Is bromine used for the disinfection of cooling tower water?
Bromine can be used for the disinfection of cooling tower water. Hypobromous acid is slightly less effective than hypochlorous acid in killing microorganisms. The pH value of the cooling water determines which form of bromine is present. When the pH value is below 8,7, more hypobromous acid (HOBr) is formed. This is more effective than hypobromite ions, which will be more abundant above pH 8,7. This is why bromine is a better disinfectant for alkalic cooling tower water than chlorine. At pH 7,6 and higher, mainly hypochlorite ions are formed. These are less effective than hypochlorous acid. Bromine reacts with ammonia to form bromamines. In contrast to chloramines, bromamines are unstable and will dissociate into hypobromous acid. Most microorganisms in cooling towers can be treated with bromine, as long as there is enough bromine present. Figure 3: dissociation of hypobromous acid and hypochlorous acid at various pH values What are the advantages and disadvantages of bromine use? Adva
