Biofouling of Bubbler Tubes

copper bubbler tube to combat biofouling In applications where organic nutrients are high in the flow stream being monitored, there is always a chance of biological growth on the wetted portion of a flow meter bubbler tube. The small diameter of the opening of the tube (typically 1/8-inch [0.3175 cm] to 1/4-inch [0.635 cm]) is particularly susceptible to clogging. To combat this, flow meter manufacturers incorporate superbubble or autopurge features into their bubbler meters to try and keep the bubbler tube clear. Unfortunately biofouling still occurs on a regular basis.

Biofouling is the undesirable accumulation, adhesion, and growth of microorganisms, plants, algae, barnacles, mollusks, and other organisms on man-made structures. As the organisms grow, they narrow and eventually completely block the bubbler tube opening, creating falsely high flow readings.

To combat the effects of biofouling, Openchannelflow has developed single-piece copper bubbler tubes to replace the stainless steel ones traditionally used.

Copper is widely as an effective inhibitor to biological growth and has been used successfully for hundreds of years where biological activity impedes the desired result. In aqueous solutions, copper ions are released from solid copper and become available in sufficient concentrations to be toxic to microorganisms. Copper does tend to be more effective in saline environments where copper dissolves more rapidly, but it still provides beneficial effects in freshwater applications.

When using Openchannelflow copper bubbler it is important to remember that: copper is a soft metal and, just like in ship hulls of old, the copper is intended to be sacrificial. The tube to which the flow meter bubbler line is attached is small in diameter and can be accidentally crimped by careless handling in the field. Their effectiveness is based upon the conversion of solid copper into aqueous copper so the tubes will have to be replaced in time.

Openchannelflow provides copper bubbler tubes in 1/8-inch [0.3175 cm] and 1/4-inch [0.635 cm] diameters for both flumes and weir boxes.