The Problem of Slime in Water Systems

Slime grows very quickly in water systems. Planktonic cells flowing in the water clot together and form a layer of sessile cells, which attach to the inner walls of tubes and pipes. Colonies of cells grow rapidly, and attract more planctonic cells. The slime can grow and block free water flow, and forms a contamination which is a hazard for water quality.



In existing water distribution systems, the distribution pipes are permanently contaminated with slime. Chlorine does not eliminate, or even inhibit, the growth of slime. GO₂^TM removes slime within a short period of time. The hard layer requires longer time to remove, depending on the thickness of accumulation. The process of decontamination is completely safe and has no adverse side effects.

The Structure of Slime
The slime consists of two layers. A hard layer is found compacted against the inner wall of the distribution pipe. Within the diameter of the hard layer is a soft slime layer. The soft layer deposits flakes off slime into the water current. The slime deposits block piping systems, foul drinking water nozzles and cleaning sprays, etc.

GO₂-generated chlorine dioxide (ClO2) is a superior water treatment to chlorine. GO₂ addresses specific disinfection tasks that chlorine cannot accomplish, such as slime removal. It also has a far longer effective life. In addition to purifying drinking water, GO₂ will eliminate slime in water pipes, tanks and throughout the entire water distribution system... whether that is an entire city, a large industry or a small poultry farm. Chlorine does not address this important issue. Unlike chlorine, GO₂ has no known negative side effects. 1 ppm GO₂ delivers the same disinfecting power as a dosage rate of 10 ppm of chlorine. The dilution factor plays an important role in safety and cost comparison. GO₂ is harmless, whereas chlorine is dangerous to use, has harmful side effects on human, animal, plant and marine health and creates harmful by-products, that are corrosive and harmful for humans.

An example

Using GO₂, a city can start with 2 ppm GO₂-generated chlorine dioxide at the water plant and yield a concentration level of 0.3 ppm at the tap. Over time, using GO₂-generated chlorine dioxide the slime in the distribution system and storage tanks is killed off and removed, and the GO₂ concentration can be lowered. For example, after the distribution system is cleaned, a concentration of 0.5 ppm GO₂ at the water plant will still yield 0.3 ppm at the tap. These concentration levels can then be established as the stable application level. A consistent dosage will be indicated in the water distribution system and at the tap. This produces healthier drinking water at less cost to the city and to consumers. The same benefits apply in livestock, agricultural food processing and industrial applications.

GO₂ vs. Slime over Time
Initial breakdown of slimes requires higher concentration of GO₂. After breakdown, between 10% and 30% of the initial GO₂ dose is necessary depending on temperature. Cost will be proportionally reduced after initial slime removal.

Existing water conditions can vary widely. Biological loading can be low (even 1 KVE/ml), average (between 100-500) or high (60,000). Even if there is a low biological load, most water systems still have slimes. These are not separated, broken down or removed by sodium chlorine 10% or 15%, or by hydrogen peroxide. The company knows of no other commercially available water purifier that treats slime.

Using GO₂, an initial 1ppm causes the slime to break down and remove. This will temporarily cause a high biological load. This load will remain high until all remnants of the slime are removed and until the water clarity returns. Once the slime has been completely removed, the water will appear clear, the biological load will drop to <1, and the dose for GO₂ can be lowered to 0.5 ppm. Gradually, lowering the ppm each week can be experimented with until a continuous dosage level of 0.2 ppm is reached. Continuous use of GO₂ guarantees the water will remain clean and clear, prevents the re-growth of slime and guarantees an ongoing low biological load. In warm climates, a final continuous dosage level of 0.3ppm is recommended.


Figure 1: Slime contamination in water flow after start of GO₂ deployment.

There are no standard and fixed timelines that will work for every situation. Every facility is different, and the basic condition of the water distribution system is always different. Unique local factors always vary from one facility to another, and individual treatment is always important. The final dose to guarantee stable and clean water will differ depending on climate factors, but the final result will always be successful and unique for GO₂. The ultimate biological load will always reach a hygienic level of < 1, since all bacteria, viruses, fungi etc. will definitely be killed.