When some of the bacteria free in the water settle on surfaces in contact with the, liquid, they start to duplicate, forming a layer usually known as biofilm. Free-floating bacteria represent just 10% of the total number of bacteria in a piping system. Indeed, 90% of microorganisms live in biofilm, not free in the liquid. When biofilm is mature parts of it can detach, cross-contaminating other points of the piping system. Biofilm causes many different issues:
A 20-micron thick biofilm reduces thermal efficiency by 30% and more.
Biofilm causes MIC (Microbiologically Influenced Corrosion).
Biofilm is the ideal environment for the survival and proliferation of pathogens.
BLUESTEEL Project will improve prediction and control of Legionella risks at CELSA GROUP thanks to biosensors
The BlueSteel project, coordinated by the Catalan Water Partnership (CWP), aims to design, implement and validate a digital twin for water management in the hot rolling plant of...
Biofilm monitoring in Madrid water distribution network
Canal de Isabel II, the primary public water utility company managing water supply for the city of Madrid and the surrounding region, has a water network that spans 18,000 km.
The system uses monochloramine disinfection, which is...
![[2026-05-28] BLUESTEEL Project will improve prediction and control of Legionella risks at CELSA GROUP thanks to biosensors](https://www.alvimcleantech.com/cms//images/thumbnails/mod_latestnewsplusdate/265.jpg)
![[2026-05-18] Biofilm monitoring in Madrid water distribution network](https://www.alvimcleantech.com/cms//images/thumbnails/mod_latestnewsplusdate/263.jpg)