5. Chemistry

5.1 Some useful quantities in water chemistry

• Notion of biofilm in water

  Biofilm is made up of microscopic organisms attached to the walls of tanks, pipes and heat exchange surfaces. In the event of shock, vibration or a sudden change in hydraulic regime (sudden increase in flow rate, water hammer), the biofilm can detach and disperse these micro-organisms. A biofilm is defined as a microbial community immobilized on a surface and often embedded in a fibrous matrix of extracellular polymers.

• Corrosive and aggressive water

  Water is said to be corrosive when it is capable of attacking metals and their alloys (copper, steel). This notion should not be confused...