Manufacturers, laundry systems

Silicates. Both sodium and potassium silicate solids or solutions have valued functionality including emulsification, buffering, deflocculation, and antiredeposition ability. Silicates also provide corrosion protection to metal parts in washing machines, as well as to the surfaces of china patterns and metal utensils in automatic dishwashers. Silicates are manufactured in liquid, crystalline, or powdered forms and with different degrees of alkalinity. The alkalinity of the silicate provides buffering capacity in the presence of acidic soils and enhances the sequestration ability of the builder system in the formulation. The sili-cate/alkali ratios of the silicates are selected by the formulator to meet specific product requirements. Silicate ratios of 1/1 are commonly used in dry blending applications with silicate ratios of 2/1 and higher commonly used in laundry and autodish applications. 

Water and Drainage. Water is a potential source of microbiological contamination that cannot be excluded from aseptic manufacture. Its control becomes complicated by the variety of purposes for which it may be used and the various types of distribution system that may be encountered. Identifiable potential sources of contamination from water in aseptic manufacturing facilities include (a) ingredient water for sterile products, (b) water supplies for equipment and component cleaning, (c) water supplies to laundries, (d) water supplies for hand washing, and (e) steam supplies to autoclaves. 

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