The bacteria floats in the air, falls or collides with the surface, begins to produce EPS substances, adheres and forms colonies. The production of EPS allows the development of a three-dimensional community and in a matter of hours, you notice a layer, as thick as the environment allows.
Small or large parts of cells are released, the dispersion of microorganisms carried by the air currents begins, which, in turn, will form other communities of the biofilm.
The biofilm is capable of causing corrosion by adhering to the surface of the coil and fins for the reason that it feeds on the salts of the metal that composes and corrodes them. In addition, special attention has been given to the study of the formation of bio-capes in the recent years because their impact on the industry and human health has been noted. The presence of bio-capes generates billions of dollars each year for energy losses, equipment damage, product contamination and medical infections; however, they have also been found to have great potential for reconverting waste, filtering waters and as protective barriers in the soils. Its complexity requires multidisciplinary studies and each day more is known about it.
The third effect observable by the contamination of the coils is the reduction in heat transfer by isolating the coil from the air passage. When this happens, the coated fins and tubing will not reduce their temperature properly. In addition, the quality of indoor air will be affected, as the air emitted will be accompanied by the bad odors and microorganisms.
These effects have mainly turned microbial contamination into food-grade refrigeration equipment, as well as air-conditioning equipment in hospitals, a major concern for the owners, contractors and users for the reason that it has been proven that air is a vehicle highly conducive to the transport of physical, chemical and biological particles, from health problems to the withdrawal of the products.
Keeping systems in proper hygiene conditions is therefore a highly profitable activity for any industry today. It not only allows the activities to be carried out in a smooth manner, but it also makes sure the integrity of the products so as to prevent the spread of diseases among the personnel working in the place and between the consumers of the products and, ultimately, claims for damages in the case of contaminated food, or nosocomial infections, in the case of hospital facilities.
