Non-Oxidizing Biocide Water Treatment
Specialized water treatment solution designed for systems experiencing biological slime and requiring long-term microbial control.
Common Types and Their Mechanisms
Various families of non-oxidizing biocides offer specific modes of action, selected based on microorganism type, system conditions, and environmental regulations.
| Chemical Type |
Common Examples |
Mechanism of Action |
Key Characteristics |
| Quaternary Ammonium Compounds (QACs/Quats) |
Alkyl dimethyl benzyl ammonium chloride |
Cationic surfactants that disrupt cell membranes through electrostatic bonding, causing cell leakage and death |
Broad-spectrum, good algicide, can cause foaming |
| Glutaraldehyde |
Organic aldehyde |
Cross-links with proteins and enzymes in the cell wall and interior, effectively "tanning" the cell and rendering it non-functional |
Broad-spectrum, effective against bacteria (including SRB), unaffected by H₂S |
| Isothiazolinones |
Methylisothiazolinone (MIT), Chloromethylisothiazolinone (CMIT) |
Inhibits key metabolic enzymes and disrupts cell growth by penetrating the cell membrane |
Broad-spectrum, effective at low concentrations, good stability |
| DBNPA (2,2-Dibromo-3-nitrilopropionamide) |
DBNPA |
Fast-acting biocide that reacts with and deactivates vital cell components like enzymes and amino acids |
Very fast kill, breaks down quickly into non-toxic byproducts, ideal for shock treatments and membrane systems |
| Quaternary Phosphonium Salts (e.g., THPS) |
Tetrakis(hydroxymethyl)phosphonium sulfate |
Attacks the cell membrane and disrupts metabolic processes |
Broad-spectrum, particularly effective against SRB, biodegradable in the environment |
Industry Applications
| Industry |
Common Non-Oxidizing Biocides |
Typical Dosage |
| Oil & Gas (Water Injection) |
Glutaraldehyde, THPS, DBNPA, Quats |
50–200 mg/L |
| Cooling Water Towers |
Isothiazolinones, DBNPA, Glutaraldehyde |
10–100 mg/L |
| Paper & Pulp Mills |
DBNPA, Isothiazolinones, MBT |
5–50 mg/L |
| Metalworking Fluids |
BIT, IPBC, Bronopol, Triazines |
0.1–0.5% |
| Paints & Coatings |
BIT, OIT, IPBC |
0.05–0.2% |
| Wood Preservation |
IPBC, OIT, Chlorophenates |
0.02–0.5% |
| Cosmetics & Personal Care |
MIT, IPBC, DMDM Hydantoin |
0.01–0.1% |