PathGuard_^® Pathogen Control System

We are the water treatment industry leader in both oxidative chemistry, and automation and control systems. Consequently, we have combined these technologies to help you reduce and control pathogenic bacteria in your poultry processing applications via our PathGuard pathogen control system.

The PathGuard system is a complete advanced feed, control and monitoring system that provides consistent, effective and safe delivery of chlorine dioxide to chiller water as well as for use as on-line reprocessing. It can achieve post-chill Salmonella counts below 10-percent positives. This enables you to reliably control the pathogen levels of your products in a cost-effective manner, while also improving their safety and increasing their shelf life.

About Chlorine Dioxide
Chlorine dioxide (ClO₂) is a powerful oxidizing biocide that we have used in industrial applications since the 1970s. Chlorine dioxide has proven to be an extremely effective biocide because of its selectivity. It does not react with ammonia or many organics, so it provides a more effective kill of microorganisms at much lower doses than other biocides. Chlorine dioxide also has the advantage of not producing unwanted byproducts such as trihalomethanes, haloacetic acid or chloramines.

GENEROX_^TM P Chlorine Dioxide Generation System
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has stated that chlorine dioxide must comply with 21 CFR 173.300, which states that it must be generated at over 90 percent efficiency. Unlike other chlorine dioxide generation systems, our GENEROX P generating system uses a process that provides conversion efficiencies typically greater than 95 percent with exceptional reliability.

We have taken our three decades of advanced chlorine dioxide generator system knowledge to provide increased automation and control for the food processing industry. A new GENEROX three-pump system uses a programmable logic controller (PLC) to monitor and control chemical feed rates, chlorine dioxide concentration and unit efficiency. Food processing operations can be assured that they are generating a known amount of chlorine dioxide thus meeting FDA efficiency requirements.

Waste Water Treatment Concerns
Chlorine dioxide is recognized as a superior biocide for the control of pathogens. And because it is applied at low doses, it has no effect on wastewater treatment. In nearly all cases, there is no chlorine dioxide residual by the time the solution gets to the waste treatment system. The solution will not raise or lower the pH of the waste stream nor does it add phosphorus to the plant’s effluent.

Control and Data Tracking System
The PathGuard system is compliant with Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Point (HACCP) regulations and is designed for easy control.

The system uses a Human-Machine Interface (HMI), which is designed to provide superior chemical control and data tracking ability. The HMI includes a computer touch screen and proprietary software that provides easy interface between an operator and the equipment. By designing the HMI to give a graphical representation of the equipment and processes, operators can easily make adjustments to the program while storing and trending data.

The HMI provides the added ability of providing custom alarms and reports, while keeping a data record of all alarms and set point changes. It is integrated with our ONGUARD_^® On-Line electronic service, thereby providing our customers immediate access to data and reports over a secure line and offering 24/7 system alarm monitoring and notification.

PathGuard On-Line Reprocessing Treatment
PathGuard on-line reprocessing (OLR) treatment provides pathogenic control on poultry carcasses during on-line processing following evisceration but prior to the chiller. OLR treatment provides plants with a reliable and effective system to maintain microbial contamination of carcasses consistently below regulatory limits. The OLR system works by spraying a known, controlled concentration of chlorine dioxide onto birds as they move into the spray cabinet. The cabinet is installed with a ventilation system.

PathGuard Chiller Water Treatment
Chillers are an area that, if not treated properly, can promote cross-contamination of poultry carcasses and cause pathogen levels to increase. PathGuard chiller water treatment provides safe, effective control of pathogenic microorganisms found in poultry chiller water, preventing the chiller water from becoming a breeding ground for pathogens.

The chiller system uses a proprietary control system and oxidation-reduction potential feedback to distribute precise quantities of chlorine dioxide to different areas of the chiller, providing control throughout the entire chiller.

Safety, Service and Support
As a Responsible Care* company, we are committed to providing employees and customers with the safest working environment possible. The PathGuard pathogen control system incorporates a state-of-the-art ventilation system and air monitoring.

We’re also the only water treatment company that offers a field sales force that is ISO 9001:2000 certified, ensuring that we provide consistent quality service to our customers.

Our representatives will work with you throughout the startup of the PathGuard system, and once in operation, we maintain 24/7 field support.

Services provided include:

Pre-planning
Plant operations and inspector training
Installation
Startup
Regular in-plant service visits
Continual improvement projects
System maintenance
Technical support
Data reporting

Economics and Water Savings
Effluent from the PathGuard on-line reprocessing (OLR) system has a chlorine dioxide residual, meaning it has the ability to kill microorganisms. OLR system effluent can be sent upstream of the process, such as to the scalders. This further reduces pathogen loading in the plant while also resulting in no increase in water use.

Using chlorine dioxide as a pathogen control agent in poultry process water has no adverse effect or added cost to treating the wastewater. In fact, if a plant is using a technology that adds phosphorus to the plant effluent, switching to chlorine dioxide can significantly reduce the wastewater treatment cost and produce significant savings for the plant.

Case Histories

Government Approvals
We have been granted conditional approval of our PathGuard pathogen control system by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) for use in on-line reprocessing and chiller water treatment after successfully completing protocol testing. The USDA is expected to petition the FDA for final acceptance.

Literature
To learn more about chlorine dioxide and water treatment solutions for poultry processors, please check out these brochures:

PathGuard® Pathogen Control System

PathGuard_^® Pathogen Control System