Add Products to the Cart to Obtain Instant Discounts!

Chlorine vs. Chlorine Dioxide different features against biofilm growth

November 28, 2017 0 Comments

Chlorine vs. Chlorine Dioxide different features against biofilm growth

Biofouling growth may be partly prevented during the design phase, by using suitable materials (i.e. copper, AISI 316 stainless steel or treatment of the surfaces with special polymers) and by dimensioning the pipes in such a way as to obtain a flow rate (> 1 m/s) which will hinder adhesion of the organisms and to avoid stagnant points as much as possible.

There are physical and chemical preventive methods for controlling fouling in cooling water systems. Physical treatments are mainly used during shutdowns. 

Chemical treatments are based on non-oxidizing biocides or, more commonly, on oxidizing biocides, like chlorine gas. Compliance with regulations on water discharges and the necessity of safe biocides to handle often leads to the choice of chlorine dioxide as biocide for cooling systems of large plants.

In this kind of plants, experiences have proved that Chlorine Dioxide is much more effective than Hypochlorite. The reason for that better effectiveness of Chlorine Dioxide is briefly here explained.

If we think at the cell walls (of bacteria or marine organisms), they can be imagined as a long chain of phospholipids. Each phospholipid has in its head a phosphate group which has a negative charge. When Hypochlorite is injected, it rapidly dissociates in Hypochlorose Acid (HOCl) and Hypochlorite Ion (ClO-) and, at the PH of the seawater (7.5 – 8.5), the dissociation is around 20% of acid and 80% of ion. 

 

Figure 1 –Form in which available chlorine is present

 

Since the Hypochlorite Ion has the same negative charge as the phospholipids of the cell wall, there is an electro-magnetic repulsion between the two molecules. This means that if 1 PPM of Hypochlorite is injected, only 0.2 PPM is actually effective against the fouling, the remaining 80% is simply wasted in the water. Chlorine Dioxide is a gas diluted in the water and it follows the same pattern of Oxygen. Bacteria and marine organisms breathe ClO2 along with Oxygen, therefore it is very easy for it to enter the cell wall and start its oxidation action. Besides, when Chlorine Dioxide oxidises the organic material inside the cells it is reduced to Chlorite (ClO-2), which is not a biocide, but has the very interesting feature of being a biostatic agent, it stops the organisms’ reproduction cycle. Organisms recover their reproduction capability in 6-12 hours (depending on some environmental parameters). This behaviour allows shot treatment instead of the continuous one. As soon as they recover the reproduction capability in the interval between two shots, another one is performed and the bacteria colony has no chance to grow. 

Figure 2 –Different behaviour of Chlorine and Chlorine Dioxide

 

So it is normally suggested a shot strategy for dosage (instead of continuous one): since the goal to be achieved is to limit the bio-fouling growth on the surfaces (pipes etc…), treating the intake basins the bio-fouling has no sufficient time to grow in the hours between two shots.

By the way, it is important to know that a stronger strategy can be managed by the chlorine dioxide treatment, when needed, thanks to the better tolerability shown (for instance) by RO plants and distillers.

Moreover, it’s well known that Chlorine Dioxide is a bromate-free water treatment.

Bromate is one of the greatest concerns for potable water and/or for the outfall of cooling circuits, when seawater is used (bromate can be formed also in the intake treatment and, therefore, its releases in the environment can create a toxic issue in the outfall of the plant or can cause cross contamination of bromate-free waters).

That is the reason why Dubai first and Qatar later have switched all their potable water treatment from hypochlorite/chlorine to chlorine dioxide.

Read original article at http://isiasistemi.it/applications/cooling-water-treatment/chlorine-vs-chlorine-dioxide-different-features-against-biofilm-growth.html 


Also in Blog

Advanced Cooling Tower Management: Enhancing Efficiency with Lakewood Model 140
Advanced Cooling Tower Management: Enhancing Efficiency with Lakewood Model 140

February 28, 2024 0 Comments

View full article →

Optimizing Cooling Tower Performance: Understanding Efficiency, Maintenance, and Water Quality Management
Optimizing Cooling Tower Performance: Understanding Efficiency, Maintenance, and Water Quality Management

February 28, 2024 0 Comments

Implementation of the Lakewood 3175 controller in cooling tower systems, emphasizing its significant role in enhancing operational efficiency, reducing chemical usage, and mitigating issues related to corrosion and deposition. It highlights the controller's ability to automate the management of water conductivity, ensuring optimal water quality and system performance. Examples and hypothetical calculations are provided to illustrate the controller's benefits, including water savings, cost reductions in chemical treatments, and energy efficiency gains through the prevention of scale buildup and corrosion. The Lakewood 3175 controller is presented as a strategic tool for achieving a more sustainable, efficient, and cost-effective cooling tower operation, demonstrating the value of advanced technology in industrial water management.

View full article →

Revolutionizing Water Analysis: Everything You Need to Know About the Kemio KEM10DIS
Revolutionizing Water Analysis: Everything You Need to Know About the Kemio KEM10DIS

April 19, 2023 0 Comments

The Palintest Kemio KEM10DIS is a highly accurate, fast, and easy-to-use water analysis device that offers several advantages over other methods. Its portability and wide measurement range make it ideal for use in a range of applications, from drinking water to industrial process water. With its patented Dual-Field technology and fast results, the Palintest Kemio KEM10DIS can help to improve the efficiency of water treatment processes and reduce the risk of contamination. Compared to other methods, the device is highly accurate and easy to use, making it accessible to a wide range of users. By following the simple procedure outlined above, users can quickly and easily obtain accurate results for a range of parameters, helping to ensure the safety and quality of water for various applications.

View full article →