| Water Treatment and the Environment-Legionella control |
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Legionella occurs in many water systems e.g. cooling towers and evaporative condensers, domestic hot water systems, eyewash stations and safety showers. After growth and amplification of legionellae to potentially infectious densities, the next step in the process for causing disease is for the legionellae to present in an aerosol form, the primary transmission mode of Legionnaires’ Disease.
Legionella pneumophila is a very common organism, capable of being present in appreciable numbers in almost all ground and surface water sources. The mere presence of legionellae does not, in itself, result in infectious disease, it is when it is allowed to amplify and achieve transmission to a susceptible human host that legionellosis infections occur. Legionellae live within biofilms.
The major factors that promote legionella growth are:
- Stagnant water conditions.
- Design configurations that give rise to dead-leg piping.
- Warm water temperatures 20 – 50oC. (Optimal growth occurs between 35 – 46oC)
- pH range between 5 – 8.5
Legionella occurs in many water systems these include:
- Cooling Towers and Evaporative Condensers
- Domestic Hot Water Systems
- Spas and Whirlpools
- Humidifiers
- Decorative Fountains
- Supermarket Reservoir Misters
- Respiratory Therapy Equipment
- Dental Hygiene Equipment
- Eyewash Stations and Safety Showers
Solvay has conducted independent laboratory trials with Proxitane®, to ascertain its efficiency against legionella. These tests were conducted under extreme laboratory conditions and Proxitane® was shown to be effective
Proxitane® has also been established as an extremely effective biofilm remover, this is mainly due to its existence as an equilibrium mixture of peracetic acid, hydrogen peroxide, acetic acid and water. The hydrogen peroxide present reacts with the polysaccharide layer of the biofilm causing it to disrupt at which point the peracetic acid will destroy the micro-organisms present. This synergistic effect in removing biofilm is exploited widely in the paper industry, were Proxitane® is used as a slimicide.
Main Advantages of Proxitane®
- Effective against a broad spectrum of micro-organisms
- Operates over a wide temperature range
- Non-foaming
- No toxic residues
- Safe decomposition products
- No disposal problems
- Easy to use
- Limited investment cost
Proxitane® 15:23 is the main product used in this application
For information on using Proxitane® please contact us.
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