FAQ
Common questions from operators and consulting engineers.
Do probiotic bacteria eat other bacteria?
No. A high initial dose creates a probiotic majority. The bacteria share living space and food; consuming shared nutrients makes reproduction harder for undesirable bacteria. Sustained nutrient scarcity can cause them to die off over time. The probiotics use nutrients and organic EPS material, not other bacteria.
What role does quorum sensing play?
Quorum sensing is bacterial communication through signalling molecules. It can regulate activity depending on strain and environment. The Bactenza concept centres on a probiotic majority and competition for food and space; this does not imply automatic switch-off of all pathogens.
Why is existing biofilm intended to decline without new biofilm forming?
The strains selected for the process are intended to avoid building new biofilm and to metabolise the existing EPS matrix as an organic nutrient source. Competition for food and living space is also intended to limit unwanted growth. Whether and how quickly deposits decline is assessed during operation.
Are probiotic bacteria safe for employees?
Safety must be assessed for the specific product and application. Relevant factors include the strains, product information, exposure and workplace risk assessment. These also determine any protective measures; natural origin alone does not establish safety.
Do the bacteria attack materials?
No blanket statement applies to every material. Steel, plastics, seals and coatings are assessed for compatibility alongside product information and operating conditions.
Do we have to stop using biocides entirely?
No. Changes to existing treatment depend on the risk assessment, hygiene and treatment programme, and test results. Necessary control and hygiene measures remain in place.
Is investment in plant equipment required?
That depends on the existing dosing equipment and proposed injection point. Required dosing stations, modifications and ongoing costs are identified during the survey.
What does the stated three-to-four-day period mean?
The three to four days stated by Bactenza are an assumed period for population turnover in the application concept, not a general bacterial lifespan or a fixed deadline for complete biofilm removal. Both bacterial groups undergo population turnover. Dosing and reproduction of the selected strains are intended to maintain the probiotic majority; progress and biofilm breakdown are assessed for each installation.
Are our water additives affected?
Compatibility with hardness stabilisers, corrosion inhibitors and pH control is assessed using the specific products and operating conditions. Existing additives should not be changed without an agreed treatment programme.
How does the method relate to VDI 2047-2?
Choosing a treatment method does not replace operator duties. For systems covered by 42. BImSchV, required checks, laboratory testing, records and responses to exceedances remain necessary. VDI 2047 Part 2 provides technical guidance for hygienic operation.
Can resistance develop?
The described approach is based on competition for the nutrients that undesirable bacteria need to survive. This does not provide a general guarantee against resistance. Product-specific statements require suitable evidence; microbiological changes are assessed during operation.