Chlorine Free Dairy Wash Cycles: Step-by-Step Guide

Table of Contents

1. Chlorine Free Wash Cycle – Option 1
2. Chlorine Free New Cold Wash Cycle – Option 2
3. Testimonials and Reviews
4. Chlorine Free Bulk Tank Cleaning

Reducing Chlorate and TCM in Milk

As of January 2021, Dairy farmers are now required to mitigate chlorate and TCM levels in their milk production. This means milking parlour cleaning protocols on your farm need to change. One effective way to achieve this is by implementing a 7-day chlorine-free wash cycle.

The implementation of a chlorine-free wash routine at the Teagasc research farm in Kilworth, Ireland using Biocel’s chlorine free dairy cleaning products and a prescribed wash protocol, demonstrated successful results. With sufficient hot wash cycles and precise water temperature control, Biocel CF products were found to be suitable for chlorine-free cleaning of milking equipment.

This guide will walk you through the steps to set up your dairy for success with an effective hot detergent circulation routine and a more sustainable cold wash routine using our latest chlorine-free detergent Circool L&P.

Chlorine Free Wash Cycle – Option 1

Step 1: Assess Your Current Cleaning Practices

Before transitioning to our chlorine-free wash cycle, evaluate your current cleaning practices. Take note of the detergents, equipment, and procedures you currently use to wash your dairy equipment and facilities. Ensure the recalibration of automatic detergent dosing systems for milking machines and bulk milk tanks to ensure the correct uptake rates of the different detergent products.

Step 2: Gather Necessary Supplies

Next, gather all the supplies for your new chlorine-free wash cycle. This includes Biocel’s chlorine-free detergents, such as Multisan CF, Circodine CF, or Locount, and additional additives like Circo Acid 3 and Serpent for final rinse sanitation.

Step 3: Design Your Chlorine Free Dairy Wash Cycle Schedule

Create a detailed schedule for your 7-day wash cycle. Determine which days you’ll perform a hot detergent circulation and a cold detergent circulation, and allocate time for each step in the process. (see an example of our hot and cold wash cycle below)

Step 4: Implement Hot Detergent Circulation

On the designated days, start your wash cycle by implementing hot detergent circulation using your chosen chlorine-free detergent. Do not recover detergent for your next clean use fresh detergent on every occasion. Ensure proper temperature control to maximise effectiveness. We recommend 70-80 °C for Hot Detergent Cycles. (Your detergent circulation should finish before the temperature drops below 55 °C )

Detergent Usage Rates: Hot Wash Cycle

• Multisan CF 0.7%
• Circodine CF 0.4%
• Locount 0.5 %
• Circo Acid 3 0.7%

Recommended Volumes per Cleaning Steps: Water Rinses 14L/unit – Detergent Circulation 9L /unit

*Note: Hot Detergent can be used on your milking plant on intermediate days if sufficient hot water is not available

Step 5: Follow Up with Cold Detergent Circulation

After completing the hot detergent circulation, follow up with cold detergent circulation to thoroughly clean your dairy equipment and facilities. Again do not recover detergent for your next clean use fresh detergent on every occasion. Use your chlorine-free detergent according to recommended dosage rates.

Detergent Usage Rates: Cold Wash Cycle

1. Multisan CF 0.94%
2. Circodine CF 0.5%
3. Locount 0.5 %

Recommended Volumes per Cleaning Steps: Water Rinses 14 L /unit – Detergent Circulation 9 L /unit

Step 6: Rinse with Serpent for Final Sanitation

To ensure thorough sanitation, incorporate a final rinse with Serpent. This step helps eliminate any remaining bacteria and ensures the cleanliness of your dairy equipment.

Serpent Usage Rate: 0.13%

Serpent Rinse: 5 L /unit at the end of your Final Rinse

Step 7: Repeat the Cycle Throughout the Week

Continue to follow your 7-day wash cycle schedule, alternating between hot and cold detergent circulation as necessary. Be consistent with your cleaning routine to maintain optimal hygiene in your dairy.

Chlorine Free Cold Wash Cleaning Technology – Option 2

Since the removal of chlorine from milking plant detergents, many milk suppliers have encountered ongoing challenges in meeting the required target temperatures for effective results with chlorine-free products in the market.

If wash solution temperatures were to fall below the target levels at the end of the hot wash cycle, it would lead to the accumulation of fat and protein in plants, as often evidenced on perspex components and milk meters. This deposit, once formed, is highly resistant to removal in a standard wash program, and if left unaddressed, can contribute to an increase in TBC/Thermoduric counts.

On the positive side, utilising our CirCool cold-wash program offers significant advantages. It can reduce water heating costs by up to 85%, along with minimising CO2 emissions. Given the current high energy costs and the emphasis on reducing CO2 emissions, this presents an additional benefit for dairy farmers.

Step 1: Know Your Products

This step-by-step guide outlines a 7-day chlorine free cold wash cycle using CirCool L, CirCool P, Circo-Acid 3, and Serpent, as recommended by Biocel. CirCool P is a mixed alkaline powder containing a high level of cleaning additives suitable for manual systems, available in 20kg packs. CirCool L, on the other hand, is a mixed alkaline liquid with a similar formulation, suitable for both manual and auto wash systems, and available in 20/200/1000-litre packs.

Step 2: Design Your Chlorine Free Cold Wash Programme for Your Milking Plant

Implementing a chlorine-free cold wash program for milking plants is crucial for maintaining milk quality and adhering to modern industry standards.

STEP 3: IMPLEMENT A Luke warm pre-rinse Before Detergent

For best results, Biocel advises conducting a Luke Warm Pre-rinse (30-35°C) immediately after milking and before all detergent washes. Additionally, refrain from reusing detergent for subsequent cleaning; instead, ensure fresh detergent is used on each occasion.

STEP 4: IMPLEMENT A Hot Acid Circulation

A Hot Acid Circulation using Circa-Acid 3 can be done at 60-70 °C on 2 days per week after the Cold CirCool wash and before the next milking

STEP 5: Add Serpent PAA to the Final Rince

Drain the solution and add Serpent to the final rinse. Serpent 15, is a peracetic acid-based disinfectant liquid and scale inhibitor specifically designed for milking equipment. Biocel Ltd was one of the first companies to promote the use of Peracetic Acid at farm level in the 1990s, where again our Technical Team applied the knowledge of this product from Industrial Food applications. With its low usage rate, it is ideal for final rinsing and cluster disinfection.

Testimonials and Reviews

Peter Hynes, Cork Dairy Farmer speaks about cleaning with CirCool Cold Wash Detergents.

“The wash routine is simple — 14 cold CirCool washes and two extra-hot acid CIRCO- ACID 3 washes every week, with our final rinse every time including Serpent15 Peracetic acid, which we have been using in the final rinse for a number of years and we haven’t had an issue with TBCs/ Thermodurics since moving to this program.” – Peter Hynes

Jerry Ryan, Dairy Farmer Co. Tipperary

By following this 7-day wash cycle using a chlorine-free cold wash program with CirCool L, CirCool P, Circo-Acid 3, and Serpent, dairy farmers in Ireland, the UK and across Europe can effectively clean their milking plants while minimising environmental impact and ensuring high milk quality standards.

CHLORINE-FREE BULK TANK CLEANING

Chlorine-free bulk tank cleaning involves using alternative cleaning agents and methods to clean and sanitise bulk milk tanks. This approach avoids chlorine-based products, aiming to maintain milk quality and safety while reducing reliance on chlorine and its associated risks.

There are three things to remember here:

• Temperature
• Calibrate your Dosing Unit
• Follow a Robust Wash Regime

Head on over to YouTube for an in-depth Chlorine Free Bulk Tank Cleaning Demonstration with Vincent from Biocel.

Biocel Ltd offer a full-on support package for all our Dairy Hygiene & Teat Care products and our Technical Team is available for Telephone & On-farm support by contacting info@biocel.ie or 021 4353516