General Electric Company

Ge Betz, Inc.

Gloria Jean Tafel

Wilson K Whitekettle

Qing Zhao

Paul Robert Frail

Dorothy G Reynolds

Wilson Kurt Whitekettle

David M Polizzotti

Juan Jiang

Linna Wang

Robert Semet

Methods and compositions for dispersing a biofilm in an aqueous stream using fatty acids are disclosed. The fatty acids may have the formula: R-R&#x2014;CHwherein Ris an aryl or arylalkyl, &#x2014;COR, &#x2014;COOR, or &#x2014;CONRR, &#x2014;PO(R); Ris H, an alkyl, an aryl or arylalkyl, or a halide; Rand Rmay be the same or different and are H, a hydroxyl, an alkyl, an aryl or arylalkyl, a halide, or a sulfo (sulfonic acid group); Ris an aliphatic chain having 2-30 carbon atoms and at least one double bond; and wherein when Ris &#x2014;COOH and Rhas eight carbon atoms and the FA has only one double bond, such double bond is not on the number 2 carbon.

Fatty acid biodispersant and methods of use

A process has been found which increases the efficiency and effectiveness of introducing antimicrobial compounds into complex biofilm matrices through the use of liposome carriers, thereby removing the biofouling in industrial water bearing systems, including piping, heat exchanges, condensers, filtration systems and fluid storage tanks. According to one embodiment of the invention, antimicrobial compound containing liposomes are added to water systems prone to biofouling and biofilm formation. The liposomes, being similar in composition to microbial membranes or cells, are readily incorporated into the existing biofilm. Once the antimicrobial compound containing liposomes become entrained with the biofilm matrix, the decomposition or programmed disintegration of the liposome proceeds. Thereafter, the biocidal aqueous core is released to react directly with the biofilm encased microorganisms. Upon the death of the organisms, the polysaccharide/protein matrix decomposes and thereby results in reduced fouling of the water bearing system, resulting in increased heat transfer, increased flux, less deposit of colloidal and particulate solids and dissolved organics on the surface of the microfiltration membrane, thereby reducing the frequency and duration of the membrane cleaning and ultimate replacement.

Method for controlling microbial biofilm in aqueous systems

A process has been found which increases the efficiency and effectiveness of introducing antimicrobial compounds into complex biofilm matrices through the use of liposome carriers, thereby removing the biofouling in industrial water bearing systems, including piping, heat exchanges, condensers, filtration systems and fluid storage tanks. According to one embodiment of the invention, antimicrobial compound containing liposomes are added to water systems prone to biofouling and biofilm formation. The liposomes, being similar in composition to microbial membranes or cells, are readily incorporated into the existing biofilm. Once the antimicrobial compound containing liposomes become entrained with the biofilm matrix, the decomposition or programmed disintegration of the liposome proceeds. Thereafter the biocidal aqueous core is released to react directly with the biofilm encased microorganisms. Upon the death of the organisms, the polysaccharide/protein matrix decomposes and thereby results in reduced fouling of the water bearing system, resulting in increased heat transfer, increased flux, less deposit of colloidal and particulate solids and dissolved organics on the surface of the microfiltration membrane, thereby reducing the frequency and duration of the membrane cleaning and ultimate replacement.

A method for controlling protozoa trophozites and cysts wherein biocides or control agents are encapsulated within microcapsules or manufactured into the core of liposomes, thereafter the biocide containing microcapsules or liposomes are then introduced into an aqueous system.

Method for controlling protozoa that harbor bacteria

A method of controlling protozoa trophozoite and cysts is disclosed, comprising administering a phosphonium salt of the formula: (R ) P R .X , wherein R is an alkyl group having from 1-8 carbons and R is a chain substituent having 6-20 carbons, to aqueous systems harboring protozoa trophozoites and cysts. Addition of such phosphonium salts to aqueous systems was found to be effective at killing both the protozoa trophozoites and cysts. By effectively killing both the protozoa trophozoites and cysts, organism such as Legionella cells harbored in both the trophozoites and cysts are killed.

Growing community of inventors

Doylestown, PA, United States of America

Gloria Jean Tafel