Medical Building Study Shows Biofilm Reduction with Real-Time Monitor

The research study analyzed 500 days of data generated from the central energy plant in a medical center located in the southeastern US.  Specifically, the oxidizing biocide relay, oxidation-reduction potential of the water, and biofilm sensor data were analyzed for interdependencies and/or correlations.   

Recorded higher ORP levels, minimized biofilm growth, and decreased amount present

The ORP is an indirect measurement technique of oxidant presence.  ORP values of greater than 650 mV have been well-documented for potable water for complete elimination of E. coli  (WHO, 1971) and, specifically for Legionella, an ORP of 679 mV “...killed 100 percent of Legionella present at a concentration of ~ 2 x 106 CFU/mL…” (CDC and Special Pathogens Laboratory, 2018).  

The quantification of biofilm thickness by the Canary provides a novel approach to managing life safety risk present in cooling water systems.  In this research study, the client was able to significantly decrease biofilm population in their central energy plant cooling water system through the application of SymphonyTM and Canary technology.  Through the use of Symphony’s IoT platform, life safety risk was minimized.  By better managing life safety risk, heat transfer surfaces became cleaner, resulting in energy cost savings of up to 5% per year.  

For example, a 1200-ton chiller plant with a 0.3-mm thick biofilm layer will have additional wasted energy costs of $63,245 per year.  This is based off of a chiller efficiency of 0.61 kW/ton, 3000-ton hours of operation per year and energy costs of $0.09 per kWh. The Symphony water management software platform empowers owners to take proactive control over capital, operational, and life safety risks through our IoT platform.