Critical Cleaning - Alconox, Inc.: Remove Biofilm on SS

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Tuesday, April 28, 2009

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Remove Biofilm on SS

Question:
How do I remove biofilm on stainless steel?

Answer:
Alconox's recommendation to remove biofilm on stainless steel is to use a two step process entailing an alkaline cleaner, Solujet, followed by an acidic cleaner, Citrajet. In our experience we get the best results when the first step of 3% Solujet (alkaline cleaner) at 75 deg C for 30 minutes followed by a cursory rinse. Then the second step of 3% Citrajet (acidic cleaner) at 75 deg C for 30 minutes followed by a thorough rinse. Both Solujet and Citrajet are low foaming cleaners.

Additionally, we recommend the intermittent use of Tergazyme, an enzyme cleaner, as a maintenance procedure that will completely remove all dead cells and traces of polysaccharide biofilm. This is beneficial because it in turn slows down the formation of biofilm and allows the regular cleaning cycle (Solujet - Citrajet) to clean effectively for more cycles. It is important to note that Tergazyme is a powder that you typically mix 1% in cool to warm water (35 deg C would be fine, do not exceed 50 deg C - to ensure integrity and activity of the enzyme). Tergazyme is a high foaming cleaner and would not be suitable for a spray-in-air clean-in-place system. You can pump and gently agitate Tergazyme solutions; however you cannot employ high agitation at an air/solution interface without getting excessive foam.

For product technical bulletins and MSDS, visit Alconox.com for easy download.

(Remove Biofilm on SS)