Fact Sheet
Spectrus* OX1201
Liquid Bromine Microbiological Control Agent Precursor
• Economical source of bromine
• Easy to feed liquid
Description and Use
Spectrus* OX1201 is a safe, easy to use source of
bromine, used for microbiological control in open
evaporative and once through cooling systems. The
bromine present in this product is in the form of an
inactive bromide anion, Br-. It has to be oxidised
hypobromous acid, HOBr, in order to be biocidal.
This is achieved by activating the bromide with
chlorine or sodium hypochlorite solution.
Hypobromous acid is effective for controlling
microbial populations in cooling water, particularly
in waters contaminated with ammonia.
Control of microbial populations in cooling systems
is essential in order to prevent biofouling. Biofouling
in heat exchangers and cooling tower fill reduces
heat transfer efficiency leading to higher energy
costs. Biofouling can also damage equipment
through microbiologically influenced corrosion (MIC)
and force unscheduled shutdowns, or extended
turnarounds, resulting in lost production.
Biofouling in cooling system can provide an ideal
environment for proliferation of Legionella bacteria,
the cause of Legionnaires disease. Halogens have
been recommended by various agencies as an
integral part of Legionella Risk Reduction
programmes. Activated Spectrus OX1201 provides
a significant halogen residual that can be measured
with a standard free or total halogen test. However,
chemical treatment alone will not be effective in
reducing health hazards associated with Legionella
bacteria. System design, location, maintenance
practices and awareness of personnel are essential
elements of a successful risk reduction programme.
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All rights reserved.
*Trademark of General Electric Company; may be registered in one or more countries.
Typical Applications
Activated Spectrus OX1201 may be used on a
continuous or intermittent basis, and may be used
in a programme which includes non-oxidising
biocides.
The active in Spectrus OX1201 is EPA registered for
use as a disinfectant, fungicide and/or slimicide for
commercial and industrial recirculating cooling
water systems and industrial once through cooling
water systems. It also controls bacterial, fungal and
algal slimes in air washers and, food and beverage
and industrial process pasteurisers, and influent
water systems.
Treatment and Feeding Requirements
Proper treatment levels of Spectrus OX1201 depend
on many factors, such as system cleanliness,
microbial species, nutrient concentration,
temperature, and conditions particular to a given
installation. The product should be used in
accordance with control procedures that GE Water
& Process Technologies establishes for a specific
application.
Spectrus OX1201 must be fed in conjunction with,
and intimately mixed with, chlorinated water or
sodium hypochlorite solution. The mixing must take
place before the components enter the cooling
water. The mixing is normally achieved by passing
the two components through an in line mixer.
By changing the ratio of chlorine gas or sodium
hypochlorite to Spectrus OX1201 in the mixture, the
composition of the mixture fed to the system, with
respect to mole ratio of HOCl to HOBr, can be
adjusted in order to achieve the most cost effective
ratio to control microbial populations.
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E-PFcSpectrusOX1201_EN.doc Nov-05
Feed is controlled by a simple and accurate free or
total halogen test, or on line free or total halogen
analyser.
Equipment recommendations are available upon
request.

General Properties
Physical properties of Spectrus OX1201 are shown
on the Safety Data Sheet, a copy of which is
available upon request.

Packaging Information
Spectrus OX1201 is a liquid, available in a variety of
containers and delivery methods. Contact your GE
representative for details.

Storage
Store Spectrus OX1201 at moderate temperatures
and protect from freezing. If frozen, thaw
completely and mix thoroughly prior to use

Safety Precautions
A Safety Data Sheet containing detailed information
about this product is available upon request.

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