bio slime
bio slime
(OP)
I work for a newspaper. Our film processors accumulate a clear emulsion gel in the rinse water tank. Over a few days it develops an algae type of build up all over the tank. We treat it with mild bleach, however the bleach and photo development fixer vapors combine and cause corrosion on the stainless steel housings. The question finally is how can we control this bio slime? Is there another non-corrosive chemical agent we can use or would hot water be of any use?





RE: bio slime
Michael
RE: bio slime
RE: bio slime
RE: bio slime
Try some non-oxidizing biocides: Glutaraldehyde or maybe Isothiazolin (active names).
Both of these are extremely effective at penetrating and killing because they are cell de-stabilizers and not oxidizers (therefore are nicer to metals). However, because of that nature the kill time is slower than an oxidizer like bleach, if that's important. Bleach by itself will corrode low grade stainless.
Contact a local industrial water treatment company and ask for products that have either of those actives.
Note: Glut. is expensive. Iso. is extremely dangerous to come-in-contact with. The danger with Iso. is that it's a common skin-sensitizer that in concentrated form will make you break out in a really nasty rash, from then on you'll be extremely sensitive to any exposure and it's in nearly everything except Ivory soap and baby shampoo; check your labels.
RE: bio slime