Microbiological Limits for Compressed Air Testing

Good Morning,

Are there specific microbial limits for compressed air testing? 

Thanks,

Jessica

That will depend Jessica, what are you using it for? And is it compressed ambient air, or something else?

Good Morning,

 

Are there specific microbial limits for compressed air testing? 

 

Thanks,

 

Jessica

Hi Jessica,

If you are using a sterile filter at POA,  the output should be virtually free of viable bacteria as measured by the ISO Air Quality Standard.

Thanks.

The air is used for removing flour and debris from food contact and non-food contact surfaces, compressor is equipped with a filter, and the air is ambient.

Hi Jessica,

Maybe have a look at the 2 threads below and the various distributed attachments / Excel Sheet in Post 8 of 1st thread -

http://www.ifsqn.com...ood-equipement/

http://www.ifsqn.com...air-filtration/

The BCAS document may be the nearest attempt at a HACCP-based attempt to propose limits but it rather evades the issue for micro. Also see the comments by Laura of Trace Analytics in Post 7 of first thread.

A specific numerical answer to yr OP afaik does not exist for food plants although some typical settle plate counts for certain industries, eg dairy, have been published and are mentioned within Excel sheet above. A few SQF auditor-acceptable settle plate count numbers are also mentioned in the thread posts.

For RTE foods SQF Guidance tends to recommend the filter I mentioned in Post 3 (ca.0.01 micron) although other references may consider this overkill for some situations.

Dear Charles,

Satisfied Totally :biggrin:

Kushal