Prevent and Control Listeria

Examples of liquid desiccant dehumidification systems include Niagara Blower Company’s (Buffalo, N.Y.) No-Frost system, comprised of a conditioner and a liquid concentrator. In the conditioner, a continuous spray of No-Frost liquid, approved by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), is pumped over an evaporator coil, while a fan pulls air from the space through the spray coil chamber and back into the areas. The liquid spray cools air, controls dew point, captures airborne particles (including Listeria, Salmonella, and Yersinia), deodorizes air passing through the spray chamber, and picks up moisture that would otherwise become frost on the coil surface.

A spray of desiccant liquid continuously sanitizes cooling coils, so no further cleaning is required. As the No-Frost liquid dilutes, it is circulated to a No-Frost concentrator, which uses a heat source to remove excessive moisture from the liquid. The concentrator maintains the liquid solution at its proper concentration and effectively eliminates any liquid losses.

Buffalo Testing Laboratories, Inc., determined the effectiveness of a No-Frost conditioner in removing dust and microorganisms to be 98% of all airborne contaminants. Of that 98%, the No-Frost liquid itself removed 99.9 to 100%, depending on concentration. In addition, the State University of New York at Buffalo department of microbiology also tested the antibacterial effects of No-Frost liquids and found that Listeria was inhibited by 99.4 to 99.9% within 24 hours or less, depending on the concentration.

Another benefit of the No-Frost system is that all interior parts are readily accessible for inspection and cleaning. The system’s interior surfaces are designed to eliminate any pockets that might collect dirt, lint, or bacteria.

While cleanliness and sanitation are of great importance, if ventilation systems circulate air containing microorganisms, the time and resources spent on cleaning are wasted. Combining several available options may be the best way to protect a company, its brand reputation, and its consumers.

Demakos is the president of the Niagara Blower Company. For more information, reach him at [email protected] or (716) 875-2000.