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Drinking water installations consist of a large number of components. Various fittings from different manufacturers are installed. However, if the fittings are already contaminated with microorganisms before they are installed, they often form microbial foci that can only be eliminated with great difficulty. Fittings are often contaminated during production or on the test bench because, for example, water contaminated with bacteria is pressed between or behind seals, where the germs are largely protected from disinfection measures in the future.
Fittings for drinking water systems are usually all subjected to a function check before delivery. However, the test benches required for simulating operation, measuring and calibrating are very susceptible to contamination by germs. If these biofilms begin to form, they are very well protected from disinfection measures. Even occasional chlorine shocks and/or UV lamps can no longer remedy the situation. If the fittings are now tested in such contaminated test stands, germy water can be pressed into the devices, where they can then, in the worst case, irreversibly settle in counters, between and behind seals.
If contaminated devices are installed in a drinking water installation, the bacteria, yeasts and/or fungi can multiply, form biofilms and from there can sporadically or continuously „contaminate“ the drinking water. Because the flow of water in these devices is not necessarily sufficient (dead water zones) to flush out the germ foci, such installations are the source of diffuse measurement results.
The most important point in the sanitation of a contaminated test stand is the complete cleaning of deposits. Iron, manganese, lime deposits and sediments can roughen the surfaces and promote the adhesion of biofilms. Therefore, these must be removed with suitable cleaning agents. Mechanical cleaning, such as with brushes or high-pressure cleaners, supports this process decisively. Plastic hoses should be replaced completely, as the plasticisers they contain often support germ growth. All seals should also be replaced. It is also very important to eliminate dead water zones – i.e. pipe or system parts that are not regularly flushed with the test water.
After cleaning, a thorough shock disinfection follows: In the case of older biofilms, an unusually high dose of up to 2% Sanosil Super 25 may be necessary for this. Care must be taken that all water-bearing parts are thoroughly flooded with the disinfectant solution. Any biofilm components and biomass that have been removed are then rinsed out and the diluted disinfectant solution is disposed of via the sewage system. (If necessary, clarification regarding discharge regulations must be made in advance.) The test stand is then ready for operation again.
The test stand is then filled with 0.8% Sanosil Super 25 disinfectant. This can be done manually or via a suitable proportional dosing system. After approx. 14 days, the dosage can be reduced to 0.1 -0.2%. This not only prevents the test stand from being recontaminated, but also protects and protects the tested system parts and fittings from germ formation during the storage period and during delivery. For this purpose, the fittings must be sealed until installation.
The installation of the fittings should be carried out according to certain hygiene standards. Clean hands, hygienically impeccable aids such as lubricants and sealants are a must. The seal on the fittings should only be removed immediately before installation. In addition, spray disinfection of all future water-bearing surfaces with Sanosil S003 disinfectant helps to greatly reduce the entry and emergence of potential germ foci.
