Bacteria can be killed or inhibited by different antimicrobial products, namely antibiotics that act against infections in humans or animals and biocides such as disinfectants, antiseptics and preservatives.
Some bacteria naturally unaffected by antimicrobial products and others may develop resistance to certain biocides over time. Resistant strains of bacteria can survive biocide concentrations that would kill most bacteria of the same species. Bacteria can become increasingly tolerant to antimicrobial substances so that they can withstand progressively higher concentrations.
Here are seven tips that may help you determine and select an appropriate biocide:
1. Contact time: This is only appropriate for biocides used during a biocidal flushing procedure. A biocide must be selected which works optimally within the timescale of the actual biocidal flushing process.
2. Concentration: All our biocides have recommended dose rates. You will need to know the system volume to ensure accurate dosing of the correct amount of biocide.
3. Temperature: Most biocides have an optimum temperature range for use, above which rapid degradation will occur.
4. pH: Biocides also have an optimum pH range for use, above and below which rapid degradation of the biocide will occur.
5. Compatibility with the other chemicals present within the system particularly the corrosion inhibitor formulation and glycols.
6. Broad spectrum of activity. The biocide must work effectively against the bacteria causing a problem within the system.
7. Presence of biofilm. If high levels of biofilm are present dosing a biocide in conjunction with a bio-dispersant may prove most effective.
For more information, please call the Technical Support Team on +44 (0)1327 709 439.