Which chemicals are better to use for different types of contamination?

26 december 2024

The correct choice of cleaning chemicals is the key not only to impeccable cleanliness, but also to the durability of the equipment. Different industries, from food to pharmaceutical, have to deal with different types of contamination: from fats and proteins to complex mineral deposits and microbiological contaminants.

Mistakes in the selection of cleaning products can lead to surface damage, reduced work efficiency, or even health risks. That is why it is important to take into account the specifics of contamination, material properties and equipment features, such as foam washing systems, which are actively used for professional cleaning and disinfection. In this article, we will tell you which products are best suited for different types of contamination, and how to make the cleaning process as efficient and safe as possible.

Types of pollution

For effective cleaning and disinfection, it is important to understand the nature of contamination. This allows you not only to choose the right chemical, but also to shorten the cleaning time, extend the service life of the equipment and improve hygiene standards. Let’s analyze the main types of pollution:

Organic pollution

These pollutants are formed from organic residues, which are often found in the food industry and processing plants.

01 Examples Fats, proteins, carbohydrates, oils, leftovers.

02 Features They harden at high temperatures, forming a dense layer that is difficult to remove without the use of alkaline agents.

03 Risk If cleaned untimely, they become a breeding ground for bacteria and mold.

Mineral pollution

They occur as a result of the interaction of water with surfaces, especially in conditions of high temperature or water hardness.

01 Examples Calcareous deposits, scale, calcium and magnesium salts.

02 Features They have a solid structure that is difficult to remove by conventional means.

03 Risk They gradually accumulate, impairing the operation of equipment and increasing energy consumption.

Microbiological contamination

These are invisible pollutants caused by microorganisms that pose a serious threat to health.

01 Examples Bacteria (for example, Salmonella, E. coli), fungi, mold, viruses.

02 Features They require not only cleaning, but also mandatory disinfection to prevent spread.

03 Risk Poor disinfection can cause infections or product damage.

Industrial pollution

Complex pollutants that are typical for industrial enterprises and technical processes.

01 Examples Engine oil, leftover lubricants, graphite, paint coatings.

02 Features They often have a stable chemical structure and require the use of specialized detergents.

03 Risk Improper cleaning can damage the equipment or disrupt the production process.

Overview of cleaning chemicals

For each type of contamination, it is necessary to choose chemicals that maximize cleaning efficiency and minimize the risk of surface damage. Let’s consider the main types of funds and their application.

Alkaline products for removing fats and organic pollutants

Alkaline products are widely used to control organic pollutants such as fats, proteins and carbohydrates. Detergents have a high pH level, which makes them ideal for removing organic substances.

Why are they used?

The alkali effectively breaks down fats and protein compounds, turning them into easily washable substances. Such products destroy the lipid structures of fats, and also help to remove the remnants of carbohydrates and starch.

Where are they used?

Cleaning of equipment in the food industry, such as meat processing plants, dairy plants, and kitchen surfaces.

Removing grease deposits from cookers, deep fryers, and industrial floors.

Acidic agents for combating mineral deposits

Acidic products, on the contrary, are used to combat mineral contamination. They contain active acids such as phosphoric or citric, which dissolve limescale, scale, and hardness salts.

Why are they used?

The acid reacts chemically with mineral deposits (scale, salts), dissolving them and facilitating flushing. These tools prevent the accumulation of deposits that can impair the operation of the equipment and reduce its energy efficiency.

Where are they used?

Cleaning of boilers, heat exchangers, pipelines, tanks where lime scale or hardness salts accumulate. The food industry, where it is important to keep equipment clean with frequent contact with water.

Disinfectants for microbiological contamination

Disinfectants are designed to eliminate microbiological contaminants, including bacteria, fungi, and viruses. Their action is based on the destruction of the cell membranes of microorganisms, which prevents their further reproduction. Such products are indispensable in the food industry for the sanitary treatment of equipment, as well as in medical institutions and pharmaceutical production. Modern disinfectants often have a prolonged effect, keeping surfaces clean and hygienic for a long time.

Universal tools

Universal detergents are a balanced product suitable for solving a wide range of tasks. They are easy to use and economical, as one product can be applied to different surfaces. However, universal formulations are usually less effective for persistent or specific contaminants and may require additional use of specialized products. Their main purpose is to regularly clean and maintain cleanliness in enterprises where there are no complex contaminants. Each type of chemical has its own advantages and applications. Taking into account the characteristics of dirt and surface properties allows you to choose the optimal tool, ensuring both perfect cleanliness and protection of equipment from damage.

How do I choose a tool for a specific task?

The choice of a chemical cleaning agent depends on several key factors: the type of contamination, the material of the surface to be treated, the characteristics of the equipment used, and environmental safety requirements. Let’s look at these aspects in more detail.

The first step is to take into account the type of pollution. Organic pollutants, such as fats or proteins, require the use of alkaline agents, since their high pH activity makes it possible to effectively destroy lipid and protein structures. For mineral contaminants such as scale or lime deposits, acidic formulations that dissolve solid deposits are more effective. If it is a question of microbiological contamination, for example, bacteria or mold, disinfectants with antimicrobial action are necessary. Some situations require a comprehensive approach, especially if mixed contaminants are present on the surface.

When choosing a product, it is important to consider the surface material:

Metals: for steel or aluminum, avoid highly acidic compounds that can damage the material.

Plastic and glass: it is better to use neutral or mildly alkaline products that are safe for these surfaces.

Ceramics: most chemical formulations are suitable, but those that do not leave streaks are preferred.

Compatibility with foam washing equipment is also of great importance. Foam systems require the use of special formulations with good foaming properties and capable of evenly coating the surface. These funds should:

It is easy to wash off with water, leaving no residue on the equipment.
Be safe for gaskets, hoses, and other system components to avoid breakage or blockage.

In addition to efficiency, it is worth considering the effect of the chemical on the environment. Modern formulations are increasingly being developed taking into account environmental standards. When choosing a remedy, it is important to pay attention to:

Its biodegradability and absence of toxic components.
The possibility of safe use near food or water.

As a result, the right choice of cleaning agent is determined by the balance between efficiency, safety for equipment and personnel, and compliance with environmental requirements. Consultation with the manufacturer or supplier of chemicals will help you choose the optimal product for each specific task.

Common mistakes when choosing and using chemicals

Wrong choice of product for the type of contamination

One of the most common mistakes is to use an unsuitable chemical for a particular type of contamination. For example, an attempt to remove fats by acidic means will not only fail, but will also complicate further cleaning. Similarly, the use of alkaline formulations to remove scale or mineral deposits will be ineffective.

Ignoring the surface material

Some formulations may be aggressive to certain materials. Acidic agents, for example, can damage aluminum, and alkaline solutions sometimes destroy paintwork or plastic. Failure to check the compatibility of the product with the surface material can lead to permanent damage to equipment or work surfaces.

Neglect of concentration and exposure time

Another common mistake is the use of overly concentrated solutions or, conversely, insufficient dilution. Excessively concentrated product can damage equipment or surfaces, and a weak solution will be ineffective. Incorrect exposure time also reduces the result: too short a time will not allow the product to cope with contamination, and too long can cause corrosion or worsen the condition of the material.

Incompatibility of the product with foam washing equipment

Some products are not suitable for use in foam generators or foam washing systems, as they do not foam well or clog the equipment. This leads to the need for frequent maintenance or repairs, and reduces cleaning performance.

Failure to comply with security measures

Handling chemicals requires strict compliance with safety regulations. The lack of personal protective equipment such as gloves, goggles, or masks can lead to burns, skin irritation, or damage to the respiratory tract. It is also important to ensure proper storage of funds, avoiding their getting on food products or into water supply systems.

Improper disposal of leftovers

Some chemicals require special disposal conditions. The discharge of aggressive compounds into the sewer system without prior neutralization can harm the environment and damage sewage treatment plants. Ignoring environmental standards often leads to fines and problems with regulatory authorities.

How to avoid mistakes?

To prevent such situations, it is important to strictly follow the recommendations of chemical manufacturers, take into account the specifics of contamination and materials, and regularly train staff in the rules of working with detergents. A careful approach to the selection and use of funds guarantees effective

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The OdysseySystems company provides a full range of services in matters of cleanliness in food enterprises: from application processing to facility commissioning and personnel training. Our specialists will install the system in any region of the Russian Federation.

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The OdysseySystems company provides a full range of services in matters of cleanliness in food enterprises: from application processing to facility commissioning and personnel training. Our specialists will install the system in any region of the Russian Federation.

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