Improved microbiological control using halogen donors in a pasteurizer.

Larson, D.S., Johnston, W., Coats, G.S. and Lettofsky, A.H.

Abstract
The problems caused by microbiological contamination of tunnel pasteurizers, including the accumulation of slime deposits which can reduce efficiency by clogging spray nozzles, etc., as well as hygiene problems in other areas caused by microorganisms originating from this source, are discussed together with the conventional methods for controlling the contamination. A case study is presented in which a chlorine gas based system for disinfecting a brewery's pasteurizers and their ancillary equipment was replaced by a system using a solid halogen donor, 1-bromo-3-chloro-5,5-dimethylhydantoin (BCDMH), dissolved into the pasteurizing water by an electronically controlled central feed system. This not only brought about a substantial reduction in contamination levels, but also reduced corrosion through better pH control, greatly reduced the weekly maintenance workload (since the manual removal of microbiological slime from the equipment was no longer necessary), increased the efficiency of the pasteurizer sprays so that energy could be saved by lowering the water temperature, and eliminated safety problems arising from the use of chlorine gas.
Keywords : contamination disinfectant disinfection efficiency pasteuriser water