471 Biofilms, Biocides, and TTPC: A Deep Dive with Dr. Jeff Kramer
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In this deep dive episode of Scaling UP! H2O, host Trace Blackmore sits down with Dr. Jeff Kramer, Technical Director at Radical Polymers, to explore the complex world of biofilms and biocides in industrial water treatment. The conversation begins with a personal reflection on their long-standing collaboration, including a memorable field trial with the biocide TTPC (tributyl tetradeca phosphonium chloride) that led to unexpected pump damage due to material incompatibility. Dr. Kramer explains that biofilms—communities of microorganisms embedded in a slimy matrix—are a pervasive issue in cooling systems, causing reduced heat transfer, increased corrosion, and acting as reservoirs for Legionella. He emphasizes that biofilms are up to an order of magnitude more insulating than mineral scales, making them a critical target for treatment. The episode dives into practical strategies for selecting and deploying biocides, stressing the importance of combining oxidizing biocides (like chlorine or bromine) with non-oxidizing biocides that both kill and remove biofilm. Dr. Kramer shares insights from lab testing methods, including coupon assays and sonication, to evaluate biocide performance. He highlights the significance of residence time, surfactant compatibility, and the risks of using biocides with co-solvents that can fuel microbial growth. The discussion also covers real-world challenges like interference between TTPC and PTSA, the need for supplier technical support, and the value of data-driven decision-making. The episode concludes with forward-looking insights on biocide blends and the importance of continuous innovation in water treatment.
Biofilms are 10x more insulating than mineral scales, significantly reducing heat transfer efficiency.
Effective biofilm control requires a combination of oxidizing and non-oxidizing biocides that both kill and remove biofilm.
Material compatibility is critical—TTPC can destroy PVC pumps; use high-density polyethylene, polypropylene, or PVDM instead.
Surfactants enhance biocide penetration by disrupting microbial membranes, improving kill speed and reducing required dosage.
Residence time determines biocide selection: short-turnover systems need fast-acting biocides (within 1–3 hours).
…and 3 more takeaways available in PodZeus
Introduction and the Power of Real Water Training
Loren Rial introduces her practical, research-backed sales training for water treatment professionals, emphasizing real-world applicability and measurable results for growing revenue and strengthening customer relationships.
The Hidden Threat of Biofilms in Cooling Systems
“Biofilms are actually an order of magnitude more insulating than mineral scales, so they're going to affect heat transfer.”
Dr. Jeff Kramer: A Veteran in Water Treatment Innovation
Dr. Jeff Kramer introduces himself, sharing his 30-year career at BWA Water Additives and his current role at Radical Polymers, highlighting his expertise in new product development and technical service.
The Science Behind Biofilm Testing and Biocide Evaluation
“You can treat both coupons with the biocide and then sonicate one to count viable organisms and stain the other to look for remaining biofilm microscopically.”
Choosing the Right Biocide: Shock Dosing, Timing, and Compatibility
“A high shock dose is going to be more effective than a low dose supplied even more frequently.”
“When you're running a PTSA program and you slow dose in the TTPC, you see a quenching of the fluorescence... the system thinks that it doesn't have any inhibitor in it.”
“Biofilms are actually an order of magnitude more insulating than mineral scales, so they're going to affect heat transfer.”
“You have to understand the composition of your biocide... make sure that that's appropriate for the system that you're treating.”
Host
Guest
Dr. Jeff Kramer
person
Trace Blackmore
person
TTPC
product
PTSA
product
Radical Polymers
organization
BWA Water Additives
organization
Center for Biofilm Engineering
organization
AMSAs
organization
Mike Standish
person
Loren Rial
person
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