Non-oxidizing biocide composition for SO2 scrubber biofilm control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional methods for removing biofilm growth and microbial contamination in SO2 scrubbers are ineffective, leading to operational inefficiencies and environmental issues due to the need for frequent shutdowns and the use of oxidizing agents that can disrupt the scrubber process.
Innovation Solution
A non-oxidizing biocide composition comprising 3,5-dimethyl-tetrahydro-2H-1,3,5-thiadiazine-2-thione, sodium dimethyldithiocarbamate, disodium ethylene bis-dithiocarbamate, bis-(trichloromethyl)-sulfone, or glutaraldehyde, and quaternary ammonium compounds is used to inhibit and remove biofilm and microbial growth within SO2 scrubbers, allowing continuous operation without the need for shutdowns.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional CIP methods using oxidizing agents are used to remove biofilm, then biofilm removal effectiveness is improved, but scrubber operational continuity deteriorates due to required shutdowns
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the chemical parameter from oxidizing agents to non-oxidizing biocides, which fundamentally alters the cleaning mechanism. Non-oxidizing biocides work through different chemical pathways that do not interfere with the scrubber's redox chemistry, enabling continuous operation while maintaining effective biofilm control
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces non-oxidizing biocides as intermediary substances that mediate between the need for biofilm removal and the requirement for continuous scrubber operation. These biocides act as a bridge, providing effective cleaning without disrupting the scrubber's chemical process
2Reliability
If oxidizing agents are used for biofilm control, then microbial growth inhibition is improved, but scrubber process interference worsens
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the chemical nature of the biocide from oxidizing to non-oxidizing, which eliminates the harmful side effect of interfering with the scrubber's redox chemistry while preserving the essential function of microbial growth inhibition through alternative biocidal mechanisms
3Reliability
If frequent shutdowns are implemented for cleaning, then biofilm accumulation control is improved, but operational efficiency deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables continuous operation by using non-oxidizing biocides that can be applied without shutting down the scrubber, maintaining uninterrupted biofilm control and maximizing operational efficiency through continuous useful action
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The biocide composition effectively prevents and removes biofilm and microbial growth, reducing operational costs and environmental impact by maintaining scrubber efficiency and minimizing SO2 leakage, while avoiding the use of oxidizing agents that can interfere with the scrubber process.
Implementation Method 1
The compositions penetrate through the biofilm's extracellular polymeric matrix and kill the microorganisms embedded within, thereby releasing trapped foreign materials such as inorganic salts, particulates, and organics
Implementation Method 2
The compositions penetrate through the biofilm's extracellular polymeric matrix and kill the microorganisms embedded within, thereby releasing trapped foreign materials such as inorganic salts, particulates, and organics
Data Source
AI summary
A method for removing or preventing a microbial growth, biofilm, biomass and/or mineral deposit on a hard surface inside an SO2 scrubber is disclosed. In particular, biocide compositions may be dosed in pulse or continuously for the reduction and prevention of biofilms on the hard surfaces inside an SO2 scrubber. A biocide composition disclosed here uses one or more non-oxidizing biocides, especially a mixture of one or more quaternary ammonium compounds and one or more other biocides.