Biocides

Choosing the Right Biocide

Selecting the right biocide is essential for maintaining industrial operations free from harmful microbial growth and preserving products for transport and stability. Here’s a guide to help you choose the most effective EPA-registered industrial microbiocide:

Step 1: Assess the Environment

Compatibility: Different products work better in different environments. It is important to take into account the conditions of the application, such as pH, temperature, inoculation points, water content, chemical compatibility, etc. as these factors can influence the microbiocide’s effectiveness.

Step 2: Identify Target Microorganisms

  • Microbial Spectrum: Determine which microorganisms—bacteria, fungi, algae—are most problematic in your operations. Select a microbiocide with a proven track record against these specific organisms.
  • Biofilm Control: In industrial settings, biofilm formation can be a significant issue. Ensure the microbiocide you choose is effective at penetrating and controlling biofilms.

Step 3: Consider Safety and Compliance

  • Worker Safety: Industrial microbiocides can pose risks if not handled properly. Choose products with clear safety guidelines and consider the availability of personal protective equipment (PPE) for your workers.
  • Environmental Regulations: Biocides often have stricter environmental regulations. Ensure the product is compliant with all local, state, and federal regulations, including wastewater discharge limits.

Step 4: Evaluate Performance

  • Efficacy under Operational Conditions: Industrial environments can be harsh. Verify that the microbiocide maintains its effectiveness under the specific operational conditions of your facility. BCS can perform in-house efficacy testing to determine the ideal biocide and dosage for your application.
  • Quick Kill vs Preservation: Some microbiocides are well suited for quickly cleaning up a system, commonly referred to as “Quick-Kill Biocides”. These biocides work quickly to kill the microorganisms, and then are out of the system – either consumed or degraded. For extended protection, a preservation biocide is recommended. Consider products that provide long-lasting efficacy to minimize spoilage during transport and storage. While these biocides tend to require more contact time to “clean up” existing contamination, they will remain in a product preventing future growth for up to months or years at a time.

Step 5: Cost-Effectiveness

  • Product Concentration: Higher concentrations might offer more potent microbial control, but they also tend to be more expensive. Balance concentration against the coverage area and frequency of application. The efficacy testing BCS can provide will help determine ideal dosage for the best cost-performance benefits.
  • Total Cost of Ownership: Beyond the purchase price, consider the total cost of ownership, including application equipment, containment, and PPE for employees.

Step 6: Support and Training

  • Technical Expertise: Look for suppliers who provide strong technical support, including assistance with microbiocide selection, application methods, and troubleshooting. BCS has decades of experience with biocidal applications in a wide range of industries.
  • Training Programs: Ensure your team is well-trained on the safe and effective use of microbiocides. BCS offers training resources and onsite guidance.

Types of Biocides:

Click on any of the links below for more information.

Benzisothiazolin (BIT)

Isothiazolin (CMIT/MIT)

Bronopol

Glutaraldehyde

DBNPA

Dazomet/Thione

Contact Us

Benzisothiazolin (BIT)

1,2-Benzisothiazolin-3-one

BIT is an excellent long-term preservation biocide that targets a broad spectrum of bacteria and fungi. It is effective in a broad pH range of 2 to 14, and works best applied to products less than 100°C. It is affected by oxidizing and reducing agents.

BCS offers BCS 3096W, a 9% water-based solution; BCS 3196, a 19% glycol-based solution; and BCS 3196W, a 19% water-based dispersion.

Isothiazolin (CMIT/MIT)

5-Chloro-2-methyl-4-isothiazolin-3-one / 2-Methyl-4-isothiazolin-3-one

Isothiazoline is a highly effective general-purpose biocide that targets a broad spectrum of bacteria and fungi. It is effective in a pH range of 2 to 8, unstable above pH of 9, and works best applied to products less than 40°C. It is affected by reducing agents.

BCS offers BCS 3024CF: a 1.5% CMIT/MIT product.

Bronopol

2-Bromo-2-nitropropane-1,3-diol

Bronopol is a general-purpose biocide that targets bacteria. Great long term stability at pH range of 4 to 8, but works best at pH 8 or higher and less than 60°C. Bronopol is compatible with most other biocides and, as it is a fast acting biocide especially effective against Pseudomonas aeruginosa, it is often used in dual programs with longer-term preservatives like isothiazolin or BIT. It is affected by reducing agents.

BCS offers BCS 3101A and BCS 3301A: 10% and 30% glycol-based bronopol solutions.

Glutaraldehyde

Glutaraldehyde is an effective general-purpose biocide with a high percent active ingredient. The optimum pH for glutaraldehyde, in terms of rate of efficacy and half-life, is in the range of 7-9. Glutaraldehyde kills most quickly at alkaline pH and higher temperatures, although its half-life can be shortened, but it is efficacious through a broad temperature range. It is resistant to reductants and oxidants.

BCS offers BCS 3502A: a 50% glutaraldehyde solution, and a range of dilutions (45%, 25%, 15%, 4%) and glute/quat blends (42.5%, 14.5%).

DBNPA

2,2-Dibromo-3-nitrilopropionamide

DBNPA is an effective, general-purpose, quick-kill biocide that targets bacteria, fungi, yeast, and algae. Compatible with oxidizing agents, but affected by strong reducing agents. Relatively short half-life. Optimum pH of 3-8, unstable above pH of ~9. Temperature sensitive and will decompose exothermically (liberate heat) at elevated temperatures; ideal temperatures less than 40°C.

BCS offers BCS 3205: a 20% DBNPA solution.

Dazomet/Thione

Tetrahydro-3,5-dimethyl-2H-1,3,5-thiadiazine-2-thione

Thione is an effective, inexpensive biocide that targets bacteria. Degrades rapidly, incompatible with glutaraldehyde and hydrogen peroxide. pH and temperature determine the amount of formaldehyde release.

BCS offers BCS 3243: a 24% caustic-based thione solution.

    Full List of Products

    Polymers

    Biocides

    Custom Chemicals