Biofouling control method based on quaternary ammonium compounds

摘要

In the pretreatment process of seawater intaking, the prevention and treatment of biofouling is very important. Prior industry surveys have estimated that condenser biofouling, on average, accounts for a 3% loss in generating unit availability, of which 40% can be attributed to biological fouling [1]. Among several control methods, adding chemical reagent is the most popular approach. Quaternary ammonium compound (QAC) biocides are kinds of important nonoxidizing biocides, which have developed through generation products. These are classified into three types as single-chain QAC, double-chain QAC, and polymeric QAC, based on their structural characteristics. In recent years, the application field of QAC has gradually extended from killing bacteria to preventing and controlling mollusk infestations [2]. In this article, we try to briefly introduce the research progress of QAC and the action mechanism by the structures. We hope to provide a new way to solve such biofouling problem for the related researchers.