Emmi Schweiz AG
Flawless ice and process water
thanks to UVC disinfection
The Emmi Schweiz AG plant in Ostermundigen specialises in the production of dairy products, various yoghurt specialities and other fresh products e.g. the well-known Emmi CAFFÈ LATTE. Emmi attaches great importance to quality and hygiene in all production processes as well as food safety. With UVC installations from sterilAir AG, Emmi has succeeded in establishing a chemical-free solution for water treatment that is not only ecologically sustainable, but also saves costs.
Bacterial contamination in the
water and high chemical costs
To prevent the growth of microbiology, Christian Rohrbach, responsible for the maintenance of process and energy systems at Emmi in Ostermundigen, recognised the potential of UVC disinfection. Experience with sterilAir UVC air disinfection in quark production was a decisive factor in this, helping to dispel doubts about the effectiveness of the ‘blue lamps’. In 2021, the first sterilAir AQD-ST system for UVC disinfection of ice water was procured.
“With the introduction of sterilAir UVC technology, we have drastically reduced the conventional, intensive use of chlorine and now rely on environmentally friendly, chemical-free water treatment that optimally supports our sustainability standards.“
– Christian Rohrbach, Team Leader Maintenance Process and Energy Systems at Emmi Schweiz AG.
First successes with
UVC technology in ice water
In order to optimise the acquisition and operating costs, a conscious decision was made in favour of bypass operation, in which part of the pool contents are continuously disinfected. Commissioning took place in August and showed a positive effect after just a short time: the bacterial load in the ice water gradually decreased. In addition to the improved water quality, the changeover also meant a reduction in the maintenance of the ice water basin.
Extension to recooling water and overcoming resistance
Following the positive experience with ice water, Rohrbach also discussed UVC disinfection for recooling water. Especially as the water is exposed to the outside air – and therefore a wide variety of particles – when the wet recoolers on the roof are in operation. The decision was made to reduce the bacterial load in the recooling water with the help of a second AQD-ST6 from sterilAir. Just two months after the AQD-ST was installed, water samples showed a significant reduction in the bacterial load in the recooling water.
The investment in the second UVC system also led to measurable savings in operating costs. By gradually reducing the use of additives, Emmi was able to sustainably reduce expenditure on the recooling water system and at the same time fulfil the company‘s environmental and sustainability goals.
„The use of sterilAir UVC devices has led to a significant reduction in our operating costs - the targeted use of the AQD-ST system in our water circuits has enabled us to achieve savings without compromising our processes.”
– Christian Rohrbach, Team Leader Maintenance Process and Energy Systems at Emmi Schweiz AG
UVC technology to combat legionella
The success of UVC disinfection in the ice water and recooling water system has prompted Emmi to further expand the use of this technology. A sterilAir system is now also used in a hot water circuit to combat legionella. Following the discovery of legionella and a temporary increase in temperature, the temperature of the circuit was lowered back to the desired target range of 60–63º C.
Sustainability and cost savings as key benefits
The introduction of sterilAir‘s UVC technology at Emmi Schweiz AG is a convincing example of a sustainable and economically sensible investment. By using the AQD-ST devices for UVC disinfection of ice and re-cooling water, Emmi was able to demonstrably and sustainably reduce the bacterial load. Emmi has thus taken a further step towards sustainable production processes and at the same time reduced operating costs – a successful model that shows how established procedures and processes can be improved by innovative UVC technology.
„The close and trusting cooperation with sterilAir was crucial to the success of our conversion: from planning to implementation, we have a competent partner at our side who has always fulfilled our expectations.“
– concludes Christian Rohrbach.
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