Coating prevents biofilm on filter elements

FouleX is a new development from Boll & Kirch’s research and development designed to prevent the build-up of biofilm contamination on filter elements.

Two Bollfilter 6.18 Automatic Filter Systems were installed at the WAG Water Treatment Plant in Germany to provide primary protection for the ultrafiltration membrane plant.

However, due to the presence of manganese bacteria, a biofilm formed on the filter elements after just three month’s operating time. As a result, the normally self-cleaning filters had to be manually cleaned – washed inside and out with a high-pressure cleaner and decontaminated with an acidic cleaning agent.

The problem was solved by the application of FouleX coating to the filter elements which, after three month’s normal operation, were checked and found to be completely free from biological growth.

The operating company at WAG was delighted with the improved filter performance: “With the FouleX coating, the operating time without cleaning has been extended to 16 months. What is more, the cleaning process is much easier, requiring just rinsing with water.”

A maintenance interval of 12 months is normally recommended for Boll automatic filter systems. At the WAG plant, the FouleX coating has increased this by a third, significantly reducing maintenance and downtime. The cost for cleaning chemicals has also been reduced.