Why PAA Biocides Outperform Glutaraldehyde

Glutaraldehyde’s regulatory future in oilfield water treatment is uncertain. Peracetic acid (PAA) biocides fuel a safer, effective, and future-ready alternative to protect operations, reduce compliance risks, and align with ESG goals. Learn why oilfield leaders are shifting to PAA biocides for compliance, performance, and ESG advantage.

Oilfield water management is entering a new era. What used to be a straightforward “dose-and-go” choice is now a boardroom discussion about regulatory exposure, ESG optics, worker safety, and long-term cost. In that conversation, glutaraldehyde (GA) is increasingly the weak link—while peracetic-acid (PAA) biocides are proving to be the essential, safe, effective, and future-ready alternative.

A practical brief follows to help leadership, specifying engineers, procurement teams, and well-servicers who want to increase responsible operations and future-proof against regulatory risks.

 

The squeeze on glutaraldehyde is real—and growing

Worker safety pressure is mounting. Respiratory and skin contact risks are continually more demanding and costly.

Regulatory reviews aren’t going away. In the U.S., EPA’s ongoing registration review program for pesticides (including industrial biocides) can impose new mitigation requirements—PPE, engineering controls, label changes, or use restrictions—mid-cycle. GA’s review docket remains active, which means additional compliance steps may still be required as updates publish. Planning for alternatives now reduces change-order chaos later.

Environmental scrutiny is intensifying. Peer-reviewed literature has highlighted the aquatic toxicity and fate concerns of several oilfield biocides, including GA, fueling pressure from regulators and stakeholders to curb persistent, toxic residuals in discharge and recycle streams.

Bottom line: Even before any outright restrictions, the cumulative burden—exposure controls, monitoring, training, reporting, and reputational risk—pushes GA’s true cost higher each year.

 

Why PAA biocides are the future-ready standard

Clean breakdown, minimal residues. PAA decomposes rapidly into acetic acid, oxygen, and water, leaving no halogenated or persistent byproducts. That’s powerful for recycled frac water, produced-water reuse, and discharge optics—exactly where ESG and permit pressure converge.

Broad-spectrum, fast kill—including SRB and biofilms. Field and lab studies show PAA’s strong activity against sulfate-reducing bacteria (SRB), key H₂S generators and corrosion drivers. Reports from oilfield trials and independent studies demonstrate efficacy in complex waters and even within sessile communities where other oxidants struggle.

Operationally compatible. PAA is used across industrial water treatment precisely because it works in variable pH and temperature windows and coexists with common oilfield chemistries (FRs, scale inhibitors) when applied correctly. This reduces the risk of chemistry conflicts that derail pad schedules.

Worker-safety advantages. As an oxidizing biocide with rapid decay, PAA minimizes long-lived residual exposure. Its well-understood decomposition profile simplifies containment and incident response relative to sensitizers. (Safe handling is still essential—PAA is a strong oxidizer and corrosive—but the exposure narrative is fundamentally different.)

ESG-aligned without sacrificing performance. For operators publishing sustainability metrics, “no persistent biocidal residues” and “lower aquatic-toxicity footprint in treated effluents” are benefits that resonate with investors and communities—without compromising bacterial control.

 

Total cost of ownership: where PAA wins

1) Compliance drag: As GA-related controls tighten, compliance cost grows (monitoring, respiratory programs, training, incident reporting). PAA’s profile reduces that overhead.

2) Performance risk: SRB-driven corrosion and souring are seven-figure problems. PAA’s fast oxidation and biofilm penetration reduce re-treat cycles, H₂S incidents, and downtime.

3) Water-reuse economics: PAA’s rapid decomposition supports recycle targets by limiting carry-over residuals that can foul later stages—improving reuse rates and chemistry reliability.

 

Application guidance: where to specify PAA

 

    • On-the-fly frac water treatment: Dose for rapid broad-spectrum knockdown; verify with ATP/bug counts and residual monitoring.

 

    • Pond/impoundment control & H₂S mitigation: Periodic PAA shock or continuous low-dose to manage SRB and odors; integrate with aeration for best results.

 

    • Produced-water recycle loops: Target kill while minimizing residuals that impact separation and midstream handling.

 

 

Design considerations

 

    • Demand & dose: Run quick-kill demand tests against site water to map required PAA dose (accounting for COD/sulfides).

 

    • Contact time: PAA works fast; on-the-fly setups should ensure adequate mixing and seconds-to-minutes of contact before the wellhead.

 

    • Monitoring: Track kill with ATP or culture methods; confirm PAA residual decay to protect downstream chemistries and equipment.

 

 

The strategic takeaway

You don’t need a ban to feel the pinch. GA’s sensitizer classification, safety ceilings, and the drumbeat of regulatory review create ongoing compliance drag and reputational risk. PAA offers the inverse: robust performance against the bugs that matter (including SRB), rapid, clean decomposition, and an ESG-aligned story your stakeholders can endorse. Moving now locks in operational reliability and regulatory resilience for the years ahead. If you’re ready to evaluate a PAA program—bench tests, pad trial design, spec language, and full changeover—Brainerd Chemical can help you build a plan that meets your HSE, performance, and cost targets.

 

Partner With the Future of Oilfield Water Treatment

For energy leaders, staying ahead of risk isn’t just about compliance—it’s about choosing solutions that safeguard people, protect assets, and deliver lasting performance. With Brainerd Chemical Company, you gain more than a supplier. You gain a partner committed to innovation, safety, and reliability in every drop of chemistry we deliver.

Our PAA-based biocide programs are engineered to help you meet today’s operational challenges and tomorrow’s regulatory expectations—reducing downtime, streamlining water reuse, and strengthening ESG performance.

Let’s talk about your next project. Contact our technical specialists today at +1 (918) 622-1214 to learn how Brainerd Chemical Company can help you build safer, cleaner, and future-ready operations.

 

About Brainerd Chemical Company

Brainerd Chemical Company is a leading U.S. manufacturer and distributor of specialty and commodity chemicals, serving energy, agriculture, water treatment, and manufacturing industries. Our mission is simple: to safely supply the solutions you need, the support you want, and the reliability you depend on—every single day.

 

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Boosting Well Integrity with Peracetic-Acid Biocides

In today’s fracking landscape, ensuring well integrity isn’t just about production, it’s the frontline of return on investment (ROI), safety, and sustainable water management. Recent field investigations in the Permian Basin underscore how peracetic acid (PAA) based biocides are no longer an alternative to traditional chemical treatment methods — PAA is the benchmark providing a cleaner kill, faster and more responsibly.

ROI – Lower Costs, Higher Performance

PAA offers striking cost efficiency. Its high selectivity means much lower dosages are needed compared to bleach or chlorine dioxide, which require two to four times more product (epa.gov). This dosage reduction translates directly to lower chemical costs, reduced transportation expenses, and fewer logistical complexities at the well pad.

But the savings don’t stop there. By effectively controlling microbial-induced corrosion and H₂S-related damage, PAA helps prevent premature equipment failures and production slugging—yielding fewer interventions and better asset longevity.

Safety – Smarter Chemistry, Safer Operations

PAA decomposes into benign byproducts—oxygen, water, and acetic acid—so no harmful residuals linger in flowback or recycled frac water. The vinegar‑like odor acts as a natural leak detector during handling. Plus, being liquid at ambient conditions, it avoids the handling dangers posed by chlorine dioxide gas. Overall, PAA reduces exposure risks for field crews and minimizes environmental release threats.

Efficiency – Maximizing Water Management Potential

Effective water recycling is central to sustainable fracking. PAA shines here: it oxidizes iron sulfides and H₂S in flowback tanks, prevents biofilm build-up, and simplifies solids separation—all in one integrated step (researchgate.net). Operators have reported near-100% suspension of microbes and H₂S in recycled frac water, boosting reuse rates and slashing freshwater dependence.

Permian Basin Proof: A Real-World Study

A recent Permian Basin trial assessed oxidizers in real on-site water ponds. Through enzymatic ATP and AMP measurements, PAA showed superior microbial kill and significantly reduced regrowth risk compared to bleach or ClO₂—especially in high‑organic loading scenarios. Its lower reactivity with organics made it a clear winner.

Fracking-Specific Water Benefits

Pre-frac treatment: Treat frac water with PAA to suppress SRBs and biofilms before injection.

Mid-job addition: Inject during frack operations to immediately neutralize microbes and H₂S generated downhole.

Recycling cycles: Post-frac, PAA cleans residual contaminants—enhancing water quality for reuse.

Post-job maintenance: Periodic treatment prevents fouling or corrosion in frac tanks and pipelines.

This integrated approach not only safeguards wellbore integrity but also supports zero-discharge and full-cycle water reuse programs—especially critical in arid regions like the Permian.

Industry Shift to the Cleaner Kill

Major players are taking notice. Recently completed real-world completion fluid tests pitted peracetic acid–based biocides against conventional glutaraldehyde-based programs. The PAA treatment provided a cleaner kill exceeding microbial kill rates while lowering environmental persistence.

Takeaways for Frac Operators

BenefitImpact
Cost savingsReduced dosage → supply/logistics savings
Safety gainsSafer handling; no toxic residues
Operational uptimeFewer corrosion events and field interventions
Water sustainabilityCleaner recycled frac water, less freshwater usage

The Bottom Line

Peracetic acid isn’t just another biocide—it’s a strategic upgrade. From killing microbes to cutting costs and keeping crews safer, PAA checks every box for modern frac operations.Ready or not, PAA is no longer the alternative – it’s the benchmark.

About Brainerd Chemical Company

Brainerd Chemical Companies mission to safely supply our customers with the solutions they need, the support they want, and the reliability they depend on to meet the challenges they face every day.

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Brainerd Chemical Company:  1+ (918) 622-1214

SOURCE: Brainerd Chemical Company.

Key Factors in Choosing a Sodium Bisulfite Supplier

Sodium bisulfite is widely used across industries such as water treatment, oil and gas, pulp and paper, and food processing. For companies that depend on this chemical for critical operations, selecting a supplier is not just about cost, it’s about ensuring long-term reliability, regulatory compliance, and operational support.

Read on to better understand the most important considerations for evaluating and selecting your ideal sodium bisulfite supplier.

Logistics Capability & Commitment to On-Time Delivery

Reliable supply is essential for avoiding production delays. Disruptions in delivery—whether due to weather, labor shortages, or transportation bottlenecks—can have significant financial and operational consequences.

When evaluating suppliers:

  • Review their on-time delivery performance.
  • Understand the structure of their distribution network.
  • Ask about contingency plans for supply chain interruptions.

Product Expertise and Support

While sodium bisulfite is a well-established chemical, its safe and effective use can vary by industry. Sodium bisulfite must meet precise purity specifications to function effectively, especially in applications involving sensitive reactions or regulatory oversight. Inconsistent quality can cause downstream issues such as corrosion, inefficiency, or contamination. Expertise in application chemistry is essential.

Key questions to ask:

  • What quality control measures are in place?
  • Are batch records and certificates of analysis available?
  • How is consistency verified across shipments?
  • What product selection and usage guidance is available?
  • How does your team troubleshoot process compatibility issues?

Supply Chain Transparency

Supply chain transparency has become increasingly important for risk management and ethical sourcing. Understanding where and how raw materials are sourced—and how they are handled throughout the supply chain—can reduce exposure to liability and strengthen corporate social responsibility initiatives.

Look for suppliers that:

  • Provide clear sourcing information.
  • Maintain traceability from raw materials to delivery.
  • Operate with documented ethical sourcing policies.

Scalability and Flexibility

A supplier’s ability to adapt to changing volumes, whether due to seasonal demand or unexpected growth, is an important differentiator. Capacity constraints or rigid delivery schedules can expose buyers to risk.

Key indicators of flexibility:

  • Scalable production capacity and JIT capabilities.
  • Custom packaging or formulation options.
  • Owned distribution networks.
  • Ability to shift delivery timelines when needed.

Regulatory Compliance

Sodium bisulfite is subject to regulation under environmental, health, and safety laws. Suppliers should maintain full compliance with relevant EPA, OSHA, and DOT regulations—and provide documentation to demonstrate adherence.

Buyers should ensure that suppliers:

  • Hold appropriate safety and environmental certifications.
  • Offer full transparency on regulatory status.
  • Stay current on evolving legal and compliance standards.

Customer Support and Responsiveness

Strong supplier relationships often hinge on the quality of communication and responsiveness. Buyers should expect timely answers to questions, prompt resolution of issues, and proactive communication about delays or changes. During evaluation:

  • Ask about the average response times for customer service.
  • Inquire about escalation procedures and support availability.
  • Review customer satisfaction ratings, if available.

Operational Stability

A supplier’s stability over time is often overlooked but plays a critical role in long-term supply security. Stable companies are less vulnerable to disruptions, more likely to invest in infrastructure, and better positioned to honor long-term agreements. Buyers are advised to investigate the supplier’s history and ownership structure as well as evaluate operational investments and facilities.

Commitment to Innovation

While sodium bisulfite is a mature product, innovation in production methods, safety, and sustainability is a hallmark of top suppliers. Seek companies who continually invest in the people, processes and products such as reduced environmental impact or safer handling.

“Innovative suppliers are always looking for ways to help their customers operate more safely and efficiently,” said Brian Miller, President of Brainerd Chemical Company. “Even incremental improvements in purity, packaging, or process compatibility can have a measurable impact at the operational level.”

Environmental Responsibility

As sustainability goals become more prominent across industries, buyers are placing greater emphasis on suppliers’ environmental performance. This includes not only the chemical itself, but how it is produced, handled, and transported.

Considerations include:

  • Emissions and waste management practices.
  • Use of closed-loop or energy-efficient production systems.
  • Alignment with ESG (Environmental, Social, Governance) principles.

Selecting Your Ideal Sodium Bisulfite Partner

Selecting a sodium bisulfite supplier requires more than a price comparison. From product quality and regulatory compliance to logistics, support, and sustainability, buyers should take a holistic view of supplier performance. By asking the right questions and evaluating potential partners against these criteria, companies can secure a supply relationship that supports both current operations and future growth.

Brainerd Chemical delivers on every front—with the infrastructure, expertise, and integrity that industry leaders rely on. To speak with a technical specialist about sodium bisulfite sourcing, regulatory support, or customized formulations, contact Brainerd Chemical Company at +1 (918) 622-1214.

About Brainerd Chemical Company

Brainerd Chemical Company is a leading U.S. manufacturer and distributor of specialty and commodity chemicals, serving critical industries including energy, agriculture, water treatment, and manufacturing. Our mission is to safely supply the solutions our customers need, the expertise they want, and the reliability they depend on—every single day.

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How PAA Biocides Support Safer, Cleaner Flow Assurance

Peracetic acid-based (PAA) biocides are rapidly being adopted by producers and service companies because of the fast-acting and environmentally responsible characteristics compared to traditional biocides. With rapid antimicrobial action and biodegradable by products, PAA supports safer water handling, cleaner infrastructure, and more efficient flow assurance across drilling, stimulation, and production phases while also reducing regulatory risks.

As Brian Miller, President of Brainerd Chemical Company, stated, “It [PAA] is safer, all the while protecting and cleaning the land during the production process”.

This emphasis on safety and environmental stewardship positions Brainerd Chemical as a valuable partner for oil and gas producers seeking effective and responsible chemical solutions in the Permian Basin.

PAA biocides are effective in preventing and minimizing MIC, reservoir souring, and biofilm formation that slows down production. Common target organisms include:

  • Sulfate-Reducing Bacteria (SRB) – produce hydrogen sulfide, a corrosive and toxic gas.
  • Acid-Producing Bacteria (APB) – generate organic and inorganic acids that corrode metal infrastructure.
  • Slime-Forming Bacteria – produce biofilms that protect SRB and APB colonies and clog flow paths.

As operational demands and environmental expectations rise, producers are quickly shifting toward PAA as a reliable and responsible microbial control solution.

Properties and Performance of Peracetic Acid-Based Biocides

Peracetic acid is an oxidizing biocide formed from the reaction of acetic acid and hydrogen peroxide. It decomposes into acetic acid, oxygen, and water, leaving no harmful residues.

Key attributes include:

  • Broad-spectrum efficacy against bacteria, fungi, and spores.
  • Fast-acting microbial kill, often within minutes.
  • Effective over a wide pH range, making it suitable for varied water chemistries.
  • Biodegradable byproducts, which simplify environmental compliance and water reuse.

These characteristics make PAA suitable for treating both raw water and produced water used in hydraulic fracturing and well injection operations.

Applications in the Permian Basin

Operators in the Permian are applying PAA-based biocides in several key use cases:

  • Hydraulic Fracturing Fluids – To prevent bacterial growth in frac water, especially when reusing produced water.
  • Water Transfer and Storage Systems – To prevent biofilm buildup in temporary tanks, pipelines, and blenders.
  • Hydrostatic Testing – To protect pipelines and surface equipment prior to startup.
  • Well Maintenance – Periodic biocide treatments are used to control microbial fouling and corrosion.

Operational and Regulatory Considerations

PAA’s relatively low toxicity profile and minimal environmental persistence help operators address both operational risks and regulatory expectations. It is compatible with many water treatment systems and can help reduce the chemical load in discharge or re-injection scenarios.

The short half-life of PAA in the environment reduces concerns over long-term contamination, which is especially relevant near populated or environmentally sensitive areas.

Using The Right PAA Product

Selecting the correct peracetic acid (PAA) biocide formulation is essential to maintaining operating efficiency and microbial control across varying oilfield conditions. Products are engineered with specific concentrations, stability profiles, and compatibility characteristics suited for different applications, from high-temperature wells to water with elevated organic load. For example, stabilized versions like Brainerd Chemical Companies Terrastat® 1522-S or 22-S may be preferred in storage-intensive operations, while Terrastat® 15-OF offers similar properties but for instances that do not need an EPA registration.

Choosing the right formulation ensures optimal biocidal performance, minimizes dosing costs, reduces system downtime, and helps meet site-specific safety and environmental requirements. Collaboration with chemical suppliers and field engineers is critical to matching product selection with water chemistry, flow rates, and operational priorities.

Brainerd Chemical Company offers PAA Biocide solutions tailored to Permian basin production that include:

Terrastat® 1522-S is designed to scavenge hydrogen sulfide, iron sulfide, and other contaminants from drilling, completion, and production waters.  Terrastat® 1522-S PAA is typically used in:

  • Well drilling operations
  • Formation fracturing operations
  • Productivity enhancement systems
  • Secondary recovery systems
  • Pipeline and tank maintenance
  • Drilling muds, fracturing fluids, well squeezed fluids
  • Flooding, injection and produced water sanitation

Terrastat® 15-OF is a non-registered PAA that is designed to scavenge hydrogen sulfide, iron sulfide, and other contaminants from drilling, completion, and production waters.  Terrastat® 15-OF PAA is typically used in:

  • Drilling muds
  • Workover & completion fluids
  • Water flooding operations
  • Saltwater disposals and injection wells

Terrastat® 22 is designed to scavenge hydrogen sulfide, iron sulfide, and other contaminants from drilling, completion, and production waters. Terrastat® 22 PAA is typically used in:

  • Drilling muds
  • Workover & completion fluids
  • Water flooding operations
  • Saltwater disposals and injection wells

Terrastat® 22-S is designed to scavenge hydrogen sulfide, iron sulfide, and other contaminants from drilling, completion, and production waters.  Terrastat® 22-S PAA is typically used in:

  • Drilling muds
  • Packing fluids
  • Secondary oil recovery systems
  • Saltwater disposals and injection wells

A Smarter Path to Safer Production

PAA-based biocides are becoming a strategic asset because they enable operators reduce regulatory risks, lower environmental impact and in many cases – improve operating efficiency. Their rapid action, broad efficacy, and environmental profile make them well suited for modern production strategies that rely on water reuse and minimal environmental impact.

By controlling microbial threats with lower toxicity and higher efficacy, producers and service companies can drive sustainable productivity across the Permian Basin. That’s not just good chemistry — it’s good business.

Fast & Reliable Peracetic Acid Supply

As an Oklahoma-based, family-owned enterprise, we keenly aware of how important speed, reliability and safety are vital to your success. With multiple manufacturing locations and built-in supply chain redundancies, Brainerd Chemical’s reliability is second to none.

Count on Brainerd Chemical Company to provide:

Fast and Reliable Distribution

With six strategically located facilities and a robust hybrid distribution network, we ensure your mixed acids and specialty chemicals arrive safely, on time, and where you need them—minimizing downtime and maximizing supply chain efficiency. In fact, our Tuttle facility was specifically built to more efficiently serve our oil and gas clients.

Built-In Safety and Compliance

At Brainerd, safety isn’t an afterthought—it’s built into every process. Our team follows strict safety and regulatory protocols to handle and transport both hazardous and non-hazardous materials with the highest level of care and compliance.

Custom Solutions

Flexibility is central to our service model. Whether you need custom chemical blends, specialty packaging, or precise delivery schedules, our team works with you to develop tailored solutions that meet your exact operational requirements.

When you work with Brainerd Chemical, you gain more than a supplier—you gain a strategic ally dedicated to supporting your operations with quality, responsiveness, and innovation. We’re here to move your business forward, one delivery at a time.

For technical consultations on safe, responsible and effective oilfield biocide solutions, contact Brainerd Chemical Company at +1 (918) 622-1214.

About Brainerd Chemical Company

Brainerd Chemical Companies mission to safely supply our customers with the solutions they need, the support they want, and the reliability they depend on to meet the challenges they face every day.

Media Inquiries:

Brainerd Chemical Company:  1+ (918) 622-1214

SOURCE: Brainerd Chemical Company.

PAA Helps Overcome Rural Wastewater Treatment Challenges

Water is life, and for rural communities, ensuring its safety is paramount. Yet, these communities often operate under significant challenges such as limited budgets, minimal technical staff, and aging infrastructure compared to their urban counterparts. Yet these facilities must meet the same stringent regulatory requirements for effluent quality.

Peracetic acid (PAA) disinfection offers a promising solution for rural applications, offering significant operational, economic, and environmental advantages over traditional chlorination or UV systems. This article examines the practical applications and benefits of using PAA water treatment processes in facilities serving smaller populations.

The Rural Wastewater Challenge

Rural treatment facilities typically process lower water volumes but face greater variability in flow rates and influent characteristics. Many operate lagoon systems or small package plants, where implementing complex disinfection technologies can be prohibitively expensive.

Historically, these facilities have relied heavily on chlorine disinfection, which requires dechlorination steps to prevent environmental harm, or UV systems that demand significant maintenance and energy inputs.

Peracetic acid (PAA) continues gaining popularity as an alternative to traditional chlorine-based disinfectants in wastewater treatment. According to Koivunen and Heinonen-Tanski (2013), PAA disinfection offers advantages in scenarios with limited infrastructure—precisely the situation many rural facilities face. Their research demonstrated effective pathogen reduction at lower doses than traditionally required for chlorination, reduced toxicity and compliance with discharge limits, improved personal and environmental safety, as well as reduced cost through streamlined operations.

How PAA Works for Rural Applications

Peracetic acid works through oxidation, effectively destroying pathogenic microorganisms by disrupting their cell membranes. What makes PAA particularly suitable for rural applications?

Operational Simplicity: PAA requires minimal contact time compared to chlorine—typically 10-15 minutes versus 30+ minutes—allowing for smaller contact chambers and retrofitting into existing systems without major capital investment (Luukkonen & Pehkonen, 2017).

No Harmful Byproducts: Unlike chlorine, PAA breaks down into benign components (primarily water, oxygen, and acetic acid), eliminating the need for dechlorination equipment and chemicals—a significant advantage for facilities with limited technical capacity.

Effectiveness Across Conditions: PAA maintains disinfection efficacy across a wide pH range (5.5-8.2) and in the presence of suspended solids—conditions often encountered in rural systems with less advanced primary and secondary treatment (Antonelli et al., 2016).

Commercial products like Terrastat® have been formulated specifically with these advantages in mind, offering PAA concentrations and delivery systems suitable for smaller facilities.

Potential Operational Benefits

For water districts with lower-volume (3,000+/- residents) operations facing increasingly strict effluent requirements and challenges related to aging chlorination equipment, results can be compelling when comparing chlorination to PAA. While each situation is unique, Pilot programs typically reveal significant benefits highlighted by:

Capital Savings: By repurposing existing contact chambers and eliminating dechlorination equipment, one operation found capital costs would be 42% lower than projected costs for new chlorination equipment.

Operational Simplicity: Staff training requirements may potentially decrease

Environmental Compliance: Fecal coliform, E. Coli or Enterococci levels consistently meet permit requirements with greater reliability than older chlorination systems.

Reduced Chemical Handling and Associated Risks: Elimination of gaseous chlorine reduces risks to worker safety, which is of particular importance in facilities with limited staff.

Simplicity: For small systems, the simplicity of PAA is often noted as the biggest advantage. Operators don’t need specialized technical knowledge to maintain effective disinfection.

Sustainability Benefits

The sustainability advantages of PAA disinfection are particularly relevant for rural communities where environmental stewardship often connects directly to local livelihoods:

Reduced Chemical Transportation: PAA’s effectiveness at lower doses means fewer chemical deliveries—particularly valuable for remote locations.

Ecological Safety: McFadden et al. (2014) demonstrated that PAA disinfection poses significantly lower risks to aquatic ecosystems than chlorinated effluent, particularly in sensitive receiving waters like the small streams often downstream of rural facilities.

Energy Efficiency: Compared to UV systems, PAA requires little electrical input for disinfection, reducing both operational costs and carbon footprint.

Climate Resilience: PAA systems maintain efficacy during flow variations caused by increasingly common extreme weather events, providing operational stability during challenging conditions.

Implementation Considerations

For rural facilities considering PAA implementation, several factors deserve attention:

Dosing Systems: Manufacturers like Prominet Pumps, Watson & Marlow, Blue & White or Pyxis Labs now offer simplified dosing systems specifically designed for smaller facilities.

Regulatory Approval: While PAA has gained regulatory acceptance, permit modifications may be required.

Staff Training: Though simpler than chlorination, proper handling procedures for concentrated PAA remain essential.

Key Takeaways

For rural wastewater treatment facilities seeking cost-effective, environmentally sound disinfection solutions, Brainerd Chemical Company offers a comprehensive line of Terrastat® PAA-based products, expert service and reliable delivery that offers compelling advantages.

The operational simplicity, minimal infrastructure requirements, and strong environmental profile make Terrastat® PAA-based products particularly well-suited to the unique challenges of rural water treatment applications.

Focus on Food Safety at CheeseCon 2025

Tulsa, OK April 3rd, 2025 // Specialty chemical manufacturer Brainerd Chemical Company is showcasing its food safety, processing, and facility hygiene products at CheeseCon, April 15-17, 2025, at the Alliant Energy Center, Madison, WI.

Brainerd Chemical Company helps food producers across the country win the battle against pathogenic organisms and deliver goods more safely while improving operational efficiencies. Rely on Brainerd Chemical company to supply an comprehensive array of chemistries including mixed acids, phosphoric acid, sodium hydroxide and sodium hydroxide blends, sulfuric acid, and our Terrastat® line of PAA antimicrobial products.

Want to learn more? Visit https://brainerdchemical.com/safety-food/ and find out how the Brainerd team and our comprehensive product line will help you improve your operational efficiency.

About Brainerd Chemical Company

Brainerd Chemical Company is a leading manufacturer and supplier of innovative food safety chemistries, delivering wide-ranging solutions that optimize operational efficiencies for managing food, water and facilities safe and clean. Brainerd Chemical offers a complete line of EPA and FDA approved products for a variety of industries including food & beverage, meat and poultry processing, agriculture, animal health, industrial water treatment, oil & gas, wastewater treatment and more.

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Brainerd Chemical Showcase at AFPM 2025 

Tulsa, OK March 17, 2025 // Specialty chemical manufacturer Brainerd Chemical Company is showcasing its comprehensive product line at the AFPM International Petrochemical Conference March 23rd through 25th in San Antonio, TX. 

The AFPM International Petrochemical Conference is one of the largest petrochemical events in the world, attracting thousands of participants from companies across the globe. Brainerd Chemical Company welcomes the opportunity to share and hear insights from industry leaders on key political, economic and environmental issues facing the petrochemical industry. 

Brainerd Chemical Company helps the oil and gas industry enhance productivity while safeguarding people, assets, and the environment. We serve the energy industry through a broad offering of solvents, alcohols, glycols, surfactants, silicones, glycol ethers, amines, and other various acids as well as innovative PAA biocides that reduce bacteria, hydrogen sulfide, iron sulfide and other oilfield contaminates without the harmful byproducts and safety risks associated with traditional chemistries.  

Available in 5%, 15% and 22% concentrations, Terrastat® PAA biocides offer high oxidation potential, and can be a faster, more effective biocide. It’s safer and more efficient because it’s ready to use without the need for onsite mixing. And, because PAA complies with many new legal guidelines, Terrastat® biocides help you protect your investment while also protecting the land.  

Whether you’re thinking of switching from traditional biocides like CIO2 or looking for a way to boost the effectiveness across your operations, the Brainerd Chemical team will help you better achieve your goals. We’d be honored to connect and learn about your critical challenges. Join the Brainerd Chemical team March 23rd through 25th at the Grand Hyatt in San Antonio, TX. 

Read to learn more? Visit https://brainerdchemical.com/oil-and-gas and find out how the Brainerd team and our comprehensive product line can help you improve your operational efficiency.  

About Brainerd Chemical Company 

Brainerd Chemical Company – is a leading manufacturer and supplier of innovative solutions for oil and gas producers that optimize operational efficiencies. Brainerd produces a complete line of EPA and FDA approved products for a variety of industries including oil & gas, wastewater treatment, industrial water treatment, meat and poultry processing, food & beverage, agriculture, animal health, mining and more.  

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Do You Know? Hydrogen Peroxide

Hydrogen peroxide is an incredibly versatile chemical used in a variety of applications including:

  • Healthcare:  Hospitals use hydrogen peroxide products to kill pathogens like cryptosporidiosis and norovirus.
  • Aerospace: H2O2 propulsion systems powered thrusters in the Gemini and Apollo spacecraft; today, many small satellites are controlled with H2O2 vapor systems.
  • Energy: Oil & natural gas producers use hydrogen peroxide based PAA biocides because they are effective while reducing environmental risks.
  • Water and sewage treatment: Hydrogen peroxide is a prime ingredient in PAA, an eco-friendly disinfectant revolutionizing the industry with safer, more responsible solutions.

Brainerd Chemical supplies hydrogen peroxide in concentrations ranging from 1-50% in pail, drum, or tote packaging as well as bulk delivery.

About Brainerd Chemical Company

Brainerd Chemical Company is one of the largest independent suppliers of chemicals and related services in the continental United States. They specialize in manufacturing, blending, packaging, and distributing chemical products across a diverse range of industrial sectors.

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Brainerd Chemical Thrives at WEFTEC 2024

Brainerd Chemical shares industry insights at WEFTEC 2024

New Orleans, LA, USA // Oct 12, 2024 — Brainerd Chemical Company is proud to lead the way in water treatment at the WEFTEC 2024 exhibition and conference in New Orleans October 5-9th. David Potter, Water Treatment Specialist, Brainerd Chemical Company commented, “WEFTEC was a huge success. I really enjoyed catching up with industry friends, learning about new trends impacting their business and introducing a new generation our water treatment technologies that are helping them build more sustainable wastewater treatment solutions.”

About WEFTEC 2024

WEFTEC, the Water Environment Federation’s Technical Exhibition and Conference, is the largest annual water quality exhibition in North America. It offers water quality professionals the best water quality education and training available by bringing together voices from diverse cultures, communities, and backgrounds—each with a unique connection to water.


WEFTEC is more than just a conference—it’s an immersive experience that empowers attendees to learn how to positively impact the future of water quality and environmental sustainability by exploring cutting-edge solutions, connecting with sector leaders, and discover new tools to drive sustainable change. With expert insights, unparalleled networking opportunities, and groundbreaking innovations, WEFTEC empowers you to tackle today’s challenges and shape the future of water and the environment.

About Brainerd Chemical Company

Brainerd Chemical Company is one of the largest independent suppliers of chemicals and related services in the continental United States. They specialize in manufacturing, blending, packaging, and distributing chemical products across a diverse range of industrial sectors.

Media Inquiries:

Brainerd Chemical Company:  1+ (918) 622-1214

SOURCE: Brainerd Chemical Company, WEFTEC 2024.

Sustainability: The Evolution of Water Treatment

Water treatment has come a long way from its early days of simple filtration and chlorination. Today, advanced technologies and sustainable chemical solutions are employed to address a wide range of contaminants and ensure water safety. Brainerd Chemical is proud to lead the way in developing biodegradable and non-toxic chemicals and processes to help our customers achieve more responsible water treatment operations.

The Rise of Peracetic Acid

Peracetic acid (PAA) is an organic peroxide with strong oxidizing properties. It is produced by reacting acetic acid with hydrogen peroxide. PAA has gained popularity in water treatment due to its effectiveness, versatility, and environmental benefits.

PAA is a broad-spectrum disinfectant that is highly effective against a wide range of microorganisms, including bacteria, viruses, and fungi. Its strong oxidizing potential allows it to break down cell walls and disrupt cellular functions, leading to rapid disinfection¹.

Unlike chlorine-based disinfectants, PAA does not produce harmful disinfection by-products. This is a significant advantage, as DBPs like trihalomethanes (THMs) and haloacetic acids (HAAs) have been associated with health risks².

PAA decomposes quickly into acetic acid, water, and oxygen, leaving no harmful residues. This makes it an environmentally friendly option for water treatment². And, PAA maintains its efficacy across a wide pH range and is less affected by the presence of organic matter compared to other disinfectants. This makes it suitable for diverse water treatment applications¹.

Applications of Peracetic Acid

Peracetic acid’s versatility makes it a valuable tool increasingly used for water treatment due to its effectiveness and environmental benefits. A wide range of industries use PAA to improve operational efficiency and achieve greater environmentally responsible operations such as:

Municipal Wastewater Treatment

PAA is increasingly used in municipal wastewater treatment plants to disinfect effluent before discharge into water bodies. Its rapid action and minimal environmental impact make it an attractive alternative to chlorine².

Food and Beverage Industry

In the food and beverage industry, PAA is used to sanitize equipment, surfaces, and packaging materials. Its ability to break down into harmless by-products ensures that there is no risk of contamination³.

Oil & Gas

PAA is use as a biocide to control bacteria in water systems, reduce microbial contamination, control hydrogen sulfide levels, reduce iron sulfide emulsions and scale, as well as treat produced and flow-back water allowing for more sustainable operations that are less dependent upon fresh water.

Healthcare

PAA is employed in healthcare settings for sterilizing medical instruments and surfaces. Its broad-spectrum antimicrobial activity and rapid action are crucial for maintaining hygiene and preventing infections³.

Pulp and Paper Industry

PAA is used for bleaching and disinfecting paper products. Its strong oxidizing properties help achieve high levels of whiteness and microbial control⁴.

Cooling Towers

PAA is used in cooling towers to control microbial growth and biofilm formation. Its effectiveness in varying water conditions and rapid decomposition make it a preferred choice for maintaining system efficiency⁴.

Challenges and Future Prospects

Peracetic acid (PAA) is a safe and powerful oxidizing agent offering significant benefits. The Brainerd Chemical team helps our customers expand the use of this eco-friendly solution by overcoming commonly perceived challenges:

Handling and Safety Concerns

   – Challenge: PAA is a potent chemical that requires careful handling to prevent skin burns, respiratory issues, or other safety hazards.

   – Solution: Proper safety protocols, including the use of personal protective equipment (PPE), adequate ventilation, and proper storage practices, are critical. Additionally, training workers on safe handling procedures and emergency response can minimize risks.

Stability and Storage

   – Challenge: PAA can decompose over time, especially when exposed to light or heat, which reduces its effectiveness.

   – Solution: PAA should be stored in cool, dark conditions and used within its shelf life. Manufacturers often provide stabilized formulations of PAA to extend its stability.

Odor and Byproducts

   – Challenge: PAA has a strong vinegar-like odor, which can be unpleasant and may cause discomfort. It can also produce acetic acid and other byproducts that may affect water quality or require further treatment.

   – Solution: Proper dosing and ventilation can minimize odor issues. Additionally, the use of activated carbon or other treatment methods can help remove unwanted byproducts from treated water.

Dosing and Control

   – Challenge: Precise dosing of PAA is essential for effective treatment without overuse, which can lead to excess residuals or unwanted side reactions.

   – Solution: Automated dosing systems with real-time monitoring can ensure accurate application of PAA. These systems can adjust the dosage based on the water’s characteristics, such as organic load or microbial count, to optimize effectiveness.

Regulatory and Environmental Concerns

   – Challenge: There may be regulatory restrictions on the use of PAA, especially regarding discharge limits for byproducts like acetic acid. Environmental impacts need careful consideration.

   – Solution: Compliance with local and federal regulations is crucial. This may involve pre-treatment or post-treatment steps to ensure that discharge levels meet environmental standards. Conducting environmental impact assessments and working closely with regulators can help address these concerns.

Compatibility with Other Treatment Chemicals

   – Challenge: PAA may react with other treatment chemicals, leading to reduced efficacy or the formation of harmful byproducts.

   – Solution: Careful planning and coordination of chemical dosing schedules are required to avoid adverse interactions. Compatibility testing and consultation with chemical suppliers can guide the safe and effective integration of PAA into a water treatment program.

Cost

   – Challenge: PAA can appear to be more expensive than other disinfectants.

   – Solution: Cost concerns dissipate when considering the impact of PAA adoption across the complete water treatment operation including effectiveness, reduced safety issues, and substantially improved environmental outcomes. Additionally, optimizing the dosing and using PAA in conjunction with other treatment methods often reduces overall costs.

Learn How to Integrate PAA Into Your Operations

Organizations can take advantage of the benefits of PAA while minimizing potential downsides. There are a variety of resources available to learn more about implementing peracetic acid solutions for water treatment. The upcoming Association of Water Technologies (AWT) Annual Convention & Exposition in Louisville, KY is an ideal resource. A host of experts will be on hand including water treatment specialists from Brainerd Chemical Company. Attend educational sessions to build the skills that can have an immediate effect on the future direction of your business—and impact your bottom line. And the Exposition Hall offers a glimpse of the latest industry advances and live demonstrations of products and technologies that are changing the field of water treatment.

Looking Forward

The future of water treatment is promising with peracetic acid emerging as an effective and sustainable tool, offering broad-spectrum disinfection and minimal environmental impact. Its versatility makes it suitable for various applications across multiple industries, including municipal wastewater treatment, food and beverage, healthcare, pulp and paper, oil and gas, and cooling towers.

Ongoing research and development efforts are focused on improving its stability, reducing costs, and expanding applications.  to help industries prioritize environmentally responsible operations through sustainable water treatment solutions.

By embracing innovative technologies like peracetic acid, the water treatment industry can continue to evolve and meet the growing demands for safe and clean water through environmentally responsible solutions.

About Brainerd Chemical Company:

Brainerd Chemical Company is one of the largest independent suppliers of chemicals and related services in the continental United States, manufacturing, blending, packaging and distributing chemical products to a wide variety of industrial sectors.

Media Inquiries:

Brainerd Chemical Company:  1+ (918) 622-1214

SOURCE: Brainerd Chemical Company

1 Emerging Trends In Disinfection Peracetic Acid – Water Online. https://www.wateronline.com/doc/emerging-trends-in-disinfection-peracetic-acid-0001.

2 How peracetic acid is changing wastewater treatment. https://cen.acs.org/environment/water/peracetic-acid-changing-wastewater-treatment/98/i15.

3 What You Need To Know About Peracetic Acid (PAA) For Water Treatment …. https://www.blue-white.com/article/what-you-need-to-know-about-peracetic-acid-paa-for-water-treatment/.

4 Formation of Halogenated Byproducts upon Water Treatment with Peracetic …. https://pubs.acs.org/doi/pdf/10.1021/acs.est.1c06118.