Number
196-EN
Section
General Section
Use
Sector
Electricity, steam, gas water supply and sewage treatment
Function
Biocide
Process
Other
Product category
Biocidal products
Application
Cooling water preparation
Abstract
Cooling towers provide a good environment for the development of biofilm, algae and microorganisms. Biocides are used to control this process. Dibromo-nitro-propionamide (DBNPA) (2,2-Dibromo-2-cyanoacetamide) biocidal efficacy was compared to that of an ultrasound technology, used as alternative. Results showed a good performance in the case of the ultrasound device
Substituted substances
2,2-Dibromo-2-cyanoacetamide
CAS No. 10222-01-2 EC No. 233-539-7 Index No.
Chemical group
Carboxylic acid amides; nitriles; bromine compounds, organic
Classification: hazard statements
H330 Fatal if inhaled
H301 Toxic if swallowed
H372 Causes damage to organs through prolonged or repeated exposure
H315 Causes skin irritation
H318 Causes serious eye damage
H317 May cause an allergic skin reaction
H400 Very toxic to aquatic life
H410 Very toxic to aquatic life with long lasting effects
Reliability of information
Evidence of implementation: there is evidence that the solution was implemented and in use at time of publication
Reason substitution
skin/respiratory sensitizing
Other type of alternative
Ultrasound device
Hazard Assessment
Substance to be substituted: 2,2-Dibromo-2-cyanoacetamide may cause an allergic skin reaction, according to Annex VI of Regulation (EC) No 1272/2008 (CLP Regulation). It fulfils the criteria to be listed in the Substance Database according to SUBSPORTplus Screening Criteria (SDSC). Alternative substance: Non chemical alternative.
Description of Substitution
Organisms developed in the cooling towers interfere with the physical processes reducing cooling efficiency.The chemical processes may be also affected since these organisms consume some of the reagents (for example anti corrosion agents). Last but not least important some of them (like Legionella) may be very dangerous for the health. A comparison was made between results obtained by using chemical biocide treatment with Dibromo-nitro-propionamide (DBNPA) in a control cooling tower (R1) and those obtained by using an LC Sound Ultrasonic device, for cooling tower R2. DBNPA is not included in eth EU harmonized classification, Microbiological analysis of legionella in different stages of the treatment process showed that the concentration of colonyforming units (CFU) was reduced more for R2, using ultrasound (50-110 CFU/100ml) than forR1 using DBNPA (120-300 CFU/100ml). Advantages: The presentation states that the efficacy on biofilm reduction is superior to that of chemicals, which are more efficient for suspended organisms. Disadvantages: Bigger cooling towers may need more than one ultrasound unit.
Case/substitution evaluation
The alternative is feasible, it does not need extensive auxiliary costs (for the device installation). It may be used as an alternative to DBNPA, or to other chemicals that are hazardous or may generate hazardous substances (like chlorine that reacts with organic matter in water forming trihalomethanes).
State of implementation
Full capacity
Date and place of implementation
2006
Availability ofAlternative
The alternative is available on the market.
Producer/Provider
Type of information supplier
Producer / distributor
Contact
Further information
Type of publication and availability
Case study and product presentation from the internet
Publication source: author, company, institute, year
The presentation was elaborated by WINTECS CORPORATION, in 2007 and published on LG Sound website.
Date, reviewed
November 26, 2021