Problems and Remedies for Calcium Carbonate Manufacturing
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
Calcium carbonate slurry is used in paper production industries. The microbial contamination may occur in the production process and mainly during storage and transportation of slurry. The microbial contamination reduces the quality of product by changing the pH range, discolouration and by producing unpleasant odour. The viscosity increases in slurry due to the above changes and causes problems during the processing of paper which will thus affects the quality of the end product. Biocides or antimicrobials are therefore used in order to maintain the purity of the mineral suspensions, broad spectrum of activity and for maximum stability. The critical control points on the manufacturing of calcium carbonate is identified and biocide recommendations have been made. Also the good manufacturing practices, microbial monitoring, cleaning, sanitation, etc are discussed in detail.
INTRODUCTION
Microbial contamination is a major issue in any industries and manufacturing plants. Though manufactures study a lot about microbial growth, its physical and chemical conditions, it is still a crisis to reduce those contaminations in equipments and in products. The products can also be contaminated by other contaminants like chemicals, pesticides and heavy metals. Contamination of products occurs in various stages of manufacturing, storage and also during transportation. The major reason for contamination is the increasing demand for products and the raw materials, poor handling of equipments, poor sanitation, etc.
Calcium carbonate is most versatile mineral filler that is extensively used in paper, plastics and textile industries. Highly purified calcium