Following start-up, an extreme biofouling problem developed. Another water management firm attempted to treat the problem by use of a continuous feed of DETA II biodispersant and large multiple weekly slug doses of polyquat, DBNPA, and stabilized bromine. In spite of this treatment program; in-line filters, condensers, and the cooling tower fill would become plugged with bio slime in as little as one week.

This plugging caused major problems as the equipment had to be disassembled and manually cleaned. The rapid biofouling is due to the low vapor point organics, good bionutrients, drawn from the drying wood and introduced into the cooling water via the vacuum pump.

Following our development of the ElectroBrom Biocide System tm in 2003, we recommended that the four biocide chemicals in use be replaced with a Model EBG-2. On August 27, 2003, the use of the four biocide chemicals was discontinued and a Model EBG-2 started-up.

Results
Biological control, with the EBG-2 replacing the four noted products, has been excellent. No downtime due to biofouling pluggage problems have been reported since installation of the ElectroBrom unit.

ATP test data from monthly service calls shows high levels, up to 17,718 rlu, immediately after start-up, dropping to a long term mean of 1070 rlu for the past several months.

The plant is very pleased that the ElectroBrom Biocide System has solved a severe biofouling problem while eliminating all use of toxic biocides. The precursor salt solution used, PCT 3024, is DOT/OSHA non-hazardous and is registered with the USEPA as a biocide precursor, registration #58616-1.