Summary
Bleach is the generic name for any chemical product that is used industrially and domestically to remove color from a fabric or fiber or to clean or to remove stains in a process called bleaching. It often refers, specifically, to a dilute solution of sodium hypochlorite, also called “liquid bleach”.
Bleach is an aggressive solution that is hard on filling equipment. At VKPAK, we know how to handle liquid packaging challenges, and that is why we are proud to offer our clients specific and unique bleach bottling solutions. From start to finish, you will find everything you need for a bleach bottling line here. This fast and efficient bottle packaging machine processes strong acids and bases, bleach, clorox, and other low viscous and corrosive liquids and applies anti-theft caps.
View VideoMany bleaches have broad spectrum bactericidal properties, making them useful for disinfecting and sterilizing and are used in swimming pool sanitation to control bacteria, viruses, and algae and in many places where sterile conditions are required. They are also used in many industrial processes, notably in the bleaching of wood pulp. Bleaches also have other minor uses like removing mildew, killing weeds, and increasing the longevity of cut flowers.
Bleaches work by reacting with many colored organic compounds, such as natural pigments, and turning them into colorless ones. While most bleaches are oxidizing agents, some are reducing agents.
The broad-spectrum effectiveness of most bleaches is due to their general chemical reactivity against organic compounds, rather than the selective inhibitory or toxic actions of antibiotics. They irreversibly denature or destroy many proteins, making them extremely versatile disinfectants.[From Wiki]
When working with acids, bleaches and other corrosive chemicals, the stainless steel construction will be replaced by HDPE material and contact parts. In general terms, certain corrosive chemicals will eat away at the stainless steel material normally used on filling machines. Though it may not be immediately apparent, it will become so over time. In other words, using stainless steel construction for corrosive chemicals severely shortens the life cycle of the machine. To combat against this corrosion, the stainless steel is replaced with plastic material that is less susceptible to the corrosion.
Most automatic corrosion resistant fillers will include a power height and tool free adjustments to allow for quick and easy changeover from one bottle to another. The simple adjustments will allow the automatic fillers to run a range of bottle shapes and sizes. To avoid corrosion from product spills or fumes, the corrosion resistant filling machines will usually come equipped with an HDPE conveyor as well, simply extending the working life of this part of the packaging system as well.
Sodium hypochlorite, or household bleach, products are hazardous. They are corrosive and can produce toxic fumes that are dangerous to inhale. Prolonged contact with bleach gases or product can seriously affect the lungs, throat, and eyes. There are strict regulations regarding the manufacturing process of bleach that packaging companies must consider to protect workers and maintain the integrity of the substance.
Manufacturing and Packaging Considerations
All ingredients for bleach are considered highly caustic and are generally produced in concentrated batches then diluted. All the steps of creating bleach may occur at one localized facility or ingredients may be shipped separately and combined at another. Manufacturing plants ship the final product to a bottling plant or complete the bottling process onsite.
VKPAK’s Corrosive Liquid Filling Machine is a filling device that is considered appropriate for bleach containment applications. The machinery is easy to operate and has the ability to quickly and accurately fill bleach containers and seal them in one pass.
Bleach manufacturing companies must also consider safe transfer of their product between facilities. It is important to ensure that all containers of bleach are carefully sealed, as the escaping chlorine gas is toxic to workers and the exposed environment. Prolonged exposure to air also weakens the chemical combination and renders the product inefficient in bleaching and disinfecting. Warehousing facilities must be fitted with air scrubbers to remove any excess gas from the area.
At one point, bleach was packaged in steel and glass containers. Now, plastic has proven to be an effective and safe means of transportation, and you will be hard pressed to find bleach stored in a different material. Plastic is also superior in its ability to withstand damage in transit and being dropped.
Now, plastic packaging providers are all working to decrease the amount of plastic used in their packaging to be more environmentally friendly. Bleach companies are following this lead and offer concentrated versions of bleach that require far less packaging than their more diluted counterpart.