Dosing instructions for biostream® chlorine dioxide
Dosage and application
Here you can calculate the quantity of biostream® ZERO concentrate you need.
The basis for correct dosing is the total amount of water in the container, hoses/pipes and, if applicable, the boiler.
There are three different disinfection levels, depending on the condition of the drinking water pipes and any contamination of the system (dispensing system, tank, pipe, hose, container). As we have no detailed information about the age and condition of your system, and every system is different, you should decide for yourself which type of disinfection to apply.
1.) DVGW recommendation / light contamination
In its code of practice W291, "Cleaning and disinfection of water distribution systems", the DVGW (Deutscher Verein des Gas- und Wasserfaches) recommends a very low dosage of chlorine dioxide. In our experience this concentration is not very effective, though it would comply with the statutory requirements.
Make sure the biostream® concentrate mixes well with the water. To do this, fill about 75 % of the container/pipes with water, then add the biostream® concentrate and top up with water, open the outlets until the disinfection solution reaches them, close the taps and leave it to work for at least 45 minutes. (You can also leave the biostream® solution to work overnight in the tank.)
Then empty the container/pipes completely. Then fill the container with drinking water again. Any product residue is then diluted, in line with the Drinking Water Ordinance, to a level at which the water can be used as drinking water again. Please note that at this dosage/contact time, any biofilm present cannot be removed.
Quantity of biostream® concentrate required as recommended by the DVGW: – ml (– litres)
2.) Recommendation for a container/pipes in good condition
Make sure the biostream® concentrate mixes well with the water. To do this, fill about 75 % of the container/pipes with water, then add the biostream® concentrate and top up with water, open the outlets until the disinfection solution reaches them, close the taps and leave it to work for at least 1 hour. (You can also leave the biostream® solution to work overnight.)
Then empty the container/pipes completely. Then fill the container with drinking water again. Any product residue is then diluted, in line with the Drinking Water Ordinance, to a level at which the water can be used as drinking water again. Please note that at this dosage/contact time, any biofilm present cannot be removed.
Quantity of biostream® concentrate required under recommendation 2: – ml (– litres)
3.) Recommendation for unclear hygienic quality, confirmed contamination of the tank/pipes, or after a longer standing time
Please note that the treatment described here must be carried out TWICE, as otherwise a so-called "initial worsening" can occur: the first step breaks up the biofilm, and the bacteria previously protected underneath it can enter the water.
Make sure the biostream® concentrate mixes well with the water. To do this, fill about 50 % of the container/pipes with water, then add the biostream® concentrate and top up with water, open the outlets until the disinfection solution reaches them, close the taps and leave it to work for at least 8 hours. (You can also leave the biostream® solution to work overnight.)
Then empty the container/pipes completely. Repeat the treatment. For this second disinfection, a contact time of 1 hour is sufficient. Then fill the container with drinking water again. Any product residue is then diluted, in line with the Drinking Water Ordinance, to a level at which the water can be used as drinking water again.
Quantity of biostream® concentrate required under recommendation 3 (two-stage disinfection): – ml (– litres)
… of which per pass: – ml (– litres)
4.) Dosage under the current Drinking Water Ordinance: remaining directly in the water
Make sure the water and concentrate mix evenly. At this low dosage the water can be used as drinking water, because it then complies with the Drinking Water Ordinance.
Quantity of biostream® concentrate required under the Drinking Water Ordinance: – ml
How to proceed
- Choose the disinfection level. Choose the level that matches the condition of your system: light contamination with the minimum dosage as recommended by the DVGW, good condition, unclear or confirmed contamination, or continuous dosing under the Drinking Water Ordinance.
- Enter the total amount of water. Enter the total amount of water in the container, hoses/pipes and, if applicable, the boiler, in litres. The calculator shows the amount of biostream® concentrate required for the chosen level.
- Add the concentrate. First fill the container or pipes partly with water, add the calculated amount of biostream® concentrate, then top up with water. The fill level before adding the concentrate is given by the chosen level.
- Distribute the solution. Open the outlets until the disinfection solution reaches them, then close the taps.
- Leave it to work. Leave the solution to work for at least as long as stated for the chosen level; overnight is fine too.
- Empty and rinse. Then empty the container and pipes completely and fill them with drinking water again.
Further notes on use
How is the concentrate activated?
The whole container must be activated. Add the solid component (tablet or powder) to the original container of the liquid component without adding any water. Close the lid, dissolve the solid by shaking or stirring, and leave the two to react together for at least 3 hours. Once activated, the concentrate is an intense yellow colour and 100 % active. Now use it according to the dosing recommendation above. The active substance is a gas dissolved in water, so store the container tightly closed. After longer storage the yellow colour fades, and the dosage must be increased accordingly. Once the yellow colour has disappeared, the product has broken down to saline solution and water, chlorite and chlorate, and the active substance for disinfection is no longer present.
Storage
Before activation, always store the crystalline product or tablet in a dry place: the solid component is hygroscopic and draws moisture from the surrounding air. Once activated, the product keeps for two to three months. Store it cool and dark, only in the original container. Before activation, the product keeps for around 3 years if the tablet or powder is stored dry.
How often does disinfection need to be carried out?
The interval between disinfections depends on many factors, so no general statement can be made. The following play a role: the quality and temperature of the incoming water; the condition of the hoses used to fill the water in; the age of the pipework; any dead legs in the system; existing stagnant water; any filters present (which ones?); which products or active substances were used for disinfection before. The law requires drinking water to always have drinking water quality, regardless of the recommended cleaning/disinfection interval.
What water temperature is permitted?
The higher the water temperature, the more actively the active substance reacts. However, please note that the operating temperature must not exceed 40 °C, as the active substance otherwise breaks down to saline solution and water, chlorite and chlorate.
What happens with filters and equipment cooling?
Any filters present should be removed completely or bypassed. Filter housings can remain in the system and are disinfected along with it. Equipment cooling must be switched off.
What applies when disinfecting dispensing systems?
Our product biostream® ZERO is a gas dissolved in water. It also spreads through the carbonator, so overfilling the carbonator is no longer necessary. As biostream® ZERO is an approved drinking water disinfectant, extensive flushing of the system after disinfection is not necessary. Simply flush through with twice the amount of water present in the system. This amount is sufficient. Any remaining product residue is then diluted down to a level that complies with the Drinking Water Ordinance.
Note on tank and cistern disinfection
Never add biostream® ZERO to the tank first. To avoid an exothermic reaction and ensure good mixing, please fill the tank/cistern half full of water, then add the required amount of biostream® ZERO concentrate, and top up the container completely with water afterwards.
Use biocides safely. Always read the label and product information before use. All statements on efficacy are based on the long-standing experience of biostream® GmbH, on information from the technical literature, laws and technical rules, and on positive customer references.
Legal notice · Privacy policy · Terms and conditions (German)