A brominated methylethylhydantoin slimicide in a tissue mill.

Application: Oxidizing biocides may outperform organic biocides in controlling biological growth and product odor.

At a Mid-Atlantic tissue mill, microbiological growth was decreased with the introduction of a new biocide. This new biocide is BrMEH, which refers to a combination of several brominated methylethylhydantoins.

An extensive survey of the mill gave rise to a number of recommendations for improving the biocide program. The mill had already replaced its organic biocides with an oxidizing biocide, bromine. This change had improved the control of biological growth and product odor, but there were problems with the feed system and the amount of labor required to service the feed system. Employee safety had also become a concern, and the potential for corrosion could not be overlooked.

Trials with BrMEH were carried out, with the result that BrMEH successfully replaced bromine at a lower cost. The potential for corrosion was reduced, and the biocide could be used closer to the wet end of the machine. The feed of BrMEH was more reliable than the bromine feed, and it was safer and easier for mill employees to handle the BrMEH product.

Knapick is the director of research, Marcel Paper Mills, Inc., Ono Market Street, Elmwood Park, NJ 07407-1451. Anker is a project manager, Knauer is a district business manager, and Pidane is a microbiologist with Ashland Specialty Chemical Co., One Drew Plaza, Boonton, NJ 07005. Email Anker at [e-mail], Knauer at [e-mail] or Pidane at [e-mail].