Chemical processes and technology
33
Chemical reactions
In this section you will find a description of the causes of common chemical reactions
which can occur between different types of soiling, chemical agents and the components
of the machine, along with their remedies as necessary.
This section is intended as a guide. If unforeseen interactions occur during reprocessing,
or if you have any queries on this subject, please seek advice from Miele.
General notes
Problem
How to resolve it
If elastomers (hoses and seals) and plastics
in the machine are damaged, this can lead
to, for example, swelling, shrinking, harden-
ing or brittleness of materials leading to the
development of tears and cracks. Compon-
ents can then not function correctly and this
generally leads to leaks.
– Establish the cause of the damage and
rectify it.
See information regarding "Chemical
agents", "Soiling" and "Reaction between
chemical agents and soiling".
Heavy foaming during a programme affects
cleaning and rinsing results. Foam escaping
from the wash cabinet can cause damage
to the washer-disinfector.
Cleaning processes cannot be regulated
and validated where there has been a build-
up of foam.
– Establish the cause of the foam and rec-
tify it.
– Check the process used regularly to mon-
itor foaming levels.
See information regarding "Chemical
agents", "Soiling" and "Reaction between
chemical agents and soiling".
Corrosion to stainless steel in the wash
cabinet and to accessories can give them a
different appearance:
– rust (red marks / discolouration),
– black marks / discolouration,
– white marks / discolouration (etched sur-
face).
Corrosive pitting can lead to the washer-
disinfector not being water-tight. Depending
on application corrosion can influence
cleaning and rinsing results (laboratory ana-
lysis) or cause corrosion to stainless steel
items in the cabinet.
– Establish the cause of the corrosion and
rectify it.
See information regarding "Chemical
agents", "Soiling" and "Reaction between
chemical agents and soiling".
