Introduction

The ever-increasing demands towards better hygiene for the entire food industry and the implementation of HACCP, have resulted in changes regarding cleaning methods and used materials. Of course, this will also result in higher demands as to cleaning the used process and conveyor belts and their chemical resistance.

In close co-operation with the main suppliers of equipment and cleaning materials and specialised cleaning companies, Ammeraal Beltech is constantly updating the cleaning instructions for process and conveyor belts.

Furthermore we advise to follow the recommendations of the conveyor manufacturer and the supplier of the used cleaning agents.

General cleaning procedure

1. Wipe-off large and loose particles

2. Pre-cleaning with water (20 Bar, 50° C.)

3. Clean with alkaline agent: cold, ± 15 min.

4. Wash-off with water (20 Bar, 50° C.)

5. Disinfect with a quaternary ammonium agent (quat): cold, at least 10 min.

6. Wash-off with water (20 Bar, 50° C.)

Note: we advise to clean with 20 Bar and not with higher pressure to avoid anaerobe contamination.

If lime deposition takes place, an acid cleaning is advised 1 to 4 times a month.

If the use of chlorine is approved, cleaning with an alkaline cleaning and disinfection agent is advised, in this case, depending on the degree of contamination, the final disinfection step can be skipped.

Important

· Never use an acid cleaning agent in combination with a chlorine-containing agent, because dangerous chlorine gasses can develop.

· Chlorine can affect process equipment such as stainless steel and rubber parts.

· Acid agents can affect aluminium and galvanised parts

· Temperatures above 50° C. must be avoided to prevent proteins sticking to the surface. Fats can be removed at lower temperatures, if proper cleaning agents are used.

Advised cleaning agents

· Alkaline cleaning agents:

Zineb F2; Topax 19

· Acid cleaning agents:

Lasuren VF10s; Topax 56

· Alkaline cleaning and disinfecting agents:

RD Plus VF5g; Topax 66

· Disinfecting agents (quat):

Quat VT8p; Tresolin ST

Manufactures

Above mentioned cleaning agents are supplied by:

Diversy-Lever

Henkel-Ecolab

Similar agents in foam or gel from different suppliers can also be used.

Recommendations

· Never exceed the concentration, temperature and dwell time indicated in the cleaning agents directions for use.

· Wash-off thoroughly to prevent agent residuals affecting the conveyor.

· Keep sufficient distance between high-pressure nozzle and belt surface.

· Fully closed belt sides like AMSEAL^®

- prevent bacterial growth in the

fabric

- increase the lifetime of the belt

· Releasing the belt tension allows better cleaning and drying of the bottom. So contamination from filthy water under the belt is less likely and the belt will not stick to the slider bed.

· To avoid bacterial resistance against the used quat, a regular disinfection with another disinfection agent (like a chlorine containing disinfectant or a different quat) is advised.

· Cleaning with only a lye solution will cause inorganic salts to precipitate due to the lack of complex formers and is therefore not advised.

Note: mentioned cleaning agents are selected and tested together with the suppliers and are suitable for Ammeraal Beltech food process and conveyor belting. Acid cleaning agents will attack Ropanyl belting if used more than 5 times a month.