Oxidizing & Non-Oxidizing · EPA Registered · Legionella Control
Industrial Biocides
Cooling Tower · Process Water · Wastewater · Membrane Systems
Uncontrolled microbiological growth in industrial water systems causes biofilm fouling, under-deposit corrosion, heat transfer losses, and serious public health risks including Legionella. Texas-Chem supplies EPA-registered oxidizing and non-oxidizing biocides for rotating programs that prevent resistance and maintain effective microbiological control.
Types
Oxidizing & Non-Oxidizing
Contact Time
15 min – 4 hrs
Dose Rate
5–100 mg/L
Pack Sizes
Pails · Drums · Totes
Oxidizing vs. Non-Oxidizing
| Property | Oxidizing | Non-Oxidizing |
|---|---|---|
| Examples | Cl₂, NaOCl, bromine | DBNPA, isothiazoline |
| Biofilm penetration | Limited | Better |
| Residual | Measurable | None |
| Resistance risk | Lower | Higher (rotate) |
| Cost | Lower | Higher |
| Best use | Continuous dosing | Slug dosing |
Safety & Regulatory
- NFPA Health
- 2–3 (product-specific)
- NFPA Flammability
- 0–1 (product-specific)
- NFPA Reactivity
- 0–1 (product-specific)
- DOT Classification
- 6.1 Toxic or 8 Corrosive (product-specific)
- EPA Registration
- Required for biocidal use — registered products supplied
- Skin/Eye
- Irritating to corrosive — full PPE required
- Environmental
- Aquatic toxicity varies — follow discharge limits
- Disposal
- Per EPA and local regulations; neutralize oxidizers
Product Lines & Packaging
Product Lines
Pack Sizes
Product Properties
| Chemical Types | Oxidizing: chlorine, bromine; Non-oxidizing: DBNPA, isothiazoline, glutaraldehyde |
| CAS Number | Various (product-specific) |
| Physical Form | Clear to amber liquid or solid (tablet/granule) |
| Active Content | 5–50% (product-specific) |
| pH (as supplied) | 2.0–10.0 (product-specific) |
| Density | 1.05–1.30 g/cm³ |
| Flash Point | Non-flammable (aqueous); varies (solvent-based) |
| Typical Dose Rate | 5–100 mg/L (system-specific) |
| Target Organisms | Bacteria, algae, fungi, Legionella |
| Contact Time | 15 min – 4 hours (product-specific) |
| Compatibility | Check with corrosion inhibitors and antiscalants |
| Shelf Life | 12–24 months (sealed container) |
Applications
Cooling Tower Microbiological Control
Rotating oxidizing and non-oxidizing biocide programs control bacteria, algae, and biofilm in open recirculating cooling systems. Proper biocide programs are essential for Legionella risk management and compliance with ASHRAE 188 water management plans.
Legionella Risk Management
Legionella pneumophila control in cooling towers, decorative fountains, and process water systems. Texas-Chem supplies biocides and disinfectants for Legionella control programs compliant with ASHRAE 188 and CDC guidelines.
Process Water Disinfection
Microbiological control in industrial process water systems — food and beverage, pharmaceutical, and chemical manufacturing. Biocides prevent biofilm formation that reduces heat transfer, causes corrosion under deposits, and contaminates products.
Wastewater Treatment
Biocides for controlling nuisance organisms in wastewater collection systems, treatment plants, and biosolids handling. Glutaraldehyde and isothiazoline biocides are effective for controlling sulfate-reducing bacteria that cause H₂S generation.
Membrane System Preservation
Biocides for preserving RO and NF membranes during shutdown and storage. Sodium metabisulfite and low-dose biocide solutions prevent biological fouling during idle periods without damaging membrane materials.
Paper Mill Process Water
Slimicide programs for paper mill white water, press felts, and forming fabrics. Biofilm (slime) in paper mills causes sheet breaks, quality defects, and equipment fouling. Rotating biocide programs prevent resistance development.
Why Source Biocides from Texas-Chem?
- 35+ years supplying water treatment chemicals to Texas industry
- EPA-registered oxidizing and non-oxidizing biocides
- Legionella control programs compliant with ASHRAE 188
- Technical support for biocide program design and rotation
- Pails, drums, and totes for any scale of operation
- Same-day quotes — contact us with your system details
Other Water Treatment Products
Biocides vs. Alternatives
Industrial biocides control microbial growth in cooling water, process water, and oilfield systems. Here's how common biocide types compare.
| Attribute | Biocides | Chlorine / Hypochlorite | Glutaraldehyde |
|---|---|---|---|
| Type | Oxidizing & non-oxidizing blends | Oxidizing only | Non-oxidizing only |
| Spectrum | Broad — bacteria, algae, fungi, SRB | Broad — less effective on biofilm | Broad — strong biofilm penetration |
| pH Sensitivity | Formulation-dependent | Less effective above pH 8 | Effective pH 6–9 |
| Residual Activity | Varies by product | Short — rapidly consumed | Moderate — hours to days |
| Resistance Risk | Rotation program minimizes resistance | Low resistance risk | Resistance possible with overuse |
Industries We Supply Biocides To
Cooling Water Systems
Biocides control Legionella, algae, and biofilm in cooling towers and heat exchangers, maintaining heat transfer efficiency and preventing health risks.
Biocides supply in Houston, TXOil & Gas — Oilfield Water
Sulfate-reducing bacteria (SRB) biocides prevent microbiologically influenced corrosion (MIC) and souring in injection water, produced water, and pipelines.
Biocides supply in Midland, TXPulp & Paper
Slimicides control biofilm and slime-forming bacteria in paper machine white water systems, preventing sheet defects and equipment fouling.
Biocides supply in Lufkin, TXMunicipal Wastewater
Used to control nuisance organisms in wastewater collection systems, lift stations, and treatment plant headworks to reduce odor and corrosion.
Biocides supply in San Antonio, TX