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    Biofouling Control Companies

    Biofouling monitoring and control, biocides, chlorine dioxide, UV, and membrane cleaning programs.

    28 providers

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    Costain logo

    Costain

    United Kingdom

    Costain works with water and wastewater companies to shape, create and deliver pioneering solutions that improve water quality, affordability and resilience. Population growth, regulatory changes, energy costs and climate change are having a dramatic impact on water usage. The national approach to managing water supply is changing to meet these challenges. The Government and industry regulator are tasked with cutting wastage and preserving an increasingly valuable resource, while protecting consumers from higher water bills. The water sector team offers: Expert input into consultation documents, close work with Government and water companies and innovative delivery, all of which help to minimise costs to water users while meeting national investment needs. A manufacturing mindset: programme optimisation advisory services, standard product development, production controls, whole-life costing and lean delivery processes. Cross-sector best practice: we provide value for our clients by drawing on experience from across the company and by working closely with our decarbonisation experts to drive regional growth strategies. Technology integration: working with some of the UK’s leading asset and data analytics organisations we analyse large volumes of real time data to create greater benefits for our customers through optimised maintenance, pump operation, energy and chemical usage. Current water industry frameworks: Anglian Water – Strategic Pipeline Alliance Severn Trent Southern Water – CMDP JV Thames Water United Utilities – Maintenance Service Provider Yorkshire Water – Technical Services

    Programme Management
    Contractors
    Drive Systems Limited logo

    Drive Systems Limited

    United Kingdom

    With over 35 years experience and knowledge of manufacturing variable speed electrical control systems, Drive Systems Ltd provide fixed and variable speed drives, control panels and will commission and install both the mechanical equipment and electrical supplies, as required. Drive Systems Limited is a wholly owned independent company founded in 1986 by its present directors to promote the use of packaged inverter drive systems into a wide range of industrial applications so that they could benefit from the flexibility of control and the large potential energy savings that this, then, emerging new technology could provide. Many areas of industry, from pet food manufacturers to woodworking machine makers and from the nuclear industry to the water companies became valued customers and benefited from bespoke packaged drive systems tailored to their specific application. The water companies soon became the source of the majority of the companies workload, with inverter based drive systems being developed for wet well submersible pump systems, rectangular bacteria bed distributors (both rope hauled and independently driven) and for circular filter bed distributor drives. This latter drive system, enjoying patent protection of its principles of operation, has been a huge success and over 2000 systems have been supplied into all of the UK`s Water Companies, as well as to numerous overseas locations. Drive Systems has recognised the need, not only to provide products and packaged control systems, but also to provide an installation and commissioning service which ensures optimised performance from the existing plant. Drive Systems site programme includes installation of both mechanical and electrical equipment on prepared foundations. The service is not complete without the inter connection of all items of equipment, including cables, cable trays and ducts, as required. Lighting, heating, ventilation are a natural extension of this work. Drive Systems can provide Fixed and variable speed drives for pumps and fans Control panels and cabinets designed for specific applications Percolating circular filter bed drives and control Percolating rectangular filter bed drives and control Complete installation both mechanical: cabling and electrical supplies Commissioning and test Servicing and repairs

    Treatment Works Products/Services
    Eliquo Hydrok Ltd logo

    Eliquo Hydrok Ltd

    United Kingdom

    ELIQUO HYDROK works with all major UK and Ireland water companies, providing practical water engineering solutions. As a specialist engineering firm with head office in Indian Queens, ELIQUO HYDROK operates at the forefront of innovative and sustainable water treatment technologies. We support the entire UK water sector, supplying every water company. Part of ELIQUO WATER GROUP, the extensive portfolio includes solutions for wastewater management, wastewater treatment, clean water treatment and surface water management; Mecana PCMF, aeration technologies, CSO screens, flow controls, storm tank flushing and Raw Water Intake Screens. Plus, a sludge treatment portfolio that helps reduce costs, improve efficiency, and meet environmental compliance requirements – through systems like ELOVAC® for vacuum degassing, and other integrated technologies in biogas, digestion, dewatering and drying. With established teams in Cornwall, Wolverhampton and Wombwell, ELIQUO HYDROK are well-equipped to support operations – from start to finish; with design, manufacture, management and install capabilities – across the UK and Ireland. This wealth of in-house expertise is backed by a forward-thinking mindset to help customers achieve their long-term goals sustainably; to deliver results in AMP 8 and beyond.

    Treatment Works Products/Services
    Asset Maintenance & Rehabilitation
    ERG (Air Pollution Control) Ltd logo

    ERG (Air Pollution Control) Ltd

    United Kingdom

    ERG (Air Pollution Control) Limited is the leading supplier of wastewater odour control units (OCUs) for the UK Water Industry and increasingly supplies odour control systems around the world. In addition, ERG can provide specialist advice and solutions to assist in achieving IED compliance for relevant odour assets. In the past 10 years, we have provided over 200 OCUs and count all the UK water companies and major main contractors among our clients. So, whether you are looking for a large, multi-stage chemical scrubbing system, an environmentally friendly bio-trickling filter or bio-scrubber system, a simple but efficient activated carbon or dry media system, an Odorgard™ from ERG Hygrade, or even an RTO (Regenerative Thermal Oxidiser) system, ERG can develop a tailor-made solution to suit. All ERG Odour Control Systems are: Purpose-designed by our process engineers to eliminate the cocktail of inlet odours to the required standard. Optimised to give the best value capital and running costs. Built and tested to current BS EN and WIMES specifications. Guaranteed to achieve the required discharge odour concentration and supported by our skilled and experienced maintenance team. Minimising non-compliant emissions to atmosphere by regular, planned maintenance protects your reputation and saves you money. Our maintenance department can help keep your air pollution and odour control systems running effectively and at the lowest operating costs. Our specialist engineers are experts in maintaining most types of odour and air pollution control equipment and always work to the highest safety standards. We often save clients many thousands of pounds by repairing and enhancing dilapidated air pollution and odour control equipment. We are a framework supplier for odour control maintenance to Southern Water, Scottish Water and Thames Water, regularly maintaining more than 120 sites.

    Treatment Works Products/Services
    Quantum Engineering Developments Ltd logo

    Quantum Engineering Developments Ltd

    United Kingdom

    Quantum Engineering Developments Limited specialises in the design, construction installation and commissioning of surge control systems, compressed air systems and booster pump sets. Surge Control Systems Surge conditions, or ‘water hammer’ can occur due to starting or stopping a pump, or failures in the power supply, controls or valves. Quantum Engineering is the leading UK supplier of surge vessels and related control equipment for the alleviation of this effect. All systems can include a patented QUBE controller, developed especially for surge vessel and accumulator control in complex variable flow rate and multi-pump systems. Packaged Booster Pump Sets The company supplies booster sets suitable for applications in final effluent and potable water booster pumps for sewage and water treatment installations. Control Panels Quantum Engineering specialises in the construction of multi-compartment control panel suites to suit the requirements of most UK water authorities. Electrical control panels are available with relay, PLC and microprocessor controlled logic systems, including variable speed drives and soft start, as well as conventional DOL and STAR/DELTA starters. Accreditation All systems are factory tested in house, and are assembled and fitted to meet current statutory requirements, including UK pressure systems legislation and DWI Regulations 25 and 31. Recent Contracts QED supply and install surge vessels via both main contractors and direct with the end users, to nearly all of the UK water companies on both new and replacement/refurbishment projects. What can Quantum do for you today?

    Accreditations
    Salix River and Wetland Services logo

    Salix River and Wetland Services

    United Kingdom

    Salix River & Wetland Services are bioengineering technical specialists, involved in the supply, contract and design elements of river, wetland and coastal projects. Salix has extensive experience working within all river types across the UK, providing innovative vegetated, sustainable solutions for soil erosion and wetland creation. SUPPLY Our in-house product range specifically developed for erosion control and habitat creation includes Coir Rolls, Coir Pallets, Rock Rolls, Rock Mattresses, Rock Bags and the world’s highest performing range of Composite Turf Reinforcement Mats – VMax C350 & C500. We also provide hydraulically applied solutions such as TerrAffix. We have the largest native wildflower and wetland plant nursery in the UK. Salix are the only company to manufacture coir rolls and pallets within the UK, providing a massive reduction in carbon. Salix rock products allow natural sediment accretion and vegetation establishment, unlike harder solutions such as rock armour or gabions. CONTRACTING Salix’s contracting division undertake works for local authorities, public bodies, utility companies, main contractors & private clients, having been involved in a diverse range of projects across the UK. Salix has unrivalled specialist equipment for fluvial environment, including a Mackenzie ‘Muck’ Spider excavator. The Spider has four independent legs, with the ability to access logistically challenging of sites. Salix also has long reach excavators, floating pontoons, hydroseeders and truxor available for a diverse range of specialist fluvial and intertidal activities.

    River & Coastal Flood Protection
    Contractors
    SDS Limited logo

    SDS Limited

    United Kingdom

    Protecting Water. Protecting Life.  SDS designs, manufactures and installs water management systems for sustainable infrastructure. Innovation is at the heart of what we do. Every SDS solution is intelligently engineered to protect our precious water environment effectively and efficiently. Twenty-five years ago we started with a great idea: our GEOlight® geo-cellular stormwater attenuation and infiltration system. Now SDS is the UK’s leader in Sustainable Drainage Systems with a broad product portfolio that includes solutions for flood prevention, environment protection and drought mitigation. We help our customers, both in the UK and around the world, to control, treat, store and reuse water. Our systems are used in all kinds of infrastructure projects from residential, industrial and commercial developments to leisure, highways and transportation.Our systems are engineered to be practical and cost-effective. We help to ensure they meet regulations and continue to perform as designed throughout a long life. Our customers depend on us, because we take responsibility for each element of a project from specification, design and manufacture to delivery, installation and maintenance.

    River & Coastal Flood Protection
    Contractors
    Technocover Ltd logo

    Technocover Ltd

    United Kingdom

    Technocover is an approved ISO 14001:2004 Environmental and ISO 9001:2008 Quality Accredited Company, dedicated to the Design, Manufacture, Installation and Maintenance of Physical Security Access Solutions for protection to all industrial sectors. Our extensive in-house design and manufacturing facilities are home to well established research and development unit and comprehensive testing facility. Our commercial offices incorporate our design team who utilise the latest computer aided design technology and work alongside our dedicated planning section who oversee everything from surveying, scheduling and contract reviews, to the management of framework agreements. We have been designing and manufacturing innovative steel products since 1993. In that time, through organic growth, planned expansion and acquisition, we have gained a reputation as the UK’s leading supplier of Physical Steel Security Access Products. We have a range of aperture security solutions for virtually every application, establishments in the UK and overseas have sought our expertise in providing security products for asset protection. We operate a Total Service Philosophy and can handle complete projects from site survey to final installation, whether for new or refurbishing projects, the adaptability of our galvanised steel access products means the most complex design criteria can be met. Our range of high quality access products offer custom built operational and security solutions to prevent unauthorised persons gaining access, securing key assets against all levels of trespass, malicious vandalism, theft, extortion, contamination or terrorism. Many of our access system products have been tested and approved by the Loss Prevention Certification Board (LPCB)  to LPS 1175 issue 5 or above, Security Rating Levels 2, 3, 4 or 5. Frameworks We hold both exclusive and shared framework agreements with most of the major UK water companies. Framework Security items include: LPCB Level 2 Universal Gas Cylinder Clamps LPCB Level 3 Mesh Cage Systems LPCB Level 3 Flush Access Covers LPCB Level 4 Upstand Access Covers LPCB Level 4 Padlockable Access Doors LPCB Level 4 Key Entry Doors LPCB Level 4 Enclosures/Kiosks/Cabinets LPCB Level 4 Walk-In Modular Buildings LPCB Level 4 Window Bar Sets LPCB Level 5 Louvres

    Security Solutions
    Asset Maintenance & Rehabilitation

    Designing Biofouling Prevention Programs for Industrial Water Systems

    Biofouling — the accumulation of biofilm (bacterial slime, fungi, algae, mussels) on heat exchangers, RO membranes, cooling tower fill, condensers, and pipework — degrades heat transfer coefficient 30–70%, increases pumping energy 10–30%, and shortens equipment life. Prevention strategies stack three layers: shock disinfection (chlorination to 1–5 mg/L free residual, monochloramine to 1–3 mg/L for higher pH cooling water, peracetic acid at 5–20 mg/L for chlorine-sensitive systems), continuous biocide dosing (DBNPA 5–25 mg/L, glutaraldehyde 50–200 mg/L, isothiazolinones at 1–10 mg/L), and dispersant programs to detach and flush biofilm.

    Monitoring is the leverage point. ATP bioluminescence quantifies viable microbial load in under 60 seconds; biofilm coupon racks installed on side-streams measure accumulation gravimetrically and by FTIR; Legionella culture under ISO 11731 is mandatory for cooling towers under EU EN 16975 and ANSI/ASHRAE 188. Online ATP and oxidation-reduction-potential monitoring closes the loop on biocide dosing, replacing fixed-dose programs with demand-driven control that typically reduces chemical consumption 20–40%.

    Macrofouling — zebra mussels, quagga mussels, Asian clams — affects intake structures in surface-water systems and is controlled by chlorination at 0.5–1 mg/L for 21–30 day mussel-mortality programs or thermal shock above 40°C for 30+ minutes. Aguato lists biofouling-prevention providers with proven references across cooling towers, RO desalination intakes, power-station condensers, and industrial recirculating systems.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    What biocide regime do I use for an open recirculating cooling tower?

    Best practice combines a continuous halogen feed (free chlorine 0.2–0.5 mg/L or monochloramine 0.5–1 mg/L for pH above 8.5) with weekly shock dosing of a non-oxidizing biocide (isothiazolinone, glutaraldehyde, or DBNPA) at 50–100 mg/L for 4–8 hours. Add dispersant (polyacrylate or phosphonate at 5–15 mg/L) and rotate non-oxidizers quarterly to prevent resistant strains. Monitor ATP weekly and Legionella monthly.

    How do I monitor biofilm in real time on an RO skid?

    Install ATP test points on feed, mid-stage permeate, and concentrate to track viable microbial load. Place biofilm coupon racks on side-streams of each stage for monthly gravimetric and FTIR analysis. Track normalized differential pressure weekly — a 15% rise from baseline signals biofouling onset. Online DO, ORP, and chlorine residual probes close the feedback loop. Advanced sites use SAXS or quartz crystal microbalance for laboratory-grade kinetics.

    What's the difference between biofouling and scaling?

    Biofouling is biological — slimy, brown-to-green, soft, ATP-positive, removed by oxidation. Scaling is mineral — hard, white-to-gray, crystalline, removed by acid. Quick field tests: glutaraldehyde swab turns biofouling slick; 5% HCl dissolves scale. SEM/EDX of a coupon resolves the mix. Most RO and cooling failures involve both — biofouling traps precipitating ions, accelerating scale.

    Are oxidizing biocides safe for RO membrane systems?

    Polyamide RO membranes are damaged by free chlorine above 0.1 mg/L cumulative exposure (above 1,000 ppm-hours). Chlorination is typically applied upstream of sodium-bisulfite quench cartridges (SBS dosed at 1.5 to 3 times chlorine residual). Monochloramine is more membrane-tolerant (up to 0.5 mg/L continuous) but slower-acting. Non-oxidizing biocides (DBNPA, isothiazolinones) are preferred for direct membrane disinfection when biofouling resists oxidative shock.

    Case Study·Petrochemical complex, Teesside, UK, two open recirculating cooling towers at 12,000 m3/hr circulation
    Challenge

    Recurring biofouling on condenser tubes was reducing heat-transfer coefficient by 35% within 6 weeks of chemical dosing cycles. ATP counts regularly exceeded 5 million RLU/mL despite continuous chlorination at 0.3 mg/L free residual. Legionella culture results twice exceeded Ofwat risk threshold of 1,000 CFU/100mL in a 12-month period.

    Approach

    A biocide rotation programme replaced single-biocide continuous chlorination with alternating DBNPA shock dosing (75 mg/L, 4 hours, weekly) and glutaraldehyde (100 mg/L, 4 hours, fortnightly), supported by online ATP probes and ORP control on the chlorine dosing. Biofilm dispersant (polyacrylate at 10 mg/L continuous) and annual mechanical cleaning of fill pack were added.

    Outcome

    ATP counts fell below 500,000 RLU/mL within 8 weeks and remained below 1 million RLU/mL for 18 months. Legionella culture stayed below 100 CFU/100mL. Heat-transfer efficiency recovered to design levels, saving an estimated GBP 280,000/year in fuel and GBP 65,000 in unplanned maintenance.

    Questions to Ask Shortlisted Providers

    1. 1

      What is your biocide rotation protocol and how do you verify efficacy against resistant strains?

      Single-biocide programmes breed resistant biofilm communities within 6 to 12 months. Rotation with chemical class switching (oxidising, isothiazolinone, quaternary ammonium) is essential for sustained control.

    2. 2

      Do you provide online ATP or ORP monitoring, and how is dosing feedback-controlled?

      Fixed-dose biocide programmes waste chemical and underdose during high-load periods. Demand-driven dosing tied to ATP or ORP feedback reduces chemical spend 20 to 40% while maintaining tighter microbial control.

    3. 3

      What is your Legionella monitoring protocol and how does it align with BS 8580-1 and HSE ACOP L8 obligations?

      Cooling tower operators have a statutory Legionella control duty under ACOP L8. Vendors should define sampling frequency (monthly culture, weekly ATP), trigger levels, and corrective action thresholds explicitly.

    4. 4

      How do you handle macrofouling risk from zebra or quagga mussels in surface-water intake systems?

      Macrofouling by invasive mussels can block intake screens and condenser water-boxes within weeks. Vendors must specify chlorination duration and concentration for mussel mortality (0.5 mg/L for 21 days minimum).

    5. 5

      What are your biocide discharge consents and Environment Agency reporting obligations for your proposed programme?

      Biocide-containing blowdown discharging to controlled waters requires Trade Effluent Consent or Environmental Permit. Vendors should confirm compliance pathway before proposing any chemical regime.

    What Drives Cost in This Category

    Biocide selection and rotation programme complexity

    Continuous halogen dosing costs GBP 15K to 60K/year per tower in chemical alone. Adding non-oxidiser shock doses and dispersants increases chemical cost 30 to 60% but reduces fouling-related downtime costs that typically exceed chemical savings.

    Online monitoring instrumentation (ATP, ORP, Legionella real-time)

    Online ATP analysers cost GBP 15K to 40K per installation. Real-time Legionella monitors (PCR-based) cost GBP 50K to 120K. Both reduce statutory monitoring labour and enable demand-driven dosing that typically recoups capital in 2 to 3 years.

    Cooling tower fill pack cleaning and mechanical maintenance

    Annual fill pack cleaning costs GBP 8K to 30K per tower but is mandatory under ACOP L8. Skipping it leads to biofilm reservoir build-up that chemical programmes cannot overcome.

    Legionella testing laboratory costs and frequency

    Monthly Legionella culture (ISO 11731) at GBP 80 to 150 per sample adds GBP 1K to 2K/year per tower. More frequent sampling during risk events or high ATP counts can triple laboratory expenditure.

    Key Regulations & Standards

    HSE ACOP L8 and HSG274 Part 1

    The Approved Code of Practice L8 and its Technical Guidance HSG274 Part 1 set out the legal duty for cooling tower Legionella risk assessment, written scheme, and routine monitoring. Non-compliance with ACOP creates a presumption of negligence in prosecution.

    BS 8580-1:2019 Water Quality Risk Assessment for Legionella

    The British Standard defines the risk assessment methodology that must precede any biofouling control programme for cooling towers, hot and cold water systems, and spa pools. Assessors should be competent and ideally UKAS-accredited.

    Environmental Permitting Regulations 2016 (Trade Effluent Consent)

    Blowdown from biocide-dosed cooling systems discharging to sewer requires Trade Effluent Consent from the local water company. Direct discharge to controlled waters requires an Environmental Permit from the Environment Agency.

    EU Biocidal Products Regulation 528/2012 (retained in UK)

    All biocides used in water treatment must be authorised under BPR Product Type 11 (slimicides for cooling/process systems). Using unauthorised biocides is a criminal offence. WRAS approval is additionally required for potable water contact applications.