Cold water storage cisterns can provide a perfect breeding ground for
bacteria of many types. It is therefore a fundamental part of any risk
management strategy that, when necessary, these are kept clean and free
from contamination. One key aspect of tank cleaning is removal of
biofilm - defined as ‘a community of bacteria and other micro-organisms
embedded in a protective layer with entrained debris, attached to a
surface'
It is well documented that bacteria undergo a significant change once they are attached to a surface, that is they go from plaktonic to sessile. To undergo this change they can turn on a completely different set of genes. Amongst a number of other changes, they clump together and emit a slimy substance, making the bacteria much more difficult to eradicate. Many common disinfectants are only effective at killing free floating (planktonic) bacteria but not those contained within a biofilm.
This is one of the reasons that a physical clean of the internal surfaces of a water tank is required as well as a chemical disinfection. Removal of silt, debris and scale deposits together with scrubbing the surfaces allows for far better penetration of the disinfectant and maximises its effect. The material construction of the tank also plays a role, to give an example; old galvanized steel water tanks which show advanced signs of rusting not only provide nutrients for the bacteria but also prevent a thorough physical clean of the surfaces through either pitting (creating areas that cannot be reached) or fear of aggravating the surfaces causing pin-hole leaks or total tank failure.
It is therefore important that the method and disinfectant used are chosen carefully, and should be specific to the tank condition / material, set-up of the water system and the building in which it is situated.
Nemco have a team of highly experienced and trained personnel engaged in Tank Cleaning services. For more information please see the Tank cleaning services section on Nemco's
It is well documented that bacteria undergo a significant change once they are attached to a surface, that is they go from plaktonic to sessile. To undergo this change they can turn on a completely different set of genes. Amongst a number of other changes, they clump together and emit a slimy substance, making the bacteria much more difficult to eradicate. Many common disinfectants are only effective at killing free floating (planktonic) bacteria but not those contained within a biofilm.
This is one of the reasons that a physical clean of the internal surfaces of a water tank is required as well as a chemical disinfection. Removal of silt, debris and scale deposits together with scrubbing the surfaces allows for far better penetration of the disinfectant and maximises its effect. The material construction of the tank also plays a role, to give an example; old galvanized steel water tanks which show advanced signs of rusting not only provide nutrients for the bacteria but also prevent a thorough physical clean of the surfaces through either pitting (creating areas that cannot be reached) or fear of aggravating the surfaces causing pin-hole leaks or total tank failure.
It is therefore important that the method and disinfectant used are chosen carefully, and should be specific to the tank condition / material, set-up of the water system and the building in which it is situated.
Nemco have a team of highly experienced and trained personnel engaged in Tank Cleaning services. For more information please see the Tank cleaning services section on Nemco's
Website www.nemco-utilities.co.uk
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