Plant Hygiene: A Vital Component of the Manufacturing Process
The goal of every chemical manufacturer is to ship a quality product to his customer. One common requirement for waterborne products such as coatings is that the product remains microbiologically stable until used, and in some instances, for some period after its use (paint films for example). Being aqueous, these products are susceptible to microbial contamination and degradation. Anti-microbials (biocides) are routinely added to assist with the delivery and maintenance of product qualities so that they meet customer expectations. However, it has long been apparent that even adding an appropriate anti-microbial to the finished product may not be sufficient to accomplish this goal. It is now understood that the product must first, and foremost, be manufactured under a tightly controlled process that includes adequate plant hygiene. Doing so minimizes the final cost of the product and helps ensure that a quality product is manufactured and delivered.
The following document details some of the areas of concern in a "generalized" aqueous product (such as coatings, adhesives and caulk) manufacturing scheme. The intention is to highlight those areas that are most likely to cause microbial quality problems so that a plant hygiene program can proactively address them. Regular attention to plant hygiene will pay dividends to the manufacturing process of waterborne specialty chemicals.