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As mentioned earlier the task of cleaning agents is to assist in the removal of soil that is attached to surfaces in the milking installation, but in many cases also to reduce microorganisms to insignificant levels. To perform this there are several demands made upon the cleaning agents. Some of these are to:
- loosen soil that is fastened to surfaces,
- keep the loosened soil in suspension,
- prevent the loosened soil from sticking to other surfaces in the equipment,
- prevent formation of layers of scale and
- kill microorganisms.
At the same time other demands are made upon the cleaning agents like:
- minimum, negative effect on surfaces in the milking plant, such as rubber parts
- be easy and safe to handle,
- not contain any substances that could affect the milk and
- environmentally friendly.
Not all of these demands can always be fulfilled by the cleaning agent. Therefore, it is appropriate to change cleaning agents at certain intervals. Often an alkaline detergent is used for a period, followed by one cleaning with an acid detergent. The cleaning agent is a mixture of different chemicals which perform different tasks. The composition of the cleaning agent could be varied in many different ways. Often water type decides both what cleaning agent to use and the appropriate dosage. In Table 1 you can find more information about some different types of chemicals often used in cleaning agents.
| Categories |
Functions |
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Alkalis
Wetting agents
Water softeners
Disinfectants
Acids |
Breakdown fat molecules and dissolves fat so it can be rinsed away. Decrease the firmness of proteins.
Decrease the contact surface between fat and
milking plant surfaces.
Form soluble complexes with metal ions such as
calcium, magnesium and iron to prevent film
formation on surfaces in the milking plant.
Kill microbes.
Remove lime deposits and other layers of scale
from surfaces. |
Often, the cleaning agent consists of both a detergent and a disinfectant. This type of cleaning agent is less complicated to use and eliminates the risk of mixing chemicals. When changing from an alkaline to an acidic detergent it is essential that all possible residues of the alkaline detergent have been removed completely, before the acid cleaner is applied. Otherwise, its effectiveness could be neutralized and, if using a combined cleaning agent, dangerous chlorine gas may be liberated from the residual disinfectant.
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