Survey of Drainage Slime and Evaluation of Measures Against Microbial Contamination Using Silver Ions

摘要

The air conditioning drain system that collects condensate in an air conditioner is generally located in an environment where microbes are likely to grow in the flow channel of such system. Mucous substances consisting of microbes and their secretions are collectively called slime (Fig. 1). When the flow channel of a drain is clogged up by the growth of slime, the drain overflows and causes a water leakage accident. Since such drain contains numerous microbes, its leakage into a room makes the room become non-hygienic. Also, it was reported that, when carrying out repair work as preventive measures against water leakage accidents, microbial spores are scattered together with dust and the airborne microbial concentration is increased thereby (Loo VG et al., 1996). The rise in bacterial concentration resulting from water leakage accidents or repair work can be avoided by evaluating the drain environment to judge whether slime is likely to build up therein, where such slime gives rise to a high water leakage risk, and by taking preventive measures against such buildup or risk beforehand.