Hygienic operation of evaporative cooling systems, cooling towers and wet separators

The 42nd BImSchV legally implements the technical guidelines VDI 2047-2/3 and VDI 3679 and has been in force since August 19, 2017.

Various problems can occur in water-bearing systems. In particular, these involve technical challenges, such as efficiency losses, material damage due to corrosion, but also microbiological contamination.

Hazards can arise from bacteria multiplying in evaporative cooling systems, wet scrubbers and cooling towers and being released later. In the process, bacteria such as Legionella can enter the environment and cause serious illnesses. It is particularly critical when bioaerosols (finely atomized water or liquid droplets) are released from germ-contaminated water circuits and enter the environment.

After several Legionella outbreaks in the past, regulations were created in Germany regarding the obligation to ensure the safety of water-bearing systems that can emit aerosols.

In addition to the generally accepted rules of technology described by the VDI guidelines 2047-2 for evaporative cooling systems, the VDI 2047-3 for cooling towers and the VDI 3679 for wet separators, the 42nd BImSchV (Ordinance for the Implementation of the Federal Immission Control Ordinance) has been applicable to these systems since August 19, 2017.

We are your experts in the 42nd BImschV - service water

Why you should cooperate with SGS for testing and monitoring in accordance with the 42nd BImschV.

We support operators of cooling towers, evaporative cooling plants and wet separators in the implementation of these requirements, so that they can ensure the process-engineering and hygienic operation of their plant.

In this complex matter, we advise our customers competently and independently of manufacturers. We provide complex sampling services, analysis and expertise from a single source.

In cooperation with the VDI/DIN Commission on Clean Air (KRdL) Standards Committee, we offer training courses for "hygienically competent persons" in accordance with the requirements of the 42nd BImSchV. Our training courses cover either the topics of evaporative cooling systems according to VDI 2047-2 or wet separators according to VDI 3679.

As an accredited service provider, we are able to analyze samples from your evaporative cooling system/wet scrubber in the laboratory.

We can also support you in other areas, such as compliance with the following legal regulations:

Chemicals Ordinance (ChemV)
Drinking water ordinance (TrinkwV)
Waste Water Ordinance (AbwV)

Our services

Sampling

Accreditation and standard-compliant sampling (DIN 19458) and microbiological testing in accordance with the specifications from the recommendation of the Federal Environment Agency for the detection of legionella (ISO 11731) in evaporative cooling systems, cooling towers and wet separators throughout Germany

Analytics

Physico-chemical investigations to clarify water-induced problems such as deposit formation, corrosion and microbiologically induced fouling
Microbiological examination according to 42. BImSchV to determine the hygienic quality of service water
Quantitative PCR for rapid detection of legionella infestation in the course of self-monitoring
Examination of wastewater, e.g. blowdown water, according to Annex 31 of the Wastewater Ordinance