Cleaning and sludge removal: 99% certified biodegradability for BWT France's new solution

This recognition of biodegradability, unprecedented in the sludge removal sector, meets the OECD 301 F standard and is the result of the  “alternative chemicals“ strategy, an ambitious scientific approach that began more than two years ago.

After launching four initial solutions with biodegradable active ingredients for industrial applications, including a scale inhibitor, a corrosion inhibitor and a biodispersant, BWT France is strengthening its range with a non-toxic, phosphorus-free, pH-neutral cleaning and descaling solution. Christened BWT ECO-42 090, this solution is also aimed at the market for tenement and service buildings, which is now included in this approach.

BWT France has evaluated its latest product, BWT ECO-42 090, with the SGS laboratory, a world leader in the field of analysis and testing. The OECD 301 F test was chosen by the BWT teams in coordination with the SGS laboratory, as it is the most suitable test for products formulated in the liquid phase. The laboratory tested the biodegradability of the formulated product in its entirety, i.e. with all its active ingredients simultaneously.

 “We wanted to confirm the reduced impact of our product by testing it according to OECD 301 F, which is normally intended for active ingredients alone," explains Alexandra Sauvêtre, R&I Project Manager at BWT France and Head of the Alternative Chemicals Project. The aim of this approach is to ensure that the active ingredients in the formulation have no adverse and/or negative effects on biodegradability. Following the tests, our product is certified as biodegradable in less than 28 days and at over 99%".

The biodegradability calculation was based on the COD value (Chemical Oxygen Demand, in the absence of inorganic carbon), resulting in biodegradation of the sample at over 99%. This means that virtually all the active ingredients in the formulated product biodegrade easily over 28 days, limiting the impact on waste and the environment.

 Ludovic Lemieux, Technical Manager, Formulated Products, BWT France, continues: " Traditional chemistry did not consider the life cycle of products. Bioaccumulation was not an issue, only efficacy and stability were concerns. Today, as a manufacturer of formulated products, we are proud to be asking the right questions right from the design stage, limiting the long-term impact on living organisms and avoiding bioaccumulation, which is a risk for natural environments.

In addition to this desire to reduce the environmental impact of its innovations, BWT France aims to make them as effective alternatives as products derived from traditional chemistry.

Working from specifications drawn up based on customer requirements, whether they be installers, operators or customers, BWT's teams had to develop a fast-acting, reactive solution that had a neutral pH and was biodegradable and effective.

BWT France's methodology, implemented as part of its 'alternative chemicals' strategy, greatly simplified this R&D process. “

 Categorisation is a fundamental task that Alexandra has been working on since her post was created," adds Ludovic Lemieux. “In particular, she identifies and carries out efficacy tests on active ingredients. Sometimes, we source molecules from suppliers who, themselves, had no idea of their applications in the water treatment sector".

This research and development approach means that BWT France is always one step ahead, thanks to an extensive database of active ingredients and a battery of appropriate tests. As soon as technical needs are identified, the molecules are mobilised to develop an effective alternative solution, as was the case with BWT ECO-42 090.

BWT ECO-42 090 optimises water treatment during sludge removal and cleaning operations, which remove impurities before draining the circuit, or as a remedial measure in the event of a problem being detected (noise, loss of exchange, circulation problems). Its rapid action and effectiveness mean that major water savings can be made, particularly during rinsing operations on new networks.

Similarly, when new installations are commissioned, potential residues are removed, greatly improving water quality and ensuring optimal start-up. Ultimately, the BWT ECO-42 090 plays a role in maintaining energy performance, helping to preserve the installation and giving it a longer service life.

In addition to its rapid action due to its concentration, BWT ECO-42 090 is effective both cold and hot, ideally with a sludge removal pump, and is compatible with all metals and other synthetic materials.

" Today, we are well on the way to creating solutions that are both biodegradable and biosourced. But before we reach this stage, we need to continue our testing and research, because innovation is a marathon, a real work in progress, carried out day to day. To this end, we have equipped ourselves with instrumentation and measurement equipment to take our identification and qualification process a step further, and to accelerate this alternative chemicals strategy ", concludes Alexandra Sauvêtre.