Technology to be verified within TESTNET project:

 - Water disinfection by oxidation process in food industry

 Water reuse in industry in general can result in environmental and economical benefits due to water savings and energy savings. For the food industry in particular the microbiological quality and stability of the water is of great concern. This concern may lead to initial hesitation to water reuse projects. Many companies are uncertain about the effectivity and possible undesired side-effects of commercial available desinfection technologies. Many times suppliers have to proof their innovative technologies on site in pilots that cost time and money. Both parties could take advantage of a recognized verification system.

The case will include testing of one of the procedures  for the development of a verification system for disinfection technologies used in the food industry to ensure good microbiological quality of reused water.

Suppliers of the following techniques might be involved in this project:
1. addition of chlorine dioxide;
2. anodic oxidation;
3. elektrodiafragmalysis;
4. UV-technology;
5. ozonisation.

 1 Chlorine dioxide is a gas dissolved in water. It is formed – in situ i.e. in the treated water stream – by the reaction of sodiumchlorite and hydrochloric acid. Both chemicals are added to the water separately in the right amounts. Suppliers deliver systems that consist of containers with the two chemical and dosing/mixing devices.

2 With anodic oxidation oxidizing and disinfecting compounds are formed in situ by means of electrolysis. During the electrolytic process oxidizing compound are formed at the anode. These compounds could be chlorine, hypochlorite, hydroxyl radicals, oxygen radical and so on.

3 Electrodiafragmalysis is a form of anodic oxidation. In this case the anode and cathode are separated by a diafragma. The production of disinfecting compounds is not performed directly in the water but off line with the help of a solution of sodiumchloride.

4 By using UV-technology the water is treated with UV-light. The UV-light is destructive for the DNA-structure of most bacteria. The bacteria are inactivated as they are not able to multiply any more.

5 Ozonisation. Ozon is a very powerful oxidizing and disinfecting chemical that can be produced in very small amount on site out of oxygen or air. There a new and patented series of ozone generators using high technology switch-mode electronics to create high voltage on dielectric ceramics