Peracetic acid (also known as peroxyacetic acid) is an excellent effective alternative for sanitizing and disinfecting and is safe for the environment. Peralab continues to test Peracetic acid for use in new industries.
Uses of Peracetic Acid
- Alternative to sodium hypochlorite in many applications.
- Industrial sanitizer and disinfectant for previously cleaned hard, non-porous food contact surfaces in food and beverage plants, wineries, egg processing, and animal housing.
- Surface disinfection in offices, schools, hospitals, restaurants.
- Meat and poultry processing and packaging plants, with direct treatment of product.
- Bacteria and slime control in cooling towers and filtration systems.
- Fresh vegetable processing and greenhouse sanitation.
Packaging
- According to the transport regulations and depending on properties of the specific grade, our products are classified either as oxidizers belonging to hazard class 5.1 (UN 3149) or as organic peroxides belonging to class 5.2 (UN 3109, UN 3105). Therefore, our peracetic acid grades are transported in specially approved containers. They are not subjected to temperature control and thus do not require cooling during transportation.
- Peralab Inc. supplies Persan products in containers ranging from 4 L to tanker loads.
Safety and Handling
- Peracetic acid products have oxidizing and corrosive properties. Safety precautions have to be applied accordingly. Concentrations higher than 25 percent PAA are harmful to the environment.
- While working with peracetic acid products, proper care must always be taken. Safety goggles, protective gloves and suitable protective clothing must be worn. If necessary, a gas mask should be used with an appropriate filter.
- If peracetic acid comes into contact with skin and eyes, it must be rinsed off thoroughly with plenty of water. In any case, get medical attention.
- If a product is spilled during processing, it must be absorbed with inert material or diluted immediately with a large amount of water and washed away. In case of fire, use water or foam.
- Only use clean equipment made from compatible materials like polyethylene, glass or stainless steel. Products must not be confined in containers, vessels, piping systems or between valves. There must always be a pressure release or breathing device. Product once drawn from the original container should never be returned due to a risk of contamination and decomposition.
- PERSAN, PERSAN 15, PERSAN 15LP, PAA LAUNDRY BRITE, PAA PULP AND PAPER, PAA LT SANITIZER are biocides. Use biocides safely.
- Always read labels, SDS and product information before use.
Storage
- Peracetic acid must be stored in its original container in an upright position on an acid-proof floor. Storage conditions require areas with good ventilation, cool temperature and protection from direct sunlight. Any contamination, especially with metal ions, alkalis and reducing agents must be avoided. Keep away from sources of heat and ignition.
- Packages are equipped with venting devices to avoid overpressure. Do not cover closures to allow venting. All containers should be checked regularly. The service life of plastic containers with high strength peracetic acid is limited to 12 months.
- See our technical bulletin for more about this product including safety and handling.
Analytical Methods
- The determination of hydrogen peroxide and peracetic acid concentration in peracetic acid products like Persan can be done in a two step titration.
- In the first step the hydrogen peroxide content is determined by titration with ceric sulfate under ice cooling in an acidic media.
- After the end point of this titration has been reached the peracetic acid content is determined in a second step via iodometric titration.
- For diluted solutions of Persan either the titration method or qualitative or quantitative test strips available from Peralab Inc. can be used. Online measurement PAA specific sensors are also available from Peralab Inc.