Treatment of butter wash water with ultra-violet light

Abstract

Tests of the effectiveness of sterilization of butter wash water by the use of ultra-violet light showed that, provided the water was clean, a 99 per cent. bacterial destruction was obtained; with cloudy water the destruction was less than 90 per cent. The quartz tube and reflector need cleaning at intervals of 1-2 months, depending on the cleanliness of the water. No off-flavours in butter could be attributed to the treatment. Corrosion of factory equipment was less than with chlorine-treated water. Modifications in the installation of the non-automatic model are suggested and costs of operation are given.