ALVIM Biofilm Monitoring System [Jump to: Docs | Application cases | Research papers & Projects]
Bacteria colonize any structure (pipelines, tanks, machineries, ...) in contact with the water in a very short time, if appropriate countermeasures are not applied. The ALVIM real-time, on line, Biofilm Monitoring System is able to detect bacterial settlement since its first phases (down to 1% of surface covered by microorganisms) and, basing on these data, to manually or automatically adjust and optimize cleaning treatments / biocide treatments (in industrial water systems, cooling towers, pure water lines, etc.) allowing to check, at the same time, the efficacy of the cleaning.
Among the advantages of the ALVIM technology:
- early warning detection of bacterial biofilm growing on pipelines, tanks, heat exchangers, RO membranes, ...
- while fouling sensors detect "generic deposit", ALVIM probes detect bacterial biofilm
- optimization of cleaning and sanitation treatments (biocides, disinfectants, ...)
- easy to install, easy to operate
- virtually maintenance-free probe
- real-time, continuous biofilm monitoring
- high sensitivity
- modular, scalable system
ALVIM Biofilm Sensors have been already used, with highly satisfactory results, in several industrial fields (cooling water systems, industrial water treatment, desalination, food processing, paper mills, etc), including large international companies.
More information
Download the flyer (brief view)
Download the brochure (in-depth description)
Read Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) - Download the PDF file with all FAQs
ALVIM Biofilm Sensor Technical Datasheets
A001S3, ALVIM standard sensor, suitable for most industrial applications. Given its corrosion resistance, it is particularly indicated for seawater applications.
AS01S3, with hygienic connection to the process (VARIVENT®), flat surface in contact with the liquid and high resistance to chemical treatments, this model is indicated for applications where hygiene is critical.
AS11S3, with hygienic connection to the process (DIN 32676, ISO 2852), flat surface in contact with the liquid and high resistance to chemical treatments, this model is indicated for applications where hygiene is critical.
AX03S3, ATEX certified, this model is indicated for classified areas and applications where there is a risk of explosion (e.g. Oil&Gas).
Application cases
Cooling tower water tratment: check on biocide effectiveness and elimination of bacteria
Cooling towers and bacteria: what happens when chlorination does not work as expected
Once-through cooling systems: effect of chlorine dioxide on biofilm, shock and continuos dosage
Legionella prevention: ALVIM Biofilm Sensor helps to prevent outbreaks
Food production: detection of bacterial growth increases food safety
Mineral water bottling: ALVIM Biofilm Sensor helps to prevent bacterial spoilage
Soft drink production: increase safety of bottled beverages
Water Distribution Networks: prevention of water contamination from biofilm
Industrial reverse osmosis: detect bacterial growth to check and optimize chemical treatments
Reverse osmosis desalination: increase the efficiency of biocide treatment in membrane processes
Pulp and paper: detection of bacterial growth and check on biocide effectiveness in paper mills
Research papers
Exploiting a new electrochemical sensor for biofilm monitoring and water treatment optimization - Published on Water Research 45 (2011), pp. 1651-1658
Detection and Monitoring of Biofilm Growth in the Seawater Sulfate Removal Units - Oral communication SPE-174562-MS, SPE Symposium on Water Handling and Management 2015 (Galveston, TX)
Wrapped by bacteria - Biofilm detection and removal in paper mills - Published on J-FOR, Journal of Science & Technology for Forest Products and Processes, 4 (2017)
Optimized and high efficiency biofouling protection for oceanographic optical devices - Oral communication, OCEANS 2017 (Aberdeen, UK)
Technologies for real-time biofilm monitoring in drinking water distribution networks - Published on TECNOAQUA 48 (2021), pp. 42-47
Research Projects where ALVIM Biofilm Sensors have been scientifically validated
SMARTH2OTEL: aims to study digital and innovative solutions for the efficient and sustainable management of the water cycle of tourist establishments, also considering the energy component. Next Generation EU Project, 2022-2023
SENIX: Transformation of the operation, maintenance and planning of distribution networks based on the massive use of sensors. ERDF European Project, 2018-2021
DEMOWARE: Innovation Demonstration for a Competitive and Innovative European Water Reuse Sector. FP7 European Project, 2014-2016
Biofilm monitoring in drinking water distribution systems. Massachusetts Institute of Technology Project
NeXOS: Next generation, Cost-effective, Compact, Multifunctional Web Enabled Ocean Sensor Systems Empowering Marine, Maritime and Fisheries Management. FP7 European Project, 2013-2017
CCNS: Corrosion Control for Navy Ships. European Defence Agency Project, 2013-2016
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