Number
259-EN
Section
General Section
Use
Sector
General manufacturing, e.g. machinery, equipment, vehicles, other transport equipment
Other
Function
Biocide
Process
Other
Product category
Waster treatment chemicals
Application
Ultra sound system as alternative to sodium hypochlorite
Abstract
A university decided to switch to ultrasounds for controlling bacteria in its water cooling towers. The system proved effective and helped to cut costs with the previously used chemical biocide (sodium hypochlorite) but also with substances needed to counterbalance the corrosiveness of the biocide and its alkalinity.
Substituted substances
Sodium hypochlorite
CAS No. 7681-52-9 EC No. 231-668-3 Index No. 017-011-00-1
Chemical group
Sodium compounds; hypochlorites
Classification: hazard statements
H314 Causes severe skin burns and eye damage
H318 Causes serious eye damage
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
ecotoxicity
PBT
Other type of alternative
Ultra sound device
Hazard Assessment
Substance to be substituted: Sodium hypochlorite is not listed in the SUBSPORTplus Database. Alternative substance: Non chemical alternative.
Description of Substitution
Ultrasounds are used in various applications for their biocidal effects. Such a water treatment system was installed by the University of Iowa as a substitute for the sodium hypochlorite it used for controlling bacteria in its cooling towers. Two Sonoxide ultrasound devices were installed and provided good microbial control. The university had a rapid pay-back of the investment and cut costs with corrosion inhibitors and neutralising chemicals.
Case/substitution evaluation
The substitution is easy to implement and it prevents the use of sodium hypochlorite which is corrosive and very toxic to the aquatic environment. Sodium hypochlorite is less efficient for alkaline water (pH over 7.5).
State of implementation
Full capacity
Availability ofAlternative
The product is available on the market
Producer/Provider
Type of information supplier
Producer / distributor
Contact
Type of publication and availability
Internet presentation
Publication source: author, company, institute, year
The information is based on the case study 'Sustaining the bottom line', published by Ashland as part of the 'Sustainability in action' page of their website, in 2012, www.ashland.com/
Date, reviewed
November 26, 2021