Understanding

Biocides
Biocides: What they are, what
they do and why they matter

What are biocides?

Biocides are a common part
of everyday life
They are chemical agents
used to kill harmful
microorganisms in order to:
Preserve health
Protect product integrity

Also known as
antimicrobials, pesticides or
algicides

What are biocides?

Many familiar products have biocidal
properties and uses:

Bleach
Ethyl alcohol
Iodine
Peroxide
Salt

Where can biocides be found?

Biocides are used in:

Household cleaners
Personal care products
Paint
Plastics

Why are biocides used in

everyday products?

To fight mold
To prevent spoilage
To keep people and their surroundings healthy

Why are biocides used in

gas and oil production?

Reduce corrosion
Combat souring
Promote optimum production rates
Protect functional fluids from spoilage

Why are biocides used in

gas and oil production?
To combat Microbially
Influenced Corrosion
(MIC)
Helps protect the integrity of
equipment and pipelines
Ensures that human and
environmental health and
safety are maintained

Biofilm Microenvironments

Why are biocides used in

gas and oil production?
Bacteria in some wells and storage areas
produce hydrogen sulfide (H2S)
H2S smells like rotten eggs, can be flammable and
possibly explosive

Biocide treatments control

the bacteria that produce H2S

Why are biocides used in

gas and oil production?
To promote optimum production rates
Biofilm can cause plugging
Small amounts of biofilm can greatly affect flow paths

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Why are biocides used in

gas and oil production?
Flowrate comparisons

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Who makes biocides?

Biocide manufacturers are major
companies

They are responsible

for federal registration of:
Chemical properties
Degradation data
Environmental impact assessments
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Who applies biocides?

Biocides are applied by
Professional service
companies
Rigorously trained
engineers

They are applied

per EPA-approved
instructions
Dow customers
must display robust
stewardship practices

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Who regulates biocides?

The federal laws that govern the use of
herbicides and insecticides on food crops
also apply to biocides
EPA registration is required
EPA-approved label instructions are
required for use and dosage
Registration with state agencies under
state laws is required

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Example of EPA Approved Label

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Example of EPA Approved Label

DRILLING, COMPLETION, AND WORKOVER FLUIDS

AQUCAR GA 25 Water Treatment Microbiocide should be
added to a drilling fluid system at a point of uniform mixing
such as the circulating mud tank.
Initial Treatment: Add 100 to 2,000 ppm AQUCAR GA 25
Water Treatment Microbiocide (0.4 to 7.9 gallons AQUCAR
GA 25 Water Treatment Microbiocide per 100 barrels of fluid)
to a freshly prepared fluid depending on the severity of
contamination.
Maintenance Dosage: Maintain a concentration of 100 to
2,000 ppm AQUCAR GA 25 Water Treatment Microbiocide by
adding 0.4 to 7.9 gallons of AQUCAR GA 25 Water Treatment
Microbiocide per 100 barrels of additional fluid

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Example of EPA Approved Label

STORAGE AND DISPOSAL
Handle in a well-ventilated area. If vapors are irritating to the nose or eyes,
special ventilation or respiratory protection (MSHA/NIOSH approved air purifying
respirator equipped with an organic vapor cartridge) may be required.
PESTICIDE DISPOSAL: Do not contaminate water, food or feed by storage or
disposal. Open dumping is prohibited. Pesticide wastes are toxic. Improper
disposal of excess pesticide, spray mixture or rinsate is a violation of Federal
law. If these wastes cannot be disposed of by use according to label instructions,
contact your State Pesticide or your Environmental Control Agency, or the
Hazardous Waste representative at the nearest EPA Regional Office for guidance.
STORAGE AND HANDLING
CONTAINER DISPOSAL: Metal Containers or Plastic Containers: Triple
rinse (or equivalent). Then offer for recycling or reconditioning, or puncture and
dispose of in a sanitary landfill, or other procedures approved by state and local
authorities. Plastic Containers: May be incinerated, or, if allowed by state and
local authorities, by burning. If burned, stay out of smoke. Metal Containers:
Must not be incinerated. Do not cut or weld on or near metal containers.

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How are biocides evaluated?

Different models exist for different
organizations
EPA, FDA, European and Asian regulators
Personal Care Products Council
Many more government and industry groups

Multiple factors include:

Usage rates
Degradation profile
Exposure levels

Models replicate real world conditions

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How are biocides evaluated?

U.S. EPA evaluates risk by calculating the
margin of exposure
Usage levels, degradation and safety
factors are applied
Possible exposure levels must fall below levels of
concern

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How are biocides evaluated?

Residual biocide levels after treatment in gas and oil

applications are greater than 2,500 times less than
the no observable effect concentrations.
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How are biocides evaluated?

HOCNF uses similar modeling techniques
Emphasizes protecting marine life
The rating system is not limited to biocides
Many biocides perform well due to inherent
degradability
Ratings of Dow Microbial Control Products
for North Sea Gas Production by UK

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UK Hazard Quotient Key

Product

Rating

HQ Range

Rating

AQUCAR IG-E 50

Gold

<1

Gold

SUMP BUDDY* WT

Silver

1-30

Silver

UCARCIDE 24

Gold

30-100

White

ANTIMICROBIAL 7287

Silver

100 300

Blue

UCARCIDE 50

Gold

300 1000

Orange

>1000

Purple

Summary
Biocides play a key role in everyday life
They serve an important function in safe
and efficient hydrocarbon production
They are strictly regulated by federal, state
and international authorities
Dow Microbial Control follows strict rules
of stewardship, focusing on safety, human
health and environmental sustainability

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Thank You!

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