Biocides

Biocides

Biocidal products for water treatment

WHAT IS A BIOCIDE?

A biocide is a chemical treatment that is formulated to effectively control microbial growth. Problems caused by un-controlled microbial growth can range from health hazards, the breakdown of chemicals, the development of biofilms , heat transfer losses, restriction of flow and under deposit corrosion.

It is therefore critical that the correct biocidal treatment regime is implemented and regular checks are carried out to ensure that microbial population in a wide range of systems including drinking water, down water services, process waters, closed circuits, recreational waters and open cooling systems are kept under control.

The control of microbial growth is generally achieved by ensuring systems are cleaned on start up and regularly as required, preventing contamination of systems and dosing with a biocide either on a continuous basis or via a programme of shock dosing.

Types of biocide

There are two basic types of biocides: oxidising and non-oxidising. Oxidising biocides include; chlorine, chlorine dioxide, hydrogen peroxide, bromine and ozone. Non-oxidising biocides include: quaternary ammonium compounds, Bronopol, THPS, DBNPA and Gluteraldehyde.

When selecting a biocide for use in a system whether as a biocidal flush biocide, maintenance dose biocide or a shock dose biocide a number of factors need to be considered including: contact time, concentration, temperature, pH, compatability, efficacy against microbes present in the system and cost effectiveness. Our technical department can advise on biocide selection.

Oxidising biocide

Oxidising biocides can generally be used at lower concentrations than non-oxidising biocides and their use tends to be more cost effective.

Among our core chemicals is Ultralox40®, a proprietary active chlorine solution that rapidly kills water borne bacteria, as well as breaking down the biofilms that harbour the pathogens in water systems . It is extremely effective against planktonic and sessile microorganisms at very low concentrations, making it ideal for use in water hygiene and pipework treatment applications where it quickly eradicates Legionella. Pseudomonas and other microbes.

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 DWI 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.
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 BV1111
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.
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. DWI regulation 31 approved for potable system disinfection although this product must be flushed out of all potable systems following disinfection and prior to system use.
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 eg. heat exchangers, brewery paraflows, 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.

Chlorine dioxide

Chlorine dioxide is an excellent broad spectrum oxidising biocide which is It is effective at low concentrations and is used in a large number of applications such as disinfection, sanitisation and water treatment. It has more than 2.5 times the oxidising capability of chlorine and requires a lower contact time. Chlorine dioxide is effective in alkaline conditions (pH <10) whereas biocide such as sodium hypochlorite lose activity quickly as the pH rises and are not suitable for use at pH >8. One of the main advantages of using chlorine dioxide is that, unlike most other biocides, it is able to destroy biofilm

Chlorine dioxide does not generally react with other water treatment chemicals or with nitrogen compounds including ammonia and naturally occurring organic materials such as organic acids.

Chlorine dioxide is widely approved for many applications including the treatment of potablewater, hospital water systems and food process sanitation.

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

Biodispersants do not kill organisms but they do 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.

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.

One of the main driving forces behind the current availability and future availability of biocidal actives in the water treatment and other industries is the The Biocidal Products Regulation (BPR, Regulation (EU) 528/2012). 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.

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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Supply Partners

HuwaSan specialise in the production and distribution of chemicals for water treatment. B & V Chemicals are water treatment supply partners in the UK.