bioeXile Cleaner Solves Severe Biofouling Problems In Building HVAC Cooling Tower System

Problem

Shortly following turnover of the new building to the owner, the condenser water system strainers started plugging with biofouling (slime) deposits which restricted flow and reduced the ability to keep tenant areas cool.  Multiple strainers per floor meant hundreds of locations required maintenance. Increasing biocide feed rates and frequency did not resolve the problem. As outside air temperatures increased, strainers had to be cleaned as often as weekly. Chiller condenser approach temperatures also increased causing higher than design electrical consumption.

Chem-Aqua Solution

Chem-Aqua was selected to replace the incumbent water treatment provider and solve the problems.  An aggressive remediation  procedure using bioeXile, a new, patented  biofilm conditioning technology  was recommended. bioeXile works by disrupting the cross links that connect the adherent microbial secretions that form biofilms. This weakens the biofilm structure making them easier to remove. As bacteria growing in the biofilm are released into the bulk water, they can be killed using an approved biocide.

The bioeXile treatment was applied with circulation through all piping and equipment (cooling towers, chillers, plate and frame heat exchangers), and an oxidizing biocide added to maintain the target chlorine residual for 4 hours. The cooling towers were drained, cleaned, and disinfected upon start up. Engineering controls were implemented to manage dead legs and provide routine circulation.