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P&ID

Process and Instrumentation Design

Passivation

Stainless Steel derives its corrosion resistance from a thin, durable layer of chromium oxide that forms at the metal surface. The oxide forms instantly in air. The film will not form consistently if the surface is wet or dirty. Generally cleaning with a degreasing agent followed by contact with a strong oxidizing agent such as Nitric acid will ensure formation of a consistent uniform oxide layer.

Pasteurisation

A microbiocidal heat treatment aimed at reducing the number of any harmful microorganisms, if present, to a level at which they do not constitute a significant health hazard. (Codex) Note: Pasteurization applies to equipment as well as to food.

Pathogens

Disease producing organisms.

PEEK

Polyether ether ketone

Peptizing

Reduction in molecular size leading to an insoluble substance becoming soluble.

Peracetic Acid

Peracetic acid (also known as peroxyacetic acid, or PAA), is an organic compound with the formula CH3CO3H. This organic peroxide is a colorless liquid with a characteristic acrid odor reminiscent of acetic acid. Peracetic acid is used mainly in the food & beverage industry as a low foam disinfectant. Peracetic acid can be applied for the deactivation of a large variety of pathogenic microorganisms; it also deactivates viruses and spores. Peracetic acid activity is little influenced by organic compounds that are present in the water.

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Permeate

The filtrate, the liquid passing through the membrane. Relevance to membrane filtration.

Personal Hygiene

Personal hygiene may be described as the principle of maintaining cleanliness and grooming of the external body. People have been aware of the importance of hygiene for thousands of years. In the context of food safety personal hygiene encompasses: fitness to work, protective equipment and changing procedures and handcare.

pH

A measurement of the hydrogen ion concentration in a solution. It is defined as the base 10 logarithm of the reciprocal of the hydrogen ion concentration. A neutral solution has a pH of 7; An alkaline solution has a pH of greater than 7 and up to 14; An acid solution has a pH of less than 7 and down to 1.

Phosphoric Acid

Phosphoric acid (also known as orthophosphoric acid or phosphoric(V) acid) is a mineral (inorganic) and weak acid having the chemical formula H3PO4.

Pig

Device for clearing out pipework usually in the form of a sponge or rubber ball. The process of carrying this out is called pigging.

Pine Oil

Oil processed from gum trees, sometimes used in hard surface cleaning and disinfecting products.

PLC

Programme Logic Controller

Potable water

Water intended for human consumption according to the specifications of the World Health Organization.

PP

Polypropylene

PPE

Personal Protective Equipment such as goggles, gloves, face masks, overalls and safety shoes.

ppm - Parts per million

A measure of concentration of active ingredients.

Pre-Soak

A soaking operation before washing to remove stains.

Pressure Gauge

An instrument that indicates the pressure in a vessel or pipework.

Product contact surfaces

Surfaces which are exposed intentionally or unintentionally to the product and surfaces from which splashed product, condensate, liquids or material may drain, drop, diffuse or be drawn into the product or onto product contact surfaces or surfaces that come into contact with product contact surfaces of packaging materials.

Protein

A high molecular weight organic compound containing carbon hydrogen oxygen and nitrogen. Produced by living organisms.

PRP (prerequisite program)

Food safety basic conditions and activities that are necessary to maintain a hygienic environment throughout the food chain suitable for the production, handling and provision of safe end products and safe food for human consumption (ISO 22000).

PSI

Measure of pressure. Pounds per square inch. 14.2 psi is 1 Bar. A 100 Bar pressure washer would be 1420 PSI.

PTFE

Polytetrafluoroethylene

Pump

A device that imparts energy to a fluid to transfer it along a pipe.

PVDF

Polyvinylidene flouoride