In cooling towers, biofilms cause microbial-induced corrosion (MIC) and equipment failures; in membrane systems, biofilms cause scaliing and reduce the life of the equipment. Learn how one pharmaceutical company handled the problem when biological fouling threatened their process.

When Nanobubble Generators are installed on cooling towers and heat exchangers, they convert the noncondensable gases that already exist in the water into nanobubbles that can help remove and prevent biofilms and deposits, says the manufacturer.

Condensers are used to prevent direct mixing between the shell-side steam and the cooling water flowing through the tubes in steam-turbine-driven equipment in power plants and food processing applications. Biofouling and other problems can lead to tube leaks and unplanned outages.

During process cooling, the cooling water absorbs large volumes of airborne particulate while the cooling tower acts as an air scrubber, filtering the surrounding air. With time, these fine particles can build up and settle within the system, adversely affecting cooling performance while lowering the life of wetted subcomponents. 

Excessive accumulation of biofilm can lead to process cooling water system fouling and corrosion; loss of heat transfer and reduction in energy efficiency; downtime for cleaning; illness or death; and costly equipment repair or replacement.

The proliferation of microorganisms — bacteria, fungi and algae — presents a significant challenge in the maintenance and operation of process cooling water systems.

Process cooling engineers are constantly striving for more efficient systems — and for good reason.

A fast-acting biocide kills sulfate-reducing bacteria (SRB), acid-producing bacteria (APB) and biofilm in a range of conditions.

A fast-acting biocide kills sulfate-reducing bacteria (SRB), acid-producing bacteria (APB) and biofilm in a range of conditions.