87-01: Control of Microbiological Fouling with Glutaraldehyde

Microorganisms that contaminate a variety of cooling water systems produce Biofilms. These microbiological deposits retard water flow, decrease heat transfer efficiency, and increase corrosion rates. Glutaraldehyde has shown efficacy against biofilms in a variety of cooling water systems. Field and laboratory examples are presented to provide an understanding of the factors that influence the microbiological efficacy of glutaraldehyde, as well as its ability to react with and remove attached biofilms.