Abstract: A humidifier including a base defining a reservoir for liquid; a humidification mechanism for inducing dispersion of moisture withdrawn from the reservoir; a liquid storage tank having an outlet communicating with the reservoir and adapted to feed liquid thereto; and a container retaining a volume of a liquid treatment substance and defining a discharge opening communicating with the storage tank. Also included is an actuator mechanism operable to induce the discharge of a given dose portion of the treatment substance through the discharge opening into the storage tank.

Abstract: A humidifier for vaporizing water including a base and a wick formed of a water absorbing material positionable on the base. The wick is in fluid communication with a water supply. A device is provided for moving air over the wick disposed adjacent thereto to vaporize the water absorbed by the wick thereby humidifying the air about the humidifier. A filtration device disposed in the flow of the water to the wick is provided and the filtration device is capable of removing impurities from the water supplied to the wick such that the wick is not contaminated by the impurities.

Abstract: A cooling tower includes a cover and a heat exchanger positioned within a water circulation channel in order to exchange heat between water and air through contact with air. A closed housing is positioned within the cover, and the heat exchanger is positioned within and maintained in an airtight state within the housing. An air supply duct is in communication with the housing for supplying air, and an exhaust duct is in flow communication for exhausting air from the housing. A blower generates air flow in the air supply duct, the housing, and the exhaust.

Abstract: An air humidifier apparatus with a time switch system combined to a circulation mechanism allowing for a controlled cyclical flow of water into a drain of the basin containing water in which soaks a spongy and absorbent material located on the circumference of a rotary drum, thus preventing any accumulation of limestone and other minerals in the water of the basin. The circulation mechanism that includes valves allows for a controlled flow of water while preventing any continuous flow of water through the drain in the case the humidifier stops in a position with an opened drain. Furthermore, the water can flow by that same drain if there is an overflow of water in the basin.

Abstract: A humidifier is provided of the type which has a water tank or reservoir for holding tap water. Common tap water frequently is "hard" due to dissolved minerals which result in the humidifier emitting a fine dust when such water is used. By affixing electroplated electrodes to the interior of the tank minerals such as calcium carbonate can precipitate on the surface of the cathodes. Temporarily reversing the polarity of the electrodes will cause the calcium carbonate to be dislodged from the electrodes and fall to the bottom of the reservoir where it can be removed.

Abstract: The invention is a process for increasing the system thermal capability of a splash filled cooling tower where cooling water is circulated and splashed against splash bars during the cooling process. The process comprises contacting the circulating water of the cooling tower with a nonionic surfactant composition in an amount effective to increase the system thermal capability of the cooling tower.

Abstract: An evaporative humidifier includes a base having a portion defining a reservoir for holding a quantity of water. A housing is mounted on the base over the reservoir, the housing having an air inlet and an air outlet. A cylindrically shaped wick filter with a permeable support is seated in the reservoir and extends up into the housing. The cylindrically shaped wick with permeable support filter has an open top end and a sidewall. A color change indicator strip is provided on the inner portion of the sidewall. The color change indicator strip provides a signal when the filter requires changing due to the extent of use and immersion of the filter in water. A fan is mounted inside the housing for drawing air into the housing through the air inlet, then into the center of the cylindrically shaped wick filter through the open top end, then out through the sidewall of the cylindrically shaped wick filter with a permeable support and then out of the housing through the air outlet.

Abstract: An evaporative humidifier includes a top cover and a water reservoir tank removably mounted on top of a base platform. Several of the components of the humidifier contain a biocide for resisting the growth of bacteria and fungi on all surfaces of the components. The humidifier includes, in one embodiment, a pump assembly for moving water from the base platform to the top of an evaporator panel disposed in an air stream drawn through the humidifier. Alternatively, a paper wick is partially submerged in the pool of water in the base platform for drawing water up into the air stream by capillary action.

Abstract: A container for water. The container has walls and a base and a magnet located adjacent the base of the container. The magnet is positioned to be below the level of water in the container when water is present in the container. The invention find particular application in a bubble humidifier to humidify gas bubbled through water contained in the bubble humidifier prior to the gas passing to a patient.

Abstract: Drain apparatus drains an evaporative cooler housing by siphon action. The siphoning action is started when a pump which pumps water for cooler pads is turned off, and the water in a conduit flows downwardly and a valve is switched, directing the downwardly flowing water into a chamber disposed over the overflow standpipe in the housing. The water level in the chamber is the water level in the housing, and the down flowing water fills the chamber, causing the water to flow down the pipe and lowering the atmospheric pressure in the chamber to begin siphoning action. At the same time, a check valve at the bottom of the chamber opens to allow water from the housing to flow into the chamber to drain the housing. Several embodiments are disclosed, including embodiments in which siphoning action may be commenced by raising and lowering a drain hose connected to the standpipe.

Abstract: An apparatus (10) for treating water in a circulating water system (12) t has a cooling water basin (14) includes a slip stream conduit (16) in flow communication with the circulating water system (12), a source (36) of acid solution in flow communication with the slip stream conduit (16), and a decarbonator (58) in flow communication with the slip stream conduit (16) and the cooling water basin (14). In use, a slip stream of circulating water is drawn from the circulating water system (12) into the slip stream conduit (16) of the apparatus (10). The slip stream pH is lowered by contact with an acid solution provided from the source (36) thereof. The slip stream is then passed through a decarbonator (58) to form a treated slip stream, and the treated slip stream is returned to the cooling water basin (14).

Abstract: A misting assembly for an exhaust gas scrubber tower which includes an elongated central member, a plurality of perforated baffle plates affixed to the elongated central member at spaced apart distances thereto such that the perforations from each baffle plate are out of alignment with those of the next higher baffle plate. An inner tubular ring and an outer tubular ring are affixed to each baffle plate wherein the diameter of the inner tubular ring and of the outer tubular ring are different from the diameters of the inner and outer tubular rings of the other baffle plates. Spray nozzles are affixed to each ring at regular radially spaced apart locations around each of said inner and outer rings such that the integrated density of fog generated by said spray nozzles over all of said baffle plates is substantially uniform.

Abstract: The invention is a process for increasing the system thermal capability of a splash filled cooling tower where cooling water is circulated and splashed against splash bars during the cooling process. The process includes contacting the circulating water of the cooling tower with a nonionic surfactant composition in an amount effective to increase the system thermal capability of the cooling tower.

Abstract: A portable humidifier including a base defining a reservoir for retaining liquid, a humidification device for inducing dispersion of liquid withdrawn from the reservoir and a liquid storage tank having an outlet for feeding liquid into the reservoir. Also included is a container defining a chamber for a given volume of a treatment substance for liquid and a discharge opening providing communication between the chamber and the tank, and a dispenser for automatically and periodically dispensing through the discharge opening to the tank a dose portion of the treatment substance contained volume within the chamber.

Abstract: Evaporative cooler apparatus includes two pumps, a primary pump which pumps water to an evaporative medium and a secondary pump for pumping water from the bottom of the cooler to drain the cooler. The secondary, or drain pump includes a timer so that it is only on to drain water from the bottom of the cooler for a predetermined time, and after a predetermined number of hours of operation of the primary pump. That is, there is a direct relationship between the operation of the cooler apparatus as evidenced by the primary pump, and the draining of the water at the bottom of the cooler by the secondary, or drain pump. The efficiency of the pumps is increased to allow them to pump with a very low water level without cavitation problems by virtue of an impeller design which includes vanes on the bottom of the impeller disk and vanes on top of an impeller disk.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for inhibiting the accumulation of bacteria within a humidifier includes a primary water path for directing water directly from a water source to a humidifier during its operation. When the humidifier is shut-down for a cleaning operation, water is directed through a bacteria-removing device before entering the humidifier. Water contact surfaces within the humidifier are preferably lined with copper to further inhibit bacterial growth.

Abstract: A water treating device for a domestic water handling device such as a toilet water tank, an air conditioning drain pan or a humidifier includes a housing having permanent magnets in a flow path of water flowing through the housing via openings in the housing, to collect free ions in the water. An antimicrobial polymer disinfecting agent is in a mass inserted in a chamber in the housing and/or in a polymer in a housing surface. The housing is configured so an air bubble forms against the housing roof to assure that a base of the housing rests on the floor of the water handling device. Ribs adding structural strength to the cover are aligned and have approximately the same size and shape as slots in the cover roof through which water passes so the ribs obscure the magnets from view from above and to sides of the cover. The magnets are held in place by a spring finger extending upward from the base to exert a force downwardly against the magnet upper pole face.

Abstract: A humidifier that can be used on a forced air circulation system for injecting atomized liquid into the cold air portion of that forced air circulation system includes a neubilizer for atomizing water fed thereto. The humidifier can be used in conjunction with an air cooling system and includes a demineralizing filter for removing white dust before the water reaches the humidifier. The filter can take various forms and can include several elements. One form of the humidifier can be connected between a hot air plenum and a cold air plenum of the forced air circulation system whereby the pressure drop between these two plenums is used to move moisture entrained air into the cold air plenum.

Abstract: A water quality control method for recycling cooling water in a cooling tower equipped with a blow system and water treatment agent introduction means. Water is made up in response to the blow-down amount encountered by a blowing operation, and water treatment introduction means is actuated to introduce the water treatment agent into the recycle cooling water in the cooling tower, whereby the concentration of said agent in the recycle cooling water is retained at a desired level. The water treatment agent is made up by a predetermined amount, according to the amount of scattered water, at predetermined intervals of time during the operation of the arrangement. The water treatment introduction means is actuated after lapse of a fixed period of time, based on a predetermined level of the conductivity of the cooling water at the operational starting or cleaning of the cooling tower.

Abstract: Scrubber sterilization method and an apparatus which initially sterilize a gas scrubber with an initial cleaning with hydrogen peroxide, provide an iodine level of approximately 5 to 10 mg/liter in water which is sprayed into the scrubber to contact the effluent gas stream and kill biological growth, provide injection of more concentrated iodine in water in the event the iodine level in the system falls below a predetermined level, and load the filtrate material in the gas scrubber with iodine to provide an unfavorable surface for adherence of biological growth as well as a secondary sterilization means in the event that the liquid stream with iodine is stopped due to equipment or power failure.

Abstract: A precooling system for an evaporative cooler for a closed loop cooling fluid system includes a supplemental heat exchanging coil connected in the cooling fluid loop upstream of the main evaporative cooler coils and positioned in the outlet air flow through the evaporative cooler, but above or outside the path of the spray water. The supplemental heat exchanging coil provides enough additional cooling capacity to allow the spray water system to be completely shut off and the spray water sump drained during low outside ambient temperature operation. Freeze up of the sump and other parts of the spray water system are completely eliminated and a substantial saving in spray water consumption and energy for freeze prevention systems is realized.

Abstract: A venturi for producing medium expansion foam for use in fire fighting applications. The new venturi contains a swirl inducer bushing near the entry of the nozzle, a two section frustum shaped diffuser, and a plurality of angularly oriented air injector openings. The venturi progressively decreases in cross-sectional area from a discharge point thereof to a throat of the nozzle. The cross-sectional design together with orientation of the air injector permits high quality lasting foam to be produced under a broad fluid supply pressure while minimizing the amount of foam reagent employed.

Abstract: Salinity control of sump water in an evaporative cooler (10) wherein a pump (19) continuously impels a water flow from a sump (11) to an evaporative surface where some of the water is evaporated by air flow from a fan (15, 16). Control is affected by sensing electrical resistance of the sump water with monel probes (36) energised with low voltage alternating current, and initiating an "ON" period of a timer (quad NOR gate) when resistance drops below a preset level. During the "ON" period a solenoid valve (25) is opened in a bleed line and some only of the pumped sump water is passed to drain, without interruption of cooler operation.

Abstract: A domestic electric appliance comprises a water purifier employing an electrodialyzer. The electrodialyzer includes an anode, a cathode, cation exchange films, and anion exchange films. The cation and anion exchange films are alternately arranged between the anode and the cathode and serve as partition walls. The domestic electric appliance further comprises a unit for using the water purified by the water purifier.

Abstract: A membrane humidifying device is disclosed that can operate with normal potable quality water without a demineralizer and which prevents the transport of microbes, particulates, dissolved salts and liquid water to the airstream. It is positioned in the flow path of air to be humidified and comprises at least one membrane cell and a means for introducing water into each cell. The membrane cell is comprised of at least one sheet of a hydrophilic membrane and at least one screen. Ambient or low pressure water is introduced into the membrane cell(s); at least a portion of which contacts or passes through the screen(s); contacts the hydrophilic membrane(s); and is osmotically transported across the membrane(s) where it evaporates into the airstream.

Abstract: An air conditioner is provided that self-disposes of salts that accumulate in increasing concentration inside the air conditioner cooler. Such salts result from continuous evaporation of water that cools air passing through water evaporation mats located within the cooler. The air conditioner includes a separate basin for drawing salty water from the cooler reservoir. Drawn water is evaporated from the basin to concentrate the salt for disposal. The evaporation basin is designed so that the evaporation rate therein is substantially equal to a predetermined ideal quantity of salt water to be disposed of in order to maintain the highest efficiency in performance of the cooler. As such, the evaporative air conditioner system does not consume a larger quantity of water than that consumed by ordinary coolers that require regular cleaning and maintenance.

Abstract: A valve (10) for draining liquid from a reservoir, for example, the reservoir (56) in the base of an evaporative cooler (50). The valve (10) comprises a housing (12) having a first inlet (14) for supplying a pressure transmitting fluid, for example water, to the housing and an outlet (18) for draining liquid from the reservoir. A plunger (22) is slidably received in the housing (12) and adapted to move from an open position in which the outlet (18) is open and liquid can drain out, and a closed position in which the plunger (22) closes the outlet (18) and the liquid is prevented from draining out. Water is supplied under pressure to the upper portion (32) of the housing via inlet (14) and a sealing ring (36) allows a build-up of pressure in the upper portion (32), sufficient to overcome the force of a biasing spring (24), to cause the plunger (22) to move from its open to its closed position.

Abstract: A water treatment device f or use with evaporative coolers provides treatment of the water supply for such coolers. The device may be installed in series with the cooler in the water supply line and does not require any modification to the evaporative cooler itself. The device has a central housing having an interior divided by a longitudinal baffle, which provides a water inlet side and a water treatment side. A chemical insert, preferably formed to closely fit the interior of the treatment side, is installed in the treatment side of the device, and water is caused to flow from the water supply line to the inlet of the device, downward through the inlet side, and then upward through and past the chemical insert in order to provide maximum exposure of the surface of the insert to the water to be treated. The treated water then f lows through an outlet and then through to the evaporative cooler.

Abstract: The present invention provides apparatus and the method to treat process water of heat exchange systems with fluid flow through the system at an idling or inoperative system mode, which system may have a biocidal treatment arrangement coupled thereto.

Abstract: A gas-liquid contact body for use in a gas-liquid contact apparatus is disclosed which is formed of a plurality of facially opposed corrugated sheets with the corrugations in alternate sheets being disposed in parallel to form a plurality of criss-crossing channels for gas and liquid. The contact body has an air inlet side including an air inlet portion which is coated with a water-impermeable hydrophilic material containing an algicide.

Abstract: An electric control apparatus for an ice making machine having an upright ice making plate arranged above a water tank, a water valve arranged to be opened during the defrost cycle of operation for supplying fresh water into the water tank through the ice making plate, a refrigeration circuit including an evaporator arranged for thermal exchange with the ice making plate, a water pump arranged to circulate the fresh water from the water tank to the upright ice making plate during the ice making cycle of operation and to discharge the water remained in the water tank after the ice making cycle of operation during the drain cycle of operation.

Abstract: Improvements to an evaporative cooler having a direct drive fan include mutual adjustment of motor speed and fan blade pitch, a simplified, clog resistant water distribution system, a fan shroud creating minimal air flow noise, and a fouling sensor in the water supply. An adjustable variable frequency controller determines motor speed, which complements selected fan blade pitch to operate the fan at a desired speed consistent with avoiding resonance and vibration. The fan shroud has a canted top surface and rounded corners to minimize air flow disturbance. A sensor monitors the water supply for excessive mineral fouling, and activates a drain valve if a present threshold is encountered. A refill valve enables resupply with fresh, unfouled water.

Abstract: The invention relates to injecting ozone through at least one injecting means operating with a pressure drop of at least about 35 psi into a pressurized stream of aqueous solution, allowing the ozone injected stream to travel or flow at a velocity of at least about 7 feet per second for a distance sufficient to dissolve at least about 70% of the ozone injected and mixing the resulting ozonated stream with an aqueous stream solution to be ozonated.

Abstract: A method for treating water in a cooling system including a cooling tower and heat exchanger are disclosed herein. The method includes the steps of removing water from the main cooling water circuit, serially subjecting the water to magnetic treatment, treatment with ozone, filtering with a centrifugal separator, and then returning to the main cooling water circuit. Underflow from the centrifugal separator is filtered with a bag filter, and the filtered water returned to the magnetic treatment step. The pH of the water may be controlled by regulating the production of dry air supplied to the ozone generator.

Abstract: A valve operating on hydraulic pressure for the control of water being deposited onto evaporative pads located on a cool tower. The valve utilizes water flow to fill a basin or tank which is slowly being drained. When the tank is empty, a valve is opened that releases water to the evaporative cooling pads and also to the tank; when the tank is filled, the valve closes permitting the tank to slowly drain and repeat the cycle.

Abstract: A valve apparatus in which moisture sensitive material controls the opening size of a water valve. The moisture sensitive material is placed in an evaporative pad of an evaporative cooler. As the material dries, the moisture sensitive material constricts to open a valve draining a timing reservoir so as to hasten the refreshing of moisture to the evaporative pad. In an alternative embodiment, this moisture sensitive material located in the evaporative pad is balanced against an identical moisture sensitive material located in a constantly moisturized pad. This balancing of the materials permits fine control of the moisture content in the evaporative pad.

Abstract: A humidifier comprising a trough adapted to contain water, a wicking assembly having a lower end located in the trough and including a plurality of wick portions each including a generally planar strip of wicking material having an end, and a pleated strip of wicking material secured to the planar strip, and a frame for supporting the wick portions in generally parallel, side-by-side relation, the frame including a first frame member extending generally perpendicular to the planar strips and adjacent the ends of the planar strips and having therethrough a slot elongated in a direction generally perpendicular to the planar strips, and an adhesive extending into the slot and adhering to the ends of the planar strips for securing the ends of the planar strips to the frame member, and a fan for causing air flow through the wicking assembly.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for controlling the discharge or continuous bleed-off of cooling water of evaporative coolers and cooling towers includes a container for receiving water from the cooling water system via an adjustable float valve. An orifice at the bottom of the container, which may be adjustable in height, allows water to flow to a device for eliminating suction effects or depression caused by the hydrostatic head of water below the container and a cleaning device, which may oscilate, operated by movement of the float valve keeps the orifice clean.

Abstract: A universally mountable humidifier which can be mounted such that the outlet extends upwardly, downwardly or from a selected sidewall. The humidifier can be mounted in many different orientations and locations. The versatility of the manner of installing it allows it to be adaptable to nearly all environments.

Abstract: A non-circulating water system for use in evaporative coolers which incorporates a timing means in conjunction with a valve means, to control the flow of water to the pads. It applies measured amounts of water to the pad and allows measured amounts of time between applications so that most of the water is used in the evaporation process and minimal amounts of water are discharged though a drain. Domestic water line pressure is used to transfer water to the pads, eliminating the need for reservoir water, float valve, pump and overflow pipe. The cycle of the timing means may be varied dependent on moisture or temperature conditions sensed in the pad.

Abstract: A system for automatically feeding a chemical liquid to a cooling tower includes a water reservoir for storing water circulating through the cooling tower, a water feeding pipe extending into said water reservoir, a float valve provided in a passage of said water-feeding pipe, which is actuated in response to a variation in a water level in said water reservoir to open or close said passage, a means for increasing the flow rate of water flowing through said passage to inject water from a discharge port at the time when said float valve opens, a negative pressure generating chamber located in said passage and defined by said injection of water and a chemical liquid pipe in communication with said negative pressure generating chamber. A chemical liquid in the chemical liquid pipe is injected with water from the discharge port through the negative pressure generating chamber under the action of a negative pressure generated therein.

Abstract: An inhibitor formulation for inhibiting corrosion and deposition of calcium phosphate, calcium carbonate, and silt in a cooling water system and calcium sulphate (gypsum) scaling in a flue gas desulfurization system. The inhibitor formulation comprises polyacrylate, polymaleic anhydride, and phosphonate in a active weight ratio range between about 1 to 40:1 to 40:0.1 to 15, respectively. The inhibitor formulation is employed to inhibit corrosion and scaling in a combined cooling water/flue gas desulfurization process wherein at least a portion of cooling water blowdown is supplied to make up at least a portion of reagent makeup and/or mist eliminator wash water in the flue gas desulfurization system.

Abstract: A room humidifier is disclosed having a floating wick assembly having wick elements, the wick assembly floating on a water supply thereby to maintain a constant water depth and evaporative area on the wick element as the water level within the humidifier rises and falls. The wick element is formed of a web of non-woven, fibrous material (e.g., a paper-like material) which draws water by capillary action from the reservoir onto the evaporative area of the wicking element from when water is evaporated into the air drawn through the wicking element by a fan for discharge into the room. The wick element may readily be removed from the wick assembly for cleaning or replacement.

Abstract: A conventional evaporator of a cooling tower system is modified so that anti-corrosion additives are introduced into the cooling tower system in response to the flow of make-up water into the cooling tower to replenish the supply of recirculating water.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a cooling tower for the cooling water that drains from the condensor of a steam generator or from the condensors of a plurality of steam generators; the tower is fitted with large-area inserts and these form a heat-exchange area into which the cooling water is passed; a rising flow of air passes through this zone in counterflow to the cooling water, the cooling tower being provided with a smoke-gas feed to introduce cleaned, preferably wet-cleaned, smoke gas into the flow of cooling air, which is connected to a plurality of gas outlet pipes, the outlet cross-sections of which open out into the cooling tower above the heat-exchange zone. In order to improve the introduction of the cleaned smoke gases into the flow of cooling air within a cooling tower, the present invention proposes that rotors be provided in the gas outlet pipes in the area of their outlet cross-sections.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for preventing formation of hard-to-remove deposits when evaporating water e.g. on parts of water reservoir means used in humidifiers. A hollow, perforated confinement means is positioned in the water reservoir means to provide desired water access and contact with a mixture of a semi-solid, grease-like hydrocarbon which acts as a carrier for free metal or metal oxide in pulverant form such as copper powder, small flake aluminum, and zinc oxide.

Abstract: An electronic steam humidifier includes a reservoir drawer having boiling electrodes submerged in water provided by a solenoid fill valve energized by a dual reference level current start-up circuit which is responsive to the current flow through the water from an AC source as measured by a current detection circuit. A system operation counter initiates a flush/drain operation after a certain time period of operation to flush mineral deposits from the reservoir through a siphon tube to a drain trough. A current control circuit includes a pulse width modulator connected to a triac for reducing the average current to the boiling electrodes during an overcurrent condition as indicated by a comparator coupled to the current detection circuit. A reservoir interlock mechanism initiates a flush/drain operation when the reservoir drawer assembly is removed for maintenance.

Abstract: An apparatus for dispensing a water treating composition into the recirculating water of an evaporative system, such as an evaporative cooler. The water treating composition is contained in a container that is suspended in an inverted condition within the housing of the evaporative cooler with the outlet of the container facing downwardly. One end of a drip line is connected through a sealed closure to the interior of the container, and the opposite end of the drip line terminates above the level of water in the reservoir of the evaporative cooler. A manually adjustable needle valve is connected in the drip line and controls the gravity feed of the liquid composition through the drip line to the reservoir. Through the addition of the treating composition, scaling problems in the evaporative system are minimized, corrosion is eliminated and growth of bacteria and algae is inhibited.

Abstract: A humidifier for sterilizing bacilli by alteration of the alkalinity of water in a water tank to sterilize it and automatically remove scale on the internal walls of the water tank. The humidifier includes a base housing with spaced first and second electrical terminals, first and second recesses with a pin projecting therefrom and an aperture. A vibrator spray section emits moisture and is connected to the first recess through the aperture. The water tank is removably mounted onto the base housing and includes a porous divider for dividing the tank into substantially equal sections each including first and second valve members respectively engageable with the first and second recesses. Cavities in the bottom of the tank have electrodes mounted thereon for accommodating the first and second electrical terminals.

Abstract: The present invention relates to treating a medium and more particularly to treating a medium to reduce or inhibit biofouling.The invention provides a method for the reduction or inhibition of biofouling of a part of a system which is subject to contact with a medium capable of causing biofouling by providing biological material. The method comprises contacting the medium with a support material (which is preferably a high surface area material) so as to cause biological material to form on the support material in preference to the part of the system.The invention may be applied, for example, to inhibit or reduce biofouling of heat transfer surfaces in cooling water systems.