Slime Control in Paper Machine Shower Water Systems with Unique Chemical-Free Electro-Technology, 2000 Papermakers Conference Proceedings

Martin Verreault, M. Michael Pitts, Ph.D, Ken Wiltshire--A unique capacitance-based technology has been demonstrated effective for preventing the plugging of paper machine shower water nozzles by microbial slime. A major cost reduction was accomplished by replacing chemical biocide treatment with an installation of a high-voltage capacitance-based electrode for deposit control. Within weeks the piping and nozzles of a wet felt shower system were found to have been completely cleared of deposits even as the chemical biocide addition rate was dramatically reduced. The new technology causes rapid super-hydration of existing biological slime deposits and prevents the attachment of free floating bacteria onto surfaces where they would colonize causing flow obstructions and corrosive deposits. Ongoing evaluations utilizing this non-chemical treatment strategy continue in all major mill processing areas including: Pulping, Power & Recovery, Recycle (DIP & OCC), Papermaking and Effluent Treatment.