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What is Peracetic Acid? Where and How is it Used?

What is peracetic acid, what are its uses, what are its advantages and disadvantages compared to other disinfectants? A comprehensive guide to peracetic acid test kits with detailed information on the chemical structure and stabilization of peracetic acid.

Son Güncelleme: 9 Ekim 2024 , Çarşamba

What is Peracetic Acid?

Peracetic acid (PAA) is a strong oxidizing agent that is generally classified as an organic peroxide. This compound, with the chemical formula C₂H₄O₃, is considered a peroxide derivative of water and acetic acid (CH₃COOH). Peracetic acid, which does not occur naturally in nature, is commercially produced by the reaction of acetic acid and hydrogen peroxide. As a result of this reaction, peracetic acid and water are formed as byproducts.

Peracetic acid is similar in chemical structure to hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂). However, due to the acetic acid radical it contains, it has a stronger oxidation ability than hydrogen peroxide. This feature makes PAA very effective in processes such as elimination of biological contamination, sterilization and disinfection. In addition, its effectiveness in a wide pH range (pH 1-8) makes this chemical a preferred disinfectant in many different sectors.

General Properties of Peracetic Acid

  • Molecular Formula: C₂H₄O₃
  • Molecular Weight: 76.05 g/mol
  • Melting Point: -60°C
  • Boiling Point: 105°C (Pure form)
  • Density: Approximately 1.1 g/cm³ (40% solution at 25°C)
  • Color and Odor: It is a clear liquid with a sharp, vinegar-like odor.

Areas of Use of Peracetic Acid

Peracetic acid has a wide range of uses due to its strong oxidation ability and environmentally friendly structure. Its effectiveness, the fact that it does not leave any residue and that it has a wide spectrum of effects against various pathogens make it a preferred chemical in different sectors. Here are the main areas of use of peracetic acid:

1. Food and Beverage Industry

Peracetic acid is widely used in the food and beverage industry to meet food safety and hygiene standards. Areas of use in this sector are as follows:

  • Surface Disinfection: It is used in the disinfection of surfaces such as food processing and packaging machines, counters and cabinets.
  • Fruit and Vegetable Washing: It can be safely applied to reduce surface contamination of fresh fruits and vegetables.
  • Bottle and Container Sterilization: It is used in the sterilization of containers such as bottles and cans in which beverages are packaged.
  • Meat and Dairy Processing Facilities: To prevent microbial contamination in the processing processes of meat and dairy products provides equipment disinfection for.

2. Health and Medical Sector

Peracetic acid is very effective in infection control and sterilization processes in the health sector. Areas of use in this area are as follows:

  • Surgical Instrument and Device Sterilization: It is used for high-level sterilization of surgical instruments and medical devices.
  • Hospital and Clinic Surfaces: It provides surface sterilization in sensitive areas such as patient rooms, operating rooms and intensive care units.
  • Medical Waste Disinfection: It is used to neutralize microorganisms during the processing of biological and medical waste.

3. Water Treatment and Disinfection

Peracetic acid is an effective disinfectant in the treatment of drinking water and industrial wastewater. Areas of use are:

  • Drinking Water Disinfection: Peracetic acid is used as an alternative to chlorine in the disinfection of water and does not form harmful by-products.
  • Cooling Water Systems: It is used in cooling water towers to purify water from biological contaminants.
  • Wastewater Treatment: It is preferred in wastewater facilities to eliminate pathogens and harmful microorganisms.

4. Agriculture and Livestock

Disinfectants used in agriculture and livestock are important to protect the health of farm animals and prevent the spread of diseases. Peracetic acid is used in this area as follows:

  • Disinfection of Animal Shelters: It is used in the disinfection of barns, coops and other animal shelters.
  • Cleaning of Feed and Water Lines: It is used for the disinfection of lines containing water and feed consumed by animals.
  • Equipment and VehiclesDisinfection: It is used to disinfect equipment and transport vehicles used in animal shelters.

5. Textile and Paper Industry

Peracetic acid is used for bleaching and microorganism control, especially in textile finishing processes and paper production processes. Areas of use in this area are as follows:

  • Textile Finishing Processes: It is used as a whitening agent in textile finishing processes and ensures the elimination of microorganisms on the fabric.
  • Paper Production: It is used to whiten paper pulp and prevent contamination in paper production processes.

6. Medical and Pharmaceutical Production Facilities

There are high levels of cleaning and sterilization requirements in facilities where medical devices and pharmaceutical products are produced. Peracetic acid is used in this area:

  • Disinfection of Production Equipment: It is used for disinfection of production equipment and work areas.
  • Sterilization of Product Containers and Packaging Materials: It is used as a safe disinfectant for sterilization of product containers and packaging materials.

7. Processing of Agricultural Products

It is used to reduce microbial load during processing of fruits, vegetables and agricultural products. It both extends the shelf life of products and increases food safety by preventing microbial contamination.

8. Other Industrial Applications

Peracetic acid has a wide range of uses in other industrial applications:

  • Paint and Coating Industry: It is used to control microorganisms and clean surfaces in the paint and coating industry.
  • Pulp and Paper Production: It is preferred for whitening paper pulp and eliminating contamination in production processes.
  • Pharmaceutical and Chemical Industry: It is used for cleaning reaction environments, sterilizing devices and producing intermediates.

It is necessary to test residues after use

 

Peracetic acid is an effective disinfectant against microorganisms, and when it breaks down, it produces by-products that are not harmful to the environment. As a result of the breakdown of peracetic acid, harmless compounds such as acetic acid, water and oxygen are formed. However, although it is considered safe, it is important to test for residue after use. This is especially necessary in sensitive sectors such as food processing, beverage manufacturing and medical sterilization.

Residue testing after peracetic acid use is necessary for the following reasons:

  • Food and Beverage Safety: Residues of disinfectants used in food processing and beverage manufacturing can affect consumer health. Therefore, it is necessary to determine the remaining peracetic acid residue on surfaces and equipment and check whether it is at acceptable levels.
  • Protection of Product Quality: In order to preserve the taste, odor and general quality of food and beverage products, it is important to completely remove peracetic acid residues.
  • Environmental Impacts: Peracetic acid used in water treatment and disinfection processes should be tested for residue. These tests are necessary to minimize environmental impacts and comply with environmental regulations.
  • Medical and Pharmaceutical Product Safety: Residue tests for peracetic acid used in medical and pharmaceutical production are performed to ensure that medical devices and pharmaceutical products are free from contamination.

What are the Commonly Used Peracetic Acid Concentrations?

Peracetic acid concentration varies depending on the intended use and industry requirements. Generally, peracetic acid is used in the form of solutions diluted with water and is prepared and marketed in different concentrations. The most commonly preferred peracetic acid concentrations according to the areas of use are as follows:

1. Food and Beverage Industry

  • It is generally used in food and beverage surface disinfection between %0.15 and 0.5used in varying low concentrations.
  • For bottle and equipment sterilization, concentrations between % 0.2 and 0.5 are preferred.

2. Medical and Health Sector

  • For sterilization of surgical instruments and surface disinfection, concentrations between % 0.2 and 2 are used.
  • For high-level sterilization processes, concentrations between % 2 and 5 are generally preferred.

3. Water Treatment and Disinfection

  • Very low concentrations (for example, ppm level, usually 5-15 ppm) are used for drinking water disinfection.
  • In wastewater treatment and cooling water systems, concentrations ranging from 0.1% to 0.5% can be used.

4. Agriculture and Animal Husbandry

  • Concentrations of 0.2% to 0.5% are common for disinfection of animal shelters.
  • Solutions ranging from 0.1% to 0.3% are used for cleaning feed and water lines.

5. Textile and Paper Industry

  • In textile finishing processes and bleaching processes, concentrations between % 0.5 and 2 are preferred.
  • In paper production and pulp bleaching, concentrations between % 0.3 and 1 are generally used.

Advantages and Disadvantages of Peracetic Acid Compared to Other Disinfectants

Advantages of Peracetic Acid

  • Wide Microbial Spectrum: Effective against a wide variety of pathogens including bacteria, viruses, fungi and spores. Its capacity to kill spores is higher compared to many other disinfectants.
  • Does not leave residue: When broken down, it decomposes into compounds such as acetic acid, water and oxygen, which are harmless to the environment and human health. It requires little rinsing after use and is environmentally friendly.
  • Effective in a Wide pH Range: It is effective in a wide pH range (pH 1-8), making it suitable for use on a variety of surfaces and water conditions.
  • Effective Even at Low Concentrations: It can be highly effective at low concentrations (ppm levels), reducing usage and costs.
  • No Harmful By-Product Formation Compared to Chlorine: Harmful by-products such as chloramines and trihalomethanes are produced when using peracetic acid does not occur.
  • Effective in Cold Environments: It maintains its effectiveness even in cold environmental conditions.
  • Effective in the Presence of Organic Matter: It does not lose its effectiveness even in the presence of organic matter and does not form by-products.

Disadvantages of Peracetic Acid

  • Cost: Peracetic acid is more costly than chlorine and hydrogen peroxide.
  • Pungent Odor: It has a pungent and irritating odor.
  • Low Storage Stability: It can decompose rapidly when exposed to high temperatures and sunlight.
  • Skin and Eye Irritation: May cause irritation to the skin and eyes, protective equipment is required.
  • Compatibility Problem with Metal Surfaces: May cause corrosion, especially with metals such as iron, copper and zinc.
  • Requires pH Control: pH control should be used with caution in processes requiring it.

Comparison of Peracetic Acid with Other Disinfectants

Comparison with Chlorine

  • Advantage: Does not form by-products, effective over a wide pH range.
  • Disadvantage: Chlorine is more cost-effective.

Comparison with Hydrogen Peroxide

  • Advantage: Stronger has an oxidation capacity and is more effective on spores.
  • Disadvantage: Hydrogen peroxide has a less irritating odor.

Comparison with ozone

  • Advantage: It has a more stable structure and has a wider range of applications.
  • Disadvantage: Ozone is more effective in removing microbial contamination from the air.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Question 1: What is the main difference between peracetic acid and hydrogen peroxide?

Answer: Peracetic acidt is a derivative of hydrogen peroxide and acetic acid, and has a stronger oxidation ability. While hydrogen peroxide is generally used in low concentrations, peracetic acid is more effective on spores and resistant microorganisms even at lower dosages. In addition, peracetic acid maintains its effectiveness over a wider pH range and at low temperatures.

Question 2: What should be considered when using peracetic acid?

Answer: Peracetic acid is a strong oxidant and can cause irritation to the skin, eyes and respiratory tract. During use, personal protective equipment such as safety glasses, gloves and masks should be used. In addition, high concentrations can cause serious burns in direct contact, so it should be diluted carefully and used in well-ventilated areas.

Question 3: At what temperature conditions should peracetic acid be stored?

Answer: Products containing peracetic acid should be stored in a cool and dry environment, preferably between 15-25°C. Direct sunlight and high temperatures should be avoided. In addition, the products should be kept tightly closed and stored in a way that will preserve their stability.

Question 4: Can peracetic acid be used simultaneously with chlorine?

Answer: No, peracetic acid should not be used simultaneously with chlorine. The combination of these two chemicals can cause the release of toxic chlorine gas, which is dangerous for human health. It is recommended that they be applied separately and used under a suitable ventilation system.

Question 5: Does peracetic acid require surface rinsing after application?

Answer: Peracetic acid forms harmless byproducts such as acetic acid, water and oxygen when broken down. However, it is recommended to rinse after use for disinfection of food processing surfaces and beverage containers. This is necessary to maintain product quality and ensure consumer health.

Our Peracetic Acid Test Kits for Safe Peracetic Use.

Peracetic acid is used to provide safe and effective disinfection in different application areas. However, for effectiveness and safety, it is necessary to determine the amount of peracetic acid and to determine its content correctly. Peracetic Acid Test Kits developed for this purpose are designed to quickly and easily determine the amount of peracetic acid remaining in baths or solutions after use and the content of products containing peracetic acid.

1. Peracetic Acid Test Kit (1 Drop 28 ppm)

Peracetic Acid Test Kit is a practical test kit used to determine the amount of peracetic acid remaining in the bath and solution at ppm level. This kit precisely measures the amount of peracetic acid at low concentrations and when 1 drop is used per measured solution, each drop represents approximately 28 ppm peracetic acid. In this way, bath and solution control by doing this, the effectiveness of peracetic acid is monitored and appropriate disinfection levels are maintained.

2. Peracetic Acid Percentage Test Kit (1 Drop 0.8%)

Peracetic Acid Percentage Test Kit was developed to determine the percentage content of products containing peracetic acid. When 1 drop is used per product, each drop indicates 0.8% peracetic acid ratio. This kit is ideal for determining the concentration of solutions or mixtures containing peracetic acid. It is used to check the effectiveness and compatibility of products and helps determine the correct dosage for safe use.

3. Peracetic Acid + Hydrogen Peroxide Percent Test Kit (1 Drop 0.8% + 1 Drop 1% Peroxide)

Peracetic Acid + Hydrogen Peroxide Percent Test Kit, is a multi-purpose test kit that can detect both peracetic acid and hydrogen peroxide content. When 1 drop is used, each drop represents 0.8% peracetic acid and 1% hydrogen peroxide. This kit is specifically designed for users who want to determine the content and ratio of products containing peracetic acid and hydrogen peroxide. Its ability to measure both peracetic acid and hydrogen peroxide content of disinfectant solutions separately is essential for quality control of such products. and provides great advantages in terms of safety.

These three test kits have been developed to ensure the safe and effective use of products containing peracetic acid, and each test kit offers easy use, fast results and high sensitivity. These kits, which offer solutions for all needs such as determining the amount of peracetic acid remaining in solutions after use, determining the concentration of products and monitoring the hydrogen peroxide content, can be used safely in different sectors.

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