A device generating low-frequency and low-intensity ultrasound waves was used for mitigating biofilm accumulation and scaling. Two systems were tested: a lab-scale plate heat exchanger operated with continuously recycled water and a continually fed flow-through drinking water pilot used for mimicking water circulation in pipes. Initial deposition of bacterial cells was not prevented by ultrasound wave treatment. However, whatever the tested system, both further calcium carbonate deposition and biofilm growth were markedly inhibited. Biofilms formed in reactors subjected to low-frequency and low-intensity ultrasound waves were weakly attached to the material. Even though the activity of bacteria was affected as shown by their lower cultivability, membrane permeability did not appear compromised. Ultrasound technology sounds very promising in both the mitigation of drinking water biofilm and carbonate accumulations.

使用产生低频和低强度超声波的设备来减轻生物膜的积聚和结垢。测试了两个系统：一个实验室规模的板式换热器，该换热器使用不断循环的水运行，以及一个用于模拟管道中水循环的连续进水直通饮用水中试装置。超声波处理不能阻止细菌细胞的最初沉积。但是，无论采用哪种测试系统，都进一步抑制了碳酸钙的进一步沉积和生物膜的生长。在经受低频和低强度超声波的反应器中形成的生物膜被弱地附着到该材料上。即使细菌的可培养性较低，也影响了细菌的活性，但膜的通透性似乎并未受到损害。