Mexel 432

Mexel 432 is a multi-functional water treatment product based on a filming amine technology that functions in fresh water or in sea water as a:

• Dispersant of biofilm, slime and scale
• Corrosion inhibitor
• Control agent for zebra mussels and other microfouling species

The antifouling Mexel 432 process provides a ‘green’ alternative which is technically and financially superior to usual techniques using chlorine, bromine or chlorine dioxide oxidants, ferrous sulphate and anti-scaling agents. It offers a simple solution to treatment and protection in a wide range of applications such as open, semi open and closed cooling water systems, such as sea water, fresh and brackish water for use in thermal and hydraulic power plants, industrial plants using large quality of water such as steel mills, refineries, oil industry, offshore platforms, paper mills, LPG units, ships, water networks, irrigation and desalination plants.

How It Works

The Mexel process is based on the simple idea that it is more efficient, less costly and has no impact on the environment to treat at the surface that requires protection, than to sterilise the whole mass of water. Mexel 432 differs from other water treatment products in that it migrates to the wetted surfaces of the system being treated and forms a film. Typically, dosage consists of an intermittent injection of very low concentrations for 30 minutes each day of the tension active emulsion to renew the film.

The mixture of aliphatic amine surfactants is an anti-fouling material that acts as a corrosion inhibitor and scale dispersant as well as having activity against freshwater and saltwater mussels and barnacles. It absorbs to exposed surfaces and forms a protective anti-fouling film on internal components when present is circulating water. Once the material is absorbed to a surface, biofouling organisms cannot form an attachment and it remains in place until it degrades, and this minimises its presence in outfall.

Low mammalian toxicity and lack of other hazardous properties make Mexel 432 safe to transport, store and handle. It does not require special equipment or extensive training of personnel. Non-flammability and low vapour pressure ensure that it is safe to use in confined spaces. The product is alkaline, with a pH of 11, so care should be exercised to avoid contact with the eyes or long-term contact with skin.

By removing the biofilm from system surfaces, Mexel 432 is effective in inhibiting toxic algae (Neglaria fowleri) blooms and growth of bacteria colonies by species including SRB, TRB and legionella. Mexel 432 is not sufficiently toxic to kill these organisms in the water column, but it retards population growth by eliminating their habitat.

Examples of successful applications:

• Control of corrosion and microfouling in refinery cooling tower system
• Control of corrosion, microfouling and mussels in power plant with sea water cooling
• Dispersion of slime and SRB in oil field reinjection water system
• Reduction of corrosion of drill bits used in drilling for geothermal power
• Control of corrosion and scaling in a geothermal power station
• Control of corrosion and microfouling in refinery sea water cooling system
• Control of corrosion and microfouling in offshore platform raw water system
• Dispersion of iron oxide deposits in closed-loop water system
• Control of corrosion and dispersion of slime in AC systems of buildings using sea water
• Control of fouling and corrosion in sea water systems of ships
• Dispersion of slime in cooling tower system of taste evaporator serving an orange juice concentration plant
• Control of biomass build-up in cooling tower of sugar mill
• Control of microfouling in nuclear power plant

For more information on B & V Own Label Products, please contact our offices on 0844 372 7344 or e-mail us on orders@bvwater.co.uk