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At Lubrizol, we strive to act as responsible corporate citizens. Based on the principles outlined in our corporate philosophy, we continually protect the health and safety of our employees, customers and neighbors as we support stronger, more sustainable communities.
Why use biocides?
What are the differences between concentrate and tankside applications?
Is one biocide enough?
Does the use of MWF biocides guarantee control of microbial growth?
Are MWF biocides safe to use and handle?
Can microbial growth be controlled without MWF biocides?
If some biocide is good, is more even better?
What are formaldehyde condensates?
Why is there a heightened discussion expressing concern about formaldehydecontaining products?
If you have questions or would like additional information about Metalworking products, please contact us at industrial@lubrizol.com.
Aqueous MWF environments inherently contain all the necessary components to support microbial growth: water, organic materials, unintended contaminants, and elevated temperatures. Uncontrolled microbial growth in MWF emulsions can create numerous negative consequences for the fluid users, including:
MWF biocides are specifically designed to control and/or eliminate microbial growth in aqueous MWF systems. Proper application of registered biocidal products helps ensure that fluids offer a long and productive useful life in a safe working environment for manufacturing employees.
MWF concentrates are typically supplied to manufacturing locations for dilution into water at the site.
Concentrate treatment application refers to incorporation of a biocide in the supplied fluid concentrate. Treatment levels of biocide in the MWF concentrate should be selected to deliver an appropriate amount of active chemistry in the final in-use dilution.
Tankside treatment application refers to the use of a biocide directly into the diluted, in-use MWF at the manufacturing location. This approach is used to supplement microbial control and/or correct a problem level of microbial contamination. Tankside treatment levels of biocide in the in use dilution should be selected to deliver an appropriate amount of active chemistry with consideration of the total system volume being treated.
Active substances used in MWF biocides are typically effective at controlling either bacteria (bactericides) or fungi (fungicides). To provide broad-spectrum control against both bacteria and fungi, a combination of active substances is required. Combination additive packages are available to simplify this situation for general applications. Additionally, the long-term maintenance of a fluid system will benefit from the introduction of multiple active substances to reduce acclimation of microbes to one particular biocidal compound.
Proper use of biocides is only one key part of a total MWF maintenance program that will ensure maximum performance, fluid life, and worker safety. Other factors include fluid concentration control, avoidance of unnecessary contaminants, removal of unavoidable contaminants, and proper fluid aeration. Best practices prior to fluid change-out can include the use of biocidal system cleaners (CONTRAM™ CB-products) to ensure a clean environment for the fresh fluid charge. Appropriate MWF biocide usage in combination with careful attention to fluid maintenance offers the best overall solution to the manufacturing environment.
Safe handling practices for MWF biocides, like all chemicals for industrial applications, should not be overlooked. All MWF biocide products offered by Lubrizol and other reputable suppliers have been thoroughly tested to ensure an appropriate balance of efficacy and safety at the recommended use conditions.
Please note: Use biocides safely. Always read the label and product information before use.
The use of chemicals to control microbial growth that have not been specifically designed or approved for MWF biocide application is a potentially dangerous situation. Unknown hazards or fluid performance incompatibilities may be associated with the use of such chemicals. The use of biocidal products approved only for other industries or applications is also not recommended. All products approved for use as MWF biocides by established regulatory agencies have been subjected to intensive scrutiny and evaluation regarding their efficacy and risk factors relative to the likely exposure scenarios in MWF environments.
Treat rates of MWF biocides should not exceed the recommended maximum concentrations based on ranges provided by reputable biocide suppliers. Exceeding recommended dosage levels can result in concentration levels above what has been demonstrated to be safe in the working environment. Treat rates below the recommended ranges should also be avoided to prevent microbial acclimation to the biocide chemistry that results in resistance to future treatments.
A class of chemicals that have served as the primary biocidal products for use in MWFs for many decades. All of the active substances currently being registered by Lubrizol in the European Biocidal Products Directive can be classified as formaldehyde condensates. Lubrizol is fully committed to supporting this class of products to allow for their continued successful use in MWFs for years to come. It is our position that formaldehyde condensates offer MWFs the most effective means of microbial control when considering application efficacy, economic, health, safety, and environmental issues in total, compared with alternative approaches.
A re-classification of formaldehyde by the International Agency for Research on Cancer has prompted much of the heightened discussion in recent history. Exposure to extremely high levels of airborne formaldehyde has shown carcinogenic tendencies. However, the levels of formaldehyde exposure that could potentially be experienced in MWF environments do not approach even the most stringent permissible exposure limits set with human safety in mind. Lubrizol’s position on this issue is consistent with that of the United Kingdom Lubricants Association (http://www.ukla.org.uk/FRBAM_en.htm). A more detailed scientific substantiation of this position can be delivered on request—contact your Lubrizol representative for more details.