Food Processing Equipment-Laser Cleaning/Sanitation
What it is: Removing build-up from conveyors, mixers, ovens, etc.

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Disadvantages of Traditional Water & Chemical Cleaning

 

1. 

Water Usage & Waste

 

 

• Requires large volumes of water, creating high operating costs.

• Generates wastewater that must be collected, treated, or disposed of.

• Potential for cross-contamination via standing water or poor drainage.

• Environmental burden: high energy use to heat/process water.

 

 

 

 

2. 

Chemical Risks & Residues

 

 

• Harsh chemicals (caustics, acids, chlorine, quats, etc.) can leave toxic residues if not rinsed completely.

• Flavor, odor, and product contamination risk if residues persist.

• Chemical exposure poses health risks to workers (burns, respiratory issues, allergic reactions).

• High chemical procurement, storage, and disposal costs.

• Environmental impact: disposal of chemicals affects soil and waterways.

 

 

 

 

3. 

Microbial Effectiveness & Verification

 

 

• Biofilms and resistant microbes may survive chemical washes, requiring repeated cycles.

• Effectiveness depends on dwell/contact time and proper dilution — easily misapplied.

• Difficult to prove microbial kill in real time; requires lab culture verification.

 

 

 

 

4. 

Equipment & Surface Damage

 

 

• Chemicals are corrosive to stainless steel, seals, gaskets, and conveyor belts.

• Water + chemical cycles cause wear and tear on equipment (stress cracking, oxidation).

• Long-term damage = downtime and higher maintenance costs.

 

 

 

 

5. 

Labour & Safety Burdens

 

 

• Manual scrubbing/spraying increases labour intensity and risk of repetitive strain injuries.

• High PPE requirements due to chemical hazards.

• Slippery floors from water/foam create accident risks.

 

 

 

 

6. 

Time & Production Downtime

 

 

• Rinsing, foaming, soaking, and drying all take significant time.

• Extended drying times before production can restart.

• Increased downtime = lost productivity and profit.

 

 

 

 

7. 

Regulatory & Audit Pressure

 

 

• Chemical handling, storage, and disposal are heavily regulated, adding compliance costs.

• Increased need for documentation of chemical use and wastewater disposal.

• Non-compliance risks fines and shutdowns.

 

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