| EPSRC Reference: |
GR/J54376/01 |
| Title: |
ULTRASOUND IN THE CONTROL OF BIOFOULING OF INDUSTRIAL COOLING WATER SYSTEMS |
| Principal Investigator: |
Stickler, Dr D |
| Other Investigators: |
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| Researcher Co-Investigators: |
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| Project Partners: |
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| Department: |
School of Biosciences |
| Organisation: |
Cardiff University |
| Scheme: |
Standard Research (Pre-FEC) |
| Starts: |
01 December 1993 |
Ends: |
30 November 1996 |
Value (£): |
77,836
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| EPSRC Research Topic Classifications: |
| Design of Process systems |
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| EPSRC Industrial Sector Classifications: |
| Chemicals |
No relevance to Underpinning Sectors |
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| Panel History: |
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Summary on Grant Application Form |
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The inevitable microbial contamination of industrial cooling water systems, and the subsequent build up of biofilm on the pipework, leads to higher pumping costs and reduced efficiency of heat transfer. Attempts to control this biofouling with chemical biocides generate environmental problems and are not always effective. The aim of this project is to explore the use of ultrasonic cavitation as a means of preventing biofouling. Laboratory scale models will be used to determine the optimum transducer design, sound frequency, power input and exposure time required for biofilm disruption.The problems of scale-up in the operational system, the effects of water flow rates on the activity of the ultrasound waves, and the range limits of the biofilm disrupting activity along lengths of pipework will be explored in pilot water cooling plants. The final phase will investigate the efficiency of sonication in working industrial operations. The study offers the prospect of a more effective, environmentally acceptable and economic method than the use of chemical biocides for the control of microbial fouling of industrial operations.
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Key Findings |
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This information can now be found on Gateway to Research (GtR) http://gtr.rcuk.ac.uk
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Potential use in non-academic contexts |
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This information can now be found on Gateway to Research (GtR) http://gtr.rcuk.ac.uk
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Impacts |
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| Description |
This information can now be found on Gateway to Research (GtR) http://gtr.rcuk.ac.uk |
| Summary |
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| Date Materialised |
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Sectors submitted by the Researcher |
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This information can now be found on Gateway to Research (GtR) http://gtr.rcuk.ac.uk
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| Project URL: |
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| Further Information: |
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| Organisation Website: |
http://www.cf.ac.uk |