Hi,
We have started a project on returnable packaging washing with a start up company who hopes to design a washing machine for us.
I am struggling to get my head around R&D washing protocol they proposed and any help would be appreciated.
During their R&D process they will carry out trials using laboratory glass washer. After the initial pre-wash the cleaning cycle proposed would include: alkaline wash with potassium hydroxide at 60deg C. for 15 minutes, followed by neutralising agent - citric acid at 60deg C. for 5 minutes and water rinse.
They consider disinfection to be achieved via combination of the thermal - 15 minutes at 60 deg C and chemical - acid rinse. The time/temperature ratio alone would be insufficient, so it leaves the disinfection process dependant on the chemical disinfection. Am I right to question the efficacy of the citric acid with the potassium hydroxide ions present in the solution and is there a ratio between the 2 chemicals which would make it work?
Secondly, the cleaning method that skips water rinse between the 2 chemical solutions is not what I am familiar with in my experience in food industry hygiene but there are limits to my knowledge. Is anyone familiar with that?