CLEANING, STERILISING, SANITISING?

[Scroogemonster]

I didn't know that.

Chlorine at an appropriate concentration and exposure time is a true chemical steriliser. The main difference between a high-level disinfectant and a steriliser is the concentration and contact time. They are usually the same chemical and differ only in the way they are used.

I was taught (having worked in operating theatres for twenty years) that there are only three practical methods of true sterilisation:

1. Gamma irradiation
2. Exposure to ethylene oxide gas
3. Autoclaving of items at a temp of 134-138 degC for 31/2mins or 121 degC for 15 mins (wet heat is superior to dry, hence most autoclaves inject steam at the afore mentioned temps)

Even then, some prions are resistant (extended time autoclaving is needed to eliminate these) and some surgical instruments and practically everything else we use is now single use

We use sodium dichloroisocyanurate for generalised disinfecting /cleaning / sanitation which liberates "free chlorine"at a concentrations of 1000ppm. What concentrations give true sterilisation?

Thanks
Kevin

[toper1]

2 different things chaps.Sterilization(in a brewing context)is the TOTAL elimination of ALL bacterial life forms. Sanitisation is the elimination of bacterial life forms down to a level that's not injurious to human health,or the quality of the product.You CANNOT sanitise anything that isn't clean to start with.Brew clean or die!!

[Yeasty Rob]

I think you guys have got too much time on your hands