A biocide is an chemical treatment designed to manage microbial growth. Uncontrolled microbial growth can lead to a variety of problems, including health hazards as well as biofilms, chemical breakdown, heat transfer losses, restriction in flow, and under deposit corrosion.

It is crucial to ensure that the proper biocidal treatment regime is implemented and that regular inspections are carried out in order to make sure that the microbial populace in a range of systems including drinking water, down water services, closed circuits, process waters and recreational waters as well as open cooling systems are in check.

The control of microbial growth can be achieved by ensuring systems are clean on startup and every time it is necessary.

Types of biocide

There are two basic kinds of biocides: non-oxidising and oxidising. Bromine, chlorine dioxide and hydrogen peroxide are examples of biocides that are oxidising. Bronopol and THPS are examples of biocides that are not oxidising.

There are a variety of factors to consider when selecting the IRO Biocide, whether it is a biocidal flush, maintenance dose, or shock dose biocide. They include contact time, temperature, pH and compatibility. Also, effectiveness against microbes in the system. The technical department can help in selecting the best biocide.

Oxidising biocide

The majority of oxidizing biocides can be utilized in lesser quantities than those that are non-oxidizing. This makes them more economical.

Among our core chemicals is Ultralox 40'" a proprietary active chlorine solution that swiftly eliminates waterborne bacteria in addition to breaking down the biofilms which house the pathogens within water systems . It is highly efficient against sessile and planktonic microorganisms at very low concentrations, making it ideal for water hygiene and pipework treatment applications, where it rapidly eliminates Legionella. Pseudomonas, as well as other microbes.

Chlorine dioxide

The powerful broad-spectrum oxidising biocide chlorine dioxide can be used for a broad spectrum of applications. It can be used for disinfection and sanitisation and water treatment. It has more than 2.5 times the capacity to oxidise of chlorine and requires a lower contact time. Chlorine dioxide works well in alkaline environments (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.

It generally doesn't react with water treatment chemical compounds or nitrogen compounds such ammonia. It also doesn't react with organic substances, such as organic acids.

Chlorine dioxide has been widely endorsed for numerous applications, such as the treatment of potable water, hospital water systems and food processing sanitation.

The industry standard solutions to generate chlorine dioxide through an engine that produces chlorine dioxide are BV19and and BV123. There are other strengths available to be used in this process. For more information, contact our technical department.

Biocide that is non-oxidising

The continuous use of one biocide that is non-oxidising can result in the development of a resistant flora within the water system being treated. This could lead to microbiological fouling in the water system. Routine alternation of non-oxidizing biocides in closed cooling systems or open systems is a typical solution to this issue.

Biodispersants

Biodispersants are not able to harm organisms, but they break up any deposits of microorganisms allowing the biocides to attack the organisms more effectively. They also inhibit the attachment of microorganisms to metal surfaces.

One of the major reasons for the current and future availability of biocidal actives for industry of water treatment and in other sectors is the The Biocidal Products Regulation (BPR, Regulation (EU) 528/2012). Our Regulators ensure that we and our customers adhere to the strict requirements of the BPR regulations.