Title: Real-time and Automated Microbial Monitoring using ATP
Learner Objectives:
To introduce stakeholders to a new online and automated microbial monitoring platform that enables real-time microbial monitoring for cooling water applications.
Content/Topic Outline:
Presenter:
Jeremy Duguay, Application Scientist with LuminUltra Technologies Ltd.
Presentation Description:
Cooling towers provide the ideal habitat for microorganisms to grow and thrive, leaving them prone to microbial contamination issues that can quickly get out of hand if not properly treated. Effective treatment and control strategies will improve operational efficiency and reduce the risk from human pathogens like Legionella pneumophila. A key component of any effective control program includes deploying a suite of physical, chemical, and biological monitoring tools to ensure the program is working as intended. In recent times, these tools have included options for real-time, online, and automated methods for physical and chemical monitoring of important metrics like pH, temperature, conductivity, biocide dosage and residual, etc. Unfortunately, few options exist for obtaining real-time microbial monitoring data. Many of the existing microbial tests require time-consuming and/or laborious methods that may take days or weeks to get results, giving an outdated snapshot of performance since operational parameters can change within minutes to hours. Some newer onsite methods are quicker (for example 2nd Generation ATP or qPCR) but these still require a dedicated operator to run the tests and onsite access to water samples for testing on a regular basis.
The BugCount Guardian is an online, automated ATP monitoring device that can be installed in cooling water sites to provide a real-time and continuous microbial monitoring solution. The device incorporates automatic sample drawing, advanced testing procedures and a robust cleaning process to ensure reliable data collection in challenging cooling water applications. In this study, we introduce the technology behind the device and present the results of several beta installation projects that have been performed at global cooling tower sites. Sites were selected based on their diverse water characteristics, process configurations and availability for data sharing and transfer arrangements to ensure real-time platform monitoring and operational diagnostics for timely troubleshooting and oversight. This study will cover key aspects of the installation, operation, and maintenance of the instrument along with a review the data collected during the trials. Emphasis will be placed on contextualizing the data with operational parameters and complimentary data streams collected over the monitoring timeframe and show how the microbial data can enhance operation and provide a new level of proactive insight in microbial control.
Presenter Bio:
Jeremy is a molecular biologist with 15+ years experience in biotechnology fields, including 9 years of direct experience integrating rapid microbial monitoring technology in biofouling, bioprocessing and biosecurity applications. With a wide-ranging background in technical sales, customer support and research and development, he takes pride helping introduce and successfully implement complex technology in new markets. Jeremy is an ASSE 12080 certified Legionella water safety and management specialist and is currently an Applications Scientist with LuminUltra where he has helped partners and clients globally implement advanced microbial monitoring tools that improve processes and reduce risk.