The Benefits of UV Disinfection in the Meat Processing Industry
17 October 2007 16:31
UV disinfection systems from Hanovia can now be successfully incorporated into a number of meat processing applications including brine chillers, meat marinade and pickle injectors, air handling systems for meat packing plants, and the treatment of plant wastewater for reuse or safe discharge.
Compact UV systems can be installed on recirculating brine chillers and meat pickle and marinade injectors to destroy pathogenic microorganisms like Listeria and E. coli. Depending on the model, some UV systems can operate very effectively through a wide range of temperatures and applications – from super-cooled brines to very hot sanitation cycles. Multi-lamp, medium pressure UV systems in particular ensure thorough disinfection of viscous, low-transmission fluids.
Designed to meet the stringent sanitary requirements of the food industry, the microprocessor controlled UV units can be easily integrated into plant control systems. Maintenance requirements are minimal – typically the UV lamps only need replacing once a year, an easy operation which can be carried out by on-site personnel. Automatic internal wipers keep the UV lamps clean, ensuring optimum UV output at all times – especially important in solutions with a high concentration of suspended solids.
The benefits of UV technology in brine chiller and pickle or marinade processes are remarkable. Risk of contamination are greatly reduced while shelf life is increased. Additionally, in marinade applications, operating costs are reduced through less frequent fluid change-over.
In ready-to-eat packaging areas, Hanovia's UV air treatment systems can be used to disinfect incoming air. Installed within existing ductwork, a single high-powered lamp can disinfect up to 140m³/minute of air. By destroying harmful microorganisms in the heating, ventilation and air conditioning systems, the risk of spoilage and contamination from airborne pathogens is minimised.
The final application of UV in meat processing operations is as a non-chemical treatment for plant wastewater. Increasingly, meat processors are caught between conflicting sets of regulations – while food hygiene regulations in many countries require increased use of water to rinse carcasses, environmental regulations are limiting the amount of fresh water that a plant can consume. With only so much fresh water coming in, plants are forced to reduce capacity in order to meet these conflicting requirements.
By reusing disinfected wastewater in non-contact applications like chillers and cooling towers, more fresh water can be devoted to processing. Hanovia's UV systems can be used in conjunction with other waste treatment processes to disinfect wastewater without chemicals, making it fit to use again. By using this low-maintenance technology, plant production capacity can be increased and hazardous chemicals are eliminated.
Based in the United Kingdom, Hanovia is a world leader in UV disinfection technology for processing applications. The company has over 80 years' experience in the design, development, manufacture and distribution of UV systems worldwide.
For more information on this company:
Hanovia - UV Water Treatment Systems
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