Picture of Anthony Coker

Anthony Coker

Technical Services Manager
North Georgia District

Totaline Slime Prevention & Removal

TIC2021-0006 states that a slime has been detected in condensate lines, traps, drains and pans. From TIC: “The slime is what is called a biofilm and it is a natural defense mechanism of many microorganisms or bacteria. The slime forms around bacteria and acts as a protective armor for the bacteria. Nutrients and moisture can pass through the biofilm but many chemicals that can harm the bacteria have more difficulty passing through the biofilm. Air Conditioning coils cool the air passing over it and dehumidify the air creating condensate. Airborne bacteria can collide with condensate droplets and become entrapped inside of the droplet. The droplet can then transport the bacteria through the entire condensate management system. Bacteria will accumulate in any area that does not dry out and has very slow-moving condensate.”

It also says “The ideal habitat needs to be absent of extreme temperature swings, UV light or harsh disinfectants. A consistent supply of moisture ensures that the bacteria will not dry out and die. These condensate management systems include all field installed piping are not unique to Carrier, and thus can be considered an industry wide issue.” There is not a solution at the moment to fix this but it is in the works.

Further testing shows that UV lights reduce growth in close proximity. However, when the light is out of sight, the heat from the UV light makes it grow faster. Also, using “antimicrobial impregnated materials have limited effect on the rate of microbe growth because either the antimicrobial material leaches out of the system and becomes ineffective, or a layer of dead bacteria forms on the surface protecting future bacteria growth.” They ask you not to use bleach because it breaks down some components and becomes neutralized as quick as it attacks the biofilm.

A combination of a cleaning method below along with regular monitoring for system blockages or backups will be needed. Each application will have a different amount of time required to block the drain lines, but the methods below will help minimize regrowth rates of the biofilm.

totaline cooling coil treatment

Carrier’s Recommended cleaning method:

  • Remove as much water and biofilm as possible from coil and pan with vacuum.
  • Flush with large quantities of fast-moving water.
  • Optional – Use one of the cleaning chemicals listed below in order to delay regrowth.

Directions for completely blocked drainage systems with accessible drain terminations:

  • Vacuum out any slime located in the drain pan or on the fin surface.
  • Optional – Pour 2 quarts of Totaline® Cooling Coil Treatment P902-1101 and let sit for 10 minutes.
  • Fill drain pan with clean water.
  • Attach vacuum hose to outlet of the drain termination and vacuum all liquids out of drain pan.
  • Flush system with either 5 gallons of water or with a hose. For maximum effectiveness when using a bucket, be sure to fill drain pan as much as possible without overflowing.

Directions for completely blocked drainage systems without accessible drain lines:

  • Vacuum out any slime located in the drain pan or on the fin surface.
  • Optional – Pour 2 quarts of Totaline® Cooling Coil Treatment P902-1101 and let sit for 10 minutes.
  • Insert a hose to the inlet of the drainage system in the drain pan and turn on faucet. Allow system to build pressure to dislodge blockage and then allow ample water to flow once blockage is removed.
  • If blockage does not come free before drain pan fills with water, remove hose, run a long, small wire brush through the drainage system to mechanically dislodge the blockage and then repeat previous step.

Directions for drainage systems that have been partially blocked:

  • Vacuum out any slime located in the drain pan or on the fin surface.
  • Flush system with either 5 gallons of water or with a hose. For maximum effectiveness when using a bucket, be sure to fill drain pan as much as possible without overflowing.
  • Optional – Use Totaline® Cooling Coil Treatment P902-1101, add slowly allowing chemical to interact with biofilm in drainage system and then flush with large quantities of water.

Directions for a continuous disinfectant method between preventative maintenance:

  • Use Totaline® Condensate Pan Strip P902-38003 through P902-38007 based on size of the cooling system.
  • Place close to the drain pan outlet. Testing has shown to delay the growth of biofilm downstream of the pan strip.
  • This product is currently available in the following states: AL, AR, CO, CT, FL, HI, LA, MA, MD, ME, MS, NC, NH, NJ, NY, OK, PA, RI, SC, TN, TX, VA, WV. Certifications for additional states are currently being pursued. 
  • Strips will need to be replaced and a new strip inserted on a regular PM schedule.

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