| Scenario | Volume (m³) | Dose (ppm) | Strength (%) | Price/L | Apps/Year | Annual Total* |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Small tank routine dosing | 10 | 100 | 10 | 7.00 | 12 | ~ 1,150 |
| Medium system monthly program | 25 | 150 | 12.5 | 8.50 | 12 | ~ 2,950 |
| Large loop with higher dose | 60 | 250 | 15 | 9.25 | 24 | ~ 10,900 |
Product_L = Product_kg ÷ Density_kg/L
Labor_cost = Labor_hours × Labor_rate
Direct_cost = Chemical_cost + Labor_cost + Equipment + Disposal + Overhead
Annual_total = Annual_direct × (1 + Contingency_% ÷ 100)
- Measure treated volume in cubic meters for your system.
- Confirm the target active dose from your procedure or plan.
- Enter product strength and density from the datasheet.
- Add unit price and annual application frequency.
- Include labor and per-application costs for realism.
- Select a contingency percentage suited to site risk.
- Press Calculate, then export PDF or CSV for documentation.
Scope of Biocide Budgeting
Biocide programs are used to control microbial growth in water systems, storage tanks, cooling loops, and temporary construction services. Cost planning should start with a defined treated volume, the target active dose, and the application frequency required by the project method statement or maintenance plan.
Interpreting Dose and Strength
This calculator treats ppm as milligrams of active ingredient per liter of treated water. After converting volume to liters, active mass is calculated and then divided by product strength to estimate purchased product mass. Density converts mass to liters, aligning quantities with common procurement units such as jerry cans and drums. If the procedure specifies percent solution or mL per cubic meter, convert to an equivalent active ppm using the product datasheet.
Operational Cost Drivers
Chemical price is only one component of total cost. Labor time can rise when access is restricted, dosing points are distant, isolation and flushing are required, or sampling must be documented. Equipment costs cover metering pumps, sprayers, calibration, water testing strips, and PPE consumption. Disposal and overhead capture neutralization, bunding, waste transport, supervision, travel, permits, and record keeping that supports site audits.
Quality Control and Compliance Notes
Effective treatment requires correct mixing, adequate contact time, and compatibility with system materials and downstream processes. Always follow label directions, local environmental rules, and site safety controls for handling and spill response. Use conservative contingency when temperatures, organic load, high turbidity, or intermittent operation increase uncertainty and the likelihood of repeat dosing. Track batch numbers and keep safety data sheets available for inspection.
Using Outputs for Planning
Results provide product required per application, direct cost per application, and annual totals with contingency. Compare alternative products by adjusting strength, density, unit price, and labor assumptions, then export CSV or PDF for approvals and audit trails. For tender pricing, validate inputs with supplier quotations and site logistics, and update frequency as commissioning stages change. A short review after the first application helps align estimates with actual consumption.
1) What does ppm mean in this calculator?
ppm is treated as mg of active ingredient per liter of water. The calculator converts volume to liters, calculates active mass, then scales by product strength and density to estimate purchased product volume.
2) How do I use a product dosed in mL per m³?
Convert to active ppm using the datasheet. As a shortcut, mg/L equals g/m³. Compute grams of active per cubic meter, then divide by 1,000 to get mg/L, and enter that as ppm.
3) Why include product density?
Suppliers often price liquid biocides per liter, while dosing calculations start with mass of active. Density links mass and volume so the purchased quantity matches your container and pricing unit.
4) What costs should be placed in overhead?
Overhead can include supervision, travel time, access permits, documentation, and coordination with other trades. Keep overhead separate from labor hours if you want a clearer comparison between products.
5) How should contingency be selected?
Use higher contingency when access is difficult, conditions vary, or re-dosing is likely. For stable, repeatable treatments, a modest contingency may be sufficient once actual consumption data is available.
6) Can I use the exports for reporting?
Yes. Run the calculation, then download CSV for spreadsheets or PDF for site records. Keep copies with the method statement, safety documents, and any sampling results to support audits.