Water System Sanitation for Poultry (eliminating biofilms through waterline cleaning and disinfection)

Drinking water circuit sanitation includes descaling, cleaning and disinfection.
Sanitising the water system eliminates the biofilms that build up in the pipelines, but also in the filters and drinkers.

  • A - Unbalance of the biofilm
  • B - Proliferation of the biofilm
  • C - Spreading of the biofilm
  1. Water flow
  2. Biocides
  3. Sensitive germs
  4. Resisting germs
  5. Nutriments
  6. Pre-existing biofilm
  7. Mycelium
  8. Bacteria
  9. Mucopolysacharide
  10. Lime scale + Water stagnation + T°C + Settling
  11. Biofilm spreading

Bio-films are deposits of heterogeneous bacterial community (several families and strains such as e.coli, pseudomonas, campylobacter, staphylococcus) solidly fitted on the surfaces thanks to real « anchors » named « pili » or « fimbriae ». 

The bacterial cells sank in the thickness of the bio-film develop a survival strategy and are protected against external aggressions (disinfectants, chlorine). They are much more resistant to disinfectant than isolated bacteria. These bio-films cause recurrent diseases in livestock and pipe clogging.

The water supply source may be potable, but may become contaminated over time (water temperature & stagnation, low flow conditions, nutrients..) and especially at the end of the circuit when the animals drink (retro-contamination through contact).

How to eliminate the biofilms in drinking systems ?

Low-dose biocides used in drinking water disinfection (such as chlorination) can only slow down biofilm development, but never prevent it. Hence the need for high-dose cleaning and disinfection (water system and drinkers Sanitation) when cleaning the barn in the absence of animals (respecting the dose and contact time of the disinfectant).

 

The Advantages of Dosatron Technology

Dosatron proportional dosing pumps guarantee accurate dosing of sanitizers regardless of the variations in water pressure and flow rate.

The non-electric, self-priming Dosatron pumps, which also work with gravity pressure (header tanks), ensure a wide dosing range compatible with the various detergents/descaling agents/disinfectants available on the market.

They provide consistent and uniform dilution and make it easy to read and adjust the dosing percentage. They can be run empty (without additives) without any risk of damage. They are also quick and easy to maintain. .

Recommended Installation for Poultry Water System Sanitation

  1. Dosatron Animal Health dosing pump DIAL4AL or D25ALN (a high dosing percentage of up to 4% or 5% is recommended dor drinking system sanitation to be able to use some disinfectants. For example: hydrogen peroxide may require some time a 3% dosage to remove biofilms).
  2. 80 micron filter.
  3. Water meter.
  4. Pressure reducer.
  5. Bypass valves.
  6. 2 Valves or taps (1 before the Dosatron for tank filling / cleaning and 1 after Dosatron for fast priming / flushing / testing).
  7. Disinfectant drum (Detergents and De-scaling chemicals can also be used prior to disinfection).

Tips for Installing, Using & Maintaining your Dosatron

  • The design of water circuits is one of the first elements to slow down the development of biofilms (elimination of "dead-leg" piping, reservoirs and water stagnation zones).
  • If installed on a drinking water main line, the installation shall comply with the applicable disconnection standards (non-return system such as Class B disconnectors).
  • Install an 80 micron filter before the dosing pump and an accurate low flow water meter (Class D - R500) to monitor your water consumption.
  • Install the Dosatron in bypass on the water supply with 2 valves before and after the Dosatron.
    • 1 valve for clear water,
    • 1 valve for quick rinsing / priming / testing of the dosing pump.
  • Always rinse the Dosatron and the drinking system injecting clear water before and after using a detergent / descaler / disinfectant.
  • Turn on the water supply and make the nipples drip to allow the sanitizers to remove contamination and biofilm from all surfaces that come into contact with the drinking water.
  • Remove the filters; clean and disinfect them by soaking.
  • Observe the contact times recommended by the detergent / descaler / disinfectant manufacturer.
  • Remember to test your water twice a year (winter / summer or dry season / rainy season).
    > Physico-chemical test (at the source) and bacteriological test (at the end of the line).
  • Remember to change the dosing pump injection seals at least once a year.

Recommended Dosing Pumps for this Application

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