fouling Treatments

A correct diagnosis is essential for selecting the proper treatment, considering the specific sensitivity and resistance of the resident microorganisms to the control agents.

In some cases (aquatic fungi and yeasts), the treatment strategy is also very important in consideration of the ability of these microorganisms to form spores (latent life) resistant to external treatments.

Celko Chemical applies its effective treatment strategies considering the specific biofouling type for prevention, safety, and environmental sustainability of the treatments (use of non-polluting and safe substances).