Biocide Water Treatment | B&V Chemicals

Controlling the growth of microorganisms, particularly bacteria, is critical in various water treatment applications due to the array of problems they can cause. Uncontrolled bacterial growth can lead to health hazards, chemical inhibitor breakdown, biofilm development resulting in flow restriction, and under-deposit corrosion. Therefore, it is vital to manage microbial numbers in systems such as drinking water, wastewater services, process waters, closed circuits, recreational waters, and open cooling systems.

Effective control of microbial growth typically involves cleaning systems on startup and regularly as needed, preventing system contamination, and employing biocides either continuously or through a programmed shock dosing regimen.

Biocides are chemical treatments formulated to control microbial growth, and they come in two main types: oxidizing and non-oxidizing. Oxidizing biocides include chlorine, chlorine dioxide, hydrogen peroxide, bromine, and ozone, while non-oxidizing biocides comprise quaternary ammonium compounds, Bronopol, THPS, DBNPA, and Glutaraldehyde.

Selecting the appropriate biocide for a system—whether for biocidal flushes, maintenance doses, or shock doses—involves considering several factors. These factors include contact time, concentration, temperature, pH, compatibility with system materials, efficacy against the specific microbes present, and cost-effectiveness. Our technical department can offer guidance on biocide selection, ensuring the chosen biocide effectively addresses microbial issues while being suitable for the system's requirements and constraints.

Oxidising biocide

The efficiency and cost-effectiveness of oxidizing biocides compared to non-oxidizing ones often make them preferred choices in many applications including continuous dosing of down water services and controlling microbial growth in cooling towers, spa pools and swimming baths.

Ultralox 40™, one of our core chemicals, exemplifies the efficacy of oxidizing biocides. When continually dosed Ultralox 40 rapidly eliminates waterborne bacteria and degrades biofilms, which serve as breeding grounds for pathogens in water systems. Its effectiveness extends to both planktonic (free-floating) and sessile (attached) microorganisms, even at very low concentrations. This feature makes it particularly suitable for applications in water hygiene, where it can rapidly eradicate problematic microbes like Legionella and Pseudomonas spp.

Our core range of oxidising biocides is outlined below:

Product code	Application	Composition	Benefit
CHLORINE BASED
BV1103 ULTRALOX 40	Microbial control and biofilm removal in domestic/industrial water and ancillaries	Stable active halogen liquid	Approved formulation (up to 1ppm active) for continuous dosing of potable water and down water services. Straightforward proportional dosing system available. Safe, effective, and easy to use solution.approved under Regulation 31 of the Water Supply (Water Quality) Regulations 2016 approval number 56/4/1530
BV102	Used to disinfect tanks, down water service pipework and potable water systems	14/15% Sodium hypochlorite liquid	Extremely effective oxidising biocide used for tank, down water services and potable water system disinfection. Neutralise with sodium thiosulphate prior to discharge.
BV54	A chlorine based biocide + biodispersant for the treatment of cooling towers	14/15% sodium hypochlorite + biodispersant	Dosed 1:1 with BV55 to generate hypobromous acid. Contains biodispersant for dispersal of biofilm and prevention of the build up of biofilm in open cooling systems.
BV1037	A chlorine based biocide + antiscalant	14/15% sodium hypochlorite + antiscalant	Contains 15% sodium hypochlorite. Extremely effective oxidising biocide.This product is particularly useful in hard water areas where the antiscalant in the formulation nhibits scale formation in injection ports
BV92	Suitable for a wide range of disinfection applications	Chlorine tablets. Sodium dichloroisocyanurate	Small tablets enable accurate dosing. Fast dissolving tablets. Straight forward dosing calculations ie1 tablet gives 1 ppm in 1000 litres.
BV125	Suitable for a wide range of disinfection applications	Chlorine tablets. Contain trichloro isocyanuric acid	Slowly reacts with water to release chlorine. Suitable for a wide range of applications. Slow release 20g tablets.
BV126	Suitable for a wide range of disinfection applications	Chlorine tablets. Contain trichloro isocyanuric acid	Slowly reacts with water to release chlorine. Suitable for a wide range of applications. Very slow release 200g tablets.
BV21	Suitable for a wide range of disinfection applications	Calcium hypochlorite granules	Easy to use, rapid dissolving chlorine source.
BV1014	Suitable for a wide range of disinfection applications	Calcium hypochlorite tablets	Tablet form of BV21
BROMINE BASED
BV476	For the continuous treatment of cooling towers and water features	Bromine tablets. A mixture of brominated and chlorinated hydantoins	The product should be dosed using a purpose built brominator to ensure good dose control. This may be manually controlled, but the use of timers or redox control is preferred.
BV1422	For the continuous treatment of cooling towers	Sodium Bromide solution	A solution of sodium bromide for the treatment of cooling towers. Dosed 1:1 with BV54 to generate Hypobromous acid.
BV138	For the continuous treatment of cooling towers	Concentrated sodium bromide solution	A solution of sodium bromide for the treatment of cooling towers. Dosed 1:3 with BV54 to generate hypobromous acid.
BV55	For the continuous treatment of cooling towers	Sodium Bromide solution	A solution of sodium bromide for the treatment of cooling towers. Dosed 1:1 with BV54 to generate hypobromous acid.
HYDROGEN PEROXIDE / PERACETIC ACID BASED
BV659	Used to disinfect tanks, down water service pipework and potable water systems	Silver stabilised hydrogen peroxide	Broad spectrum biocide. Effectively removes biofilm. Can be dosed into down water services systems at recommended dose rate where it will break down into water and oxygen. Extensive BPR – Biocidal Product Authorisation and is permitted to be sold in the UK for application classes PT02, 03, 04, 05. Also listed as an approved constant dose biocide in the HSE ACOP HSG274 Pt2:
BV103	CIP procedures and down water services disinfections	Hydrogen peroxide	Useful in the cleaning of complex CIP routes where flow and high soiling are a problem.E.g. heat exchangers, brewery Para flows, cask rackers, fillers, filters etc. can also be used in down water services disinfection.
BV392	Softener resin disinfection. Food and Drinks industry sanitiser applications	Peracetic acid	Rapid acting broad spectrum biocide. Suitable for brewery, dairy and soft drinks terminal rinse sanitiser applications.
BV1634	Used to disinfect tanks, down water service pipework and potable water systems	Silver stabilised hydrogen peroxide (20% solution)	More dilute version of BV659
BV1633	Hard surface disinfectant	Silver stabilised hydrogen peroxide (ready to use 3% solution)	Ready-to-use biocidal product with 3% hydrogen peroxide. Ideal product for hazard surface disinfection. Proven virucidal and bactericidal action.

Chlorine dioxide

Chlorine dioxide is an excellent oxidizing biocide with broad-spectrum effectiveness. Its versatility makes it invaluable across various applications, including disinfection, sanitation, and water treatment. Compared to chlorine, chlorine dioxide boasts over 2.5 times the oxidizing capability and requires shorter contact times to achieve its desired effects.

One notable advantage of chlorine dioxide is its efficacy in alkaline conditions (pH <10), whereas other biocides like sodium hypochlorite lose potency as pH levels rise and are unsuitable for use above pH 8. Additionally, chlorine dioxide has the unique ability to destroy biofilms, which are notorious for harbouring and protecting microbial populations.

Another benefit of chlorine dioxide is its minimal reactivity with other water treatment chemicals and nitrogen compounds, including ammonia and naturally occurring organic materials like organic acids.

Due to its effectiveness, chlorine dioxide has garnered widespread approval for numerous applications, including the treatment of potable water, hospital water systems, and sanitation processes in the food industry. Its versatility, combined with its ability to address various microbial challenges, makes chlorine dioxide an ideal choice for many water treatment applications.

Product code	Application	Composition	Benefit
BV19	Dosed 1:1 with BV123 through a chlorine dioxide generator to produce chlorine dioxide	9% Hydrochloric acid	Coloured pink with a food safe colourant for health and safety purposes and ease of identification. Supplied in a clear drum with a red cap.
BV123	Dosed 1:1 with BV19 through a chlorine dioxide generator to produce chlorine dioxide	An 8% solution of sodium chlorite	Supplied in a clear drum with a blue cap.
BV1053 * BV1054	Used to disinfect tanks, down water service pipework and potable water systems	Stabilised chlorine dioxide solution. Activated on site using activator supplied	Chlorine dioxide is an effective disinfectant and biofilm remover.Generates a 1% solution of chlorine dioxide when activated. A wide range of applications.
BV1304	Ideal for use when a source of chlorine dioxide is required for small scale disinfection applications	Chlorine dioxide tablets	Easy to use source of chlorine dioxide. When added to water the tablet dissolves initiating a reaction that yields chlorine dioxide. One tablet in I. litre of water gives 2000 ppm chlorine dioxide.

BV19 and BV123 are standard solutions used in the industry for the generation of chlorine dioxide through a chlorine dioxide generator. Our range also comprises a number of other strengths of both products for use in this application. Please contact our technical department for further information.

Non-oxidising biocide

Constant use of just a single non oxidising biocide, may result in establishment of a resistant flora in the system being treated. This will then result in microbiological fouling of the water system. The typical solution for this problem is routine alternation of two, or more, non oxidising biocides in a closed system or open cooling system.

Product code	Application	Composition	Benefit
BV585 PSEUDOKILL	For biocidal flushing and closed system protection. Can be dosed with high pH inhibitors	Proprietary	Low toxicity. Very stable biocide for use with high pH nitrite based inhibitors. Excellent against Pseudomonas spp. Optimal biocidal activity after 24 - 48 hrs contact. Effective over a pH range pH 8.0 to 11.0. Stable up to 80°C. Test kit available.
BV1532	For flushing and system protection in closed systems	ITA blend	Does not contain copper stabiliser. Effective over a pH range of 6.5 to 8.5. Stable up to 50°C .
BV595	For flushing and system protection in open and closed systems	ITA/BNP blend	Very effective against NRB's. Effective over a pH range of 6.5 to 8.5. Stable up to 50°C
BV105	For system protection in open and closed systems	BNP	A broad-spectrum bactericide. Low toxicity. Effective over a pH range of 6.0 to 8.0. Stable up to 40°C
BV1507	For flushing and system protection in open and closed systems	Glutaraldehyde	Has a broad spectrum of activity against bacteria and their spores. fungi. also effective against sulphite reducing bacteria (SRB) Effective over a pH range pH 6.5 to 9.0. Stable up to 60°C. Rapid biocidal action.
BV254	For system protection in open and closed systems	THPS	A broad-spectrum product, very effective against SPB's. Effective over a broad pH Range 3 -10. Stable up to 60°C.
BV1528	For system protection in open and closed systems	Proprietary	A highly effective non-oxidising biocide containing a synergistic combination of biocides. Ideal for use in closed circuit systems. Effective against. Pseudomonas spp and Sulphate-reducing bacteria. Effective over a pH range of 6. to 8.5. Stable up to 50°C.
BV63	Effective biocide + biodispersant for use in open cooling systems	Concentrated THPS based biocide & biodispersant	Low toxicity. Excellent against Pseudomonas ssp, Legionella spp and algae.Concentrated formulation. The biodispersant in the formulation enhances biocidal activity, removes biofilm and prevents the formation of additional biofilm.
BV529	For system protection in open and closed systems	DBNPA	Has a broad spectrum of activity against bacteria and their spores. fungi. also effective against Legionella spp. Rapid biocidal action.
BV67	Effective biocide + biodispersant for use in open cooling systems. Can also be used for surface disinfection and fogging applications	Quaternary ammonium chloride	A broad spectrum disinfectant and biocide. Effective against Legionella. Effective in heavily soiled systems. Good surfactant properties. Rapid biocidal action.
BV1441	Used in industrial recirculating water systems potential food contact applications, pasteurisers. air washers and other heat transfer systems	DBNPA	A rapid acting biocidal product effective against a wide range of bacteria including Legionella. algae and fungi. Breaks down to relatively low toxicity end products.
BV1432	Used for the control of micro-organisms in industrial cooling water systems	An aqueous solution of a dithiocarbamate	A rapid acting broad spectrum biocide. Proven efficacy against a wide range of bacteria including Legionella spp. Bacillus spp. Staphylococcus aureus and various Pseudomonas strains as well as against a number of fungi including Aspergillis niger and yeasts such as Candida krusei and Saccharomyces bailii.
BV1011	Used for the control of bacteria. odours. sludge and blockages in small water tanks and air conditioning systems	Tablet biocide.quaternary ammonium compound	Non-hazardous and non-corrosive. Totally soluble: leaves no residue
BV66	Algaecide	Contains a polymeric quatemary ammonium compound	Very effective algaecide for use in open cooling systems and swimming pools

Biodispersants

Bio dispersants play a crucial role in water treatment by aiding in the removal of deposits of microorganisms without directly killing them. Instead, they work to break up these deposits, effectively dispersing them and making them more susceptible to attack by biocides. By facilitating the breakdown of these deposits, bio dispersants enhance the efficacy of biocides in targeting and eliminating microorganisms.

Additionally, bio dispersants serve as inhibitors, preventing the attachment of microorganisms to metal surfaces. This property helps mitigate the formation of biofilms, which can lead to various issues such as corrosion and reduced system efficiency. By inhibiting microbial attachment, bio dispersants contribute to maintaining the integrity and performance of water treatment systems.

Product code	Application	Composition	Benefit
BV14	Open cooling systems	Concentrated biodispersant	Extremely low foaming. Improves the effectiveness of any biocide programme.
BV963	Open cooling systems	Biodispersant	Extremely low foaming. Improves the effectiveness of any biocide programme.
BV167 Oilsperse 3	Biofilm dispersant Applications include oil removal in cooling towers and biofilm removal in closed systems.	Contains a tow foaming surfactant.	Compatible with anionic and cationic species. Use in conjunction with an appropriate biocide. Biofilm removed from pipework surfaces in closed circuit systems will be removed so the system must be assessed prior to use to ensure that dislodged biofilm can be removed from the system efficiently.

The Biocidal Products Regulation (BPR), also known as Regulation (EU) 528/2012, significantly influences the availability and future development of biocidal actives in various industries, including water treatment. This regulation aims to ensure the safe use of biocidal products while protecting human health and the environment. It establishes stringent requirements for the authorization and use of biocidal active substances and products within the European Union.

At all times, our Regulatory experts ensure that we and our customers are fully compliant with all requirements of the BPR regulations.

For further guidance on our biocidal evaluations and costings please contact our technical team.

Biocides

Oxidising biocide

Chlorine dioxide

Non-oxidising biocide

Biodispersants

Contact our technical team on +44 (0)1327 709 439 or fill in the form below and a member of the team will contact you

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