Ozone in dairy chilling water systems: effect on metal materials

Abstract

The use of pulsed ozone as a disinfecting agent in chilling water systems will be feasible only if components of the systems are not adversely affected. Pulsing ozone into water at room temperature for 20 minutes per day for 7 days caused greater weight loss of aluminium, carbon steel, copper, 304 stainless steel and 316 stainless steel samples than control samples; however, only weight loss for carbon steel was significantly greater (α= .05). Severe pitting was noted on ozone treated copper samples when observed by scanning electron microscopy. Black striations were observed on ozone treated carbon steel surfaces.