Dow Biocides Introduces AQUCAR RO-20 For RO Membranes

Demonstrating its commitment to providing quality solutions that ease customer challenges, Dow Biocides, a business division of the Dow Chemical Co., announced the introduction of AQUCAR RO microbiocide to its water treatment product portfolio.

The only product of its kind to receive NSF International certification under NSF/ANSI standard for personal drinking purposes, AQUCAR RO microbiocide is a costeffective way to prevent biofouling from interfering with reverse osmosis membrane performance.

By virtually eliminating the buildup of slime and sessile bacteria, AQUCAR RO microbiocide guards against membrane damage that can lead to increased energy and operating costs. It is based on the active molecule DBNPA (2,2-dibromo- 3-nitrilopropionamide), a well-known biocide that provides quick kill efficacy against a broad spectrum of microorganisms and quickly decomposes to non-toxic end products. In addition, AQUCAR RO microbiocide is soluble in water and glycols for convenient, metered addition to reverse osmosis ("RO") feed water.

"Key performance characteristics of RO membranes are compromised when biological matter is introduced," said Per Westin, global marketing manager for water treatment, Dow Biocides. "By virtually eliminating biofouling with AQUCAR RO microbiocide, municipal and industrial treatment operators can trust that their water plants will run efficiently, with increased productivity and increased life span of membrane module elements."

Because bacteria will grow almost anywhere water is present, all reverse osmosis systems—especially those with seawater or brackish surface water feeds – will be vulnerable to biological fouling. The resulting sessile bacteria is difficult to kill because it can quickly become numerous, modify its metabolism, and form a consortium of species.

Source: Dow