Ozone in the Food Processing Industry

Overview
Despite advances in modern medical technology, there has been an increase in human illness linked to bacterial and viral infections. This disturbing trend has prompted an increased focus on the safe use of sanitizers, pesticides, and other chemicals in food processing. In Europe, ozone has been the primary sanitizer for public water systems and has been used in the food industry for decades. Until recently, ozone was not permitted for use in the United States as a disinfectant or sanitizer for use in food processing.

In response to the growing need for a safer, more effective sanitizer, the FDA acknowledged the GRAS (Generally Regarded as Safe) status of ozone in 1997. Ozone became an unrestricted food additive July of 2002. Piper Environmental Group, Inc., Inc.’s food processing applications were reviewed during this process. The recognition of ozone’s safe use in food processing was a logical step; by 1991, the EPA had confirmed ozone as the most effective primary disinfectant available for drinking water. Many municipal and bottled water plants have been injecting ozone based on the EPA’s confirmation. Now, an increasing number of food products are now sanitized with ozone.

Utilizing ozone technology provides many advantages over traditional treatment for food processing. Ozone is a 152% stronger oxidizing agent than chlorine. In addition, ozone kills all known bacteria, viruses, mold, spores, yeast, mildew and fungus faster than hot water or conventional chemicals. Environmentally sound, ozonated cold water replaces traditional hot water and harsh chemical sanitation such as chlorine, chlorine dioxide and quaternary ammonium or peroxide/acetic acid compounds.

Even as awareness of ozone as a viable treatment alternative for food processing grows, very few manufacturers are capable of offering expert sizing assistance, design, engineering, manufacturing of integrated ozone systems and technical support necessary to provide the correct ozone system to fit your needs. Many plant operators have been unable to keep up with the myriad of changes brought about by industry growth.

Piper Environmental Group, Inc., Inc. has utilized ozone for food applications since 1993 and has demonstrated success in providing service and application expertise. As an ozone system integrator, we evaluate your needs to design the proper ozone system for your specific food processing application.

Food processing plants are often limited by the capabilities of "cookie cutter, one size fits all" ozone systems. Let Piper Environmental Group, Inc., Inc. design the correct ozone system to meet your needs.

Where Ozone Has Been Utilized

• Aquaculture
• Bottled Water
• Cold storage rooms
• Dump and transfer tanks
• Flumes
• Hydrocoolers
• Hydrostatic cookers
• Process cooling towers and chillers
• Sprayers, belts and pinch rollers
• Water Recycling

Application Advantages

• Conserve water by shortening cycle
• Save power and equipment by reducing hot water consumption
• Reduce or eliminate chemical treatment and storage
• Reduce maintenance
• Eliminate taste carry over
• Eliminate scale and bio-film

How We Can Help You
Piper Environmental Group, Inc., Inc.'s primary business focus is ozone technology and the food processing industry is a market focus.

Our objective is to supply the best ozonation system for each application at the most economical cost to our customers.

With this in mind, we can provide a variety of services, including these core services:

• Consult on new applications
• Conduct ozone demand or pilot studies
• Assist with design
• Sell or lease equipment
• Rent seasonal or emergency equipment
• Assist with installation
• Start-up
• Train personnel
• Monitor site remotely
• Provide contract or emergency service

As system integrators, we have a full range of manufacturers' equipment available to us, so we can choose the right equipment for your specific installation or manufacture exactly what you need.