Functional Fluids

About

Functional Fluids

Functional Fluids are defined as products that are supplied as a concentrate, diluted with water by an end-user and then circulated round an industrial plant to perform a function such as cooling, lubrication, corrosion prevention, etc.

Examples of these fluids are:

  • Cooling water,
  • metalworking fluids,
  • lithographic solutions,
  • textile spin finishes,
  • paper pulp.

All of these are susceptible to microbiological attack (such as planktonic growth and/or biofilm formation) and the biocides used in them are covered by the European Biocidal Products Regulation (BPR).

The initial objectives of the Group was to develop simple test methods to enable the efficacy criteria of the BPR to be met. Later, more detailed investigation has undertaken of other factors involved in the microbial contamination of functional fluids. 

In recent years the group has developed and published methods for:

  • determining the efficacy of biocides used to preserve metal working fluids
  • determining the efficacy of biocides to prevent the growth of planktonic populations and to prevent the growth of biofilms in paper pulps and in cooling fluids
  • determining the efficacy of biocides used in the oil and gas extraction industries, including both aerobic and anaerobic test methods. 
  • determining the efficacy of biocidal active substances used to protect lithographic fountain solutions.

Contact the chair / technical secretary of the group

Latest Reports

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IBRG FFG 25 002 Annual Report 2024
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IBRG FFG 24-002 Annual Report 2023
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IBRG FFG 23-004 Annual Report 2022
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IBRG FFG 22-002 Annual Report 2021
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IBRG FFG 18-005 Annual Report 2017
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IBRG FFG 16-005 Annual Report 2015
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IBRG FFG 13-004 Annual Report 2012
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IBRG FFG 00-001 Annual Report 2000
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Documents

IBRG Methods

A Method for Determining the Basic Efficacy of Biocidal Active Substances used in Aqueous-Based Metalworking Fluids for their Protection in Use.

IBRG FFG16-001.02

This document describes a method for determining the basic efficacy of biocidal active substances in aqueous based metalworking fluids and is intended for the generation of data to enable registration of active substances. Samples containing the active substance under test are repeatedly inoculated with defined suspensions of microorganisms and then incubated. The changes in the size of the populations over time are used to determine the basic antimicrobial properties of the active substances being evaluated. It is important to note that the results obtained may not describe the performance of the active substance under normal conditions of use. Version 1.04 Clarification of statistical methods, definition of growth and addition of Gram Positive bacterium to consortium.

£150.00

A Method for Determining the Basic Efficacy of Biocidal Active Substances used in Aqueous-Based Cooling Fluids for their Protection in Use

IBRG FFG19-006.03

This document describes a method for determining the basic efficacy of biocidal active substances in aqueous-based cooling fluids and is intended for the generation of data to enable registration of active substances. Samples containing the active substance under test are inoculated with defined suspensions of microorganisms as consortia and then incubated. The changes in the size of the populations over time are used to determine the basic antimicrobial properties of the active substances being evaluated. It is important to note that the results obtained may not describe the performance of the active substance under normal conditions of use.

£150.00

A Method for Determining the Basic Efficacy of Biocidal Active Substances used in Aqueous- Based Cooling Fluids to Prevent the Formation of Bacterial Biofilms

IBRG FFG19-007.04

This document describes a method for determining the basic efficacy of biocidal active substances in aqueous based Cooling fluids and is intended for the generation of data to enable registration of active substances. Samples containing the active substance under test are inoculated with defined suspensions of microorganisms and then incubated. The changes in the size of the populations over time are used to determine the basic antimicrobial properties of the active substances being evaluated. It is important to note that the results obtained may not describe the performance of the active substance under normal conditions of use.

£150.00

A Method for Determining the Basic Efficacy of Biocidal Active Substances used as Slimicides in Aqueous-Based Paper Pulps

IBRG FFG19-008.03

This document describes a method for determining the basic efficacy of biocidal active substances in aqueous based paper pulps and is intended for the generation of data to enable registration of active substances. Samples containing the active substance under test are inoculated with defined suspensions of microorganisms and then incubated. The changes in the size of the populations over time are used to determine the basic antimicrobial properties of the active substances being evaluated. It is important to note that the results obtained may not describe the performance of the active substance under normal conditions of use.

£150.00

A Method for the Evaluation of Biocidal Compounds in Aqueous-Based Lithographic Fountain Solutions

IBRG FFG23-005.02

This document describes a method for determining the basic efficacy of biocidal active substances in Lithographic Fountain solutions and is intended for the generation of data to enable registration of active substances.

£150.00

A Method for Determining the Basic Efficacy of Biocidal Active Substances used as Curative Agents against Aerobic Planktonic Bacterial Populations and Biofilms in Aqueous-Based Systems

IBRG FFG21-008.02
£150.00

A Method for Determining the Basic Efficacy of Biocidal Active Substances used as Curative Agents against Anaerobic Planktonic Bacterial Populations and Biofilms in Aqueous-Based Systems

IBRG FFG21-011.02
£150.00

Efficacy of Products used as Preservatives of Fluids used in the Oil and Gas Extraction Industries – Anaerobic Bacteria)

IBRG FFG21-009.02
£150.00

Efficacy of Products used as Preservatives of Fluids Used in the Oil and Gas Extraction Industries – Anaerobic Bacterial Biofilms Preservative

IBRG FFG21-010.02
£150.00

Publications