Effect of ozonated water sanitization on gasket materials used in fluid food processing

Abstract

Standard-molded, one piece O-ring food processing plant gaskets (1.5 in or 36.1 mm diameter) made of seven different substances (Buna N, white Buna N, EPDM (ethylene propylene diene monomer), polyethylene, silicone rubber, PTFE (polytetrafluoroethylene or Teflon) and steam-resistant Viton) were treated with chlorine sanitizer or ozonated water. After treatment, only very slight differences were noted visually between control and treated gaskets. Measurements indicated that ozone treatment affected the tensile strength of EPDM and Viton, but not significantly more than chlorine treatment. The tensile strengths of other gasket materials were not significantly affected by ozone treatment. The elasticity of ozone-treated PTFE gaskets was significantly different from chlorine-treated PTFE gaskets. Other gasket materials were not significantly affected by ozone treatment.