DRY-PACK OF BULK STORAGE FOOD ITEMS IN PLASTIC BUCKETS
For plastic buckets to be used as dry food storage containers, they should be made of food grade plastic and have a gasketed lid. Carbon dioxide is an effective treatment method for preventing weevil infestation in dry-pack items stored in plastic buckets.
The presence of carbon dioxide in concentrations above 3% is adequate to kill weevils in closed containers. Treatment methods which depend on the absence of oxygen to kill weevils, such as oxygen absorbers and nitrogen gas flushing are not always effective in plastic buckets due to the potential for oxygen leakage.
The two common methods of CO2 treatment of buckets are dry ice and gas flushing.
INSTRUCTIONS FOR DRY ICE TREATMENT OF DRY-PACK BUCKETS
1. Use approximately 7 grams of dry ice for each liter of container capacity.
2. Wipe frost crystals from the dry ice using a clean towel.
3. Place the dry ice in the center of the container bottom.
4. Pour the food on top of the ice and fill the container to within 10 - 20 mm of the top.
5. Place the lid on top of the container and snap it down only about 2 way around the container.
6. Allow CO2 gas to escape from the partially sealed lid as the dry ice evaporates.
7. Allow the dry ice to evaporate completely before sealing. To see if the ice is all gone, feel the bottom of the container. If it is still very cold, it has not all evaporated.
8. Monitor the container for a few minutes after sealing the lid. If bulging occurs, slightly lift the edge of the lid to relieve pressure.
9. It is normal for the lid of the bucket to eventually pull down slightly as a result of the partial vacuum caused when the CO2 is absorbed into the product.
INSTRUCTIONS FOR CO2 GAS FLUSHING OF DRY-PACK BUCKETS
10. Set up the gas flushing equipment using a cylinder, pressure regulator, air hose, and a valve handle equipped with a pipe probe to reach the bottom of the buckets.
11. With the probe valve open, adjust the regulator to the setting specified:
Granular products (Wheat, Beans, Etc.) 20 psi.
Powdered products (Milk, Flour, Etc.) approximately 3 psi.
12. Fill the buckets to within 10 - 20 mm of the top.
13. Gas flush product with carbon dioxide. Insert the probe to the bottom of the bucket. With the hand valve open, move the probe up and down in a circular motion for the time specified:
Granular products - gas flush for 5 seconds
Powdered products - gas flush for 20 seconds
14. Seal lid immediately on bucket.
15. Wipe off probe with a dry towel when changing from one product to another to avoid cross contamination of products.
CAUTIONS
Use CO2 in well ventilated areas only.
Wear gloves when handling dry-ice.
Dry-pack only products that are shelf stable. Products must be low in moisture and oil content.
Avoid exposing products to humid, damp conditions when dry-packing.
Sunday, May 24, 2009
WATER STORAGE
WATER STORAGE
Why Store Water
Natural disasters such as floods or earthquakes may pollute or disrupt water supplies. Water is more essential than food in sustaining life. It is wise to have an emergency storage of at least 50 liters of water per person. To protect the quality of the water it must be pure to start with, treated to prevent microbial growth, and stored in clean, food grade containers.
Pre-Storage Treatments
To prevent build up of bacteria and/or algae, use these treatment guidelines:
$ Household bleach (5% sodium hypochlorite)
2 drops per liter, if clear.
4 drops per liter, if cloudy.
Let stand for 30 minutes before use. (Water taste can be improved by pouring it back and forth several times between two containers to dissipate chlorine and aerate the water.)
$ Iodine (2% solution
3 drops per liter, if clear.
6 drops per liter if cloudy.
Let stand for 30 minutes before use.
Pre-Use Treatments
If the water is not pure, use one of the following treatment methods:
$ Filtration - There are many good water filters on the market. The activated charcoal type can also remove bad tastes. Some models also add chemicals to kill bacteria.
$ Chemical - In addition to the ones listed in the pre-storage treatment paragraph above, other good treatment chemicals may be acquired from most outdoor supply stores.
$ Boiling - Boil water for three to five minutes, depending on elevation (the higher the elevation, the longer the water should be boiled).
$ Distilling - This is the most effective method of water purification. However, it is slow and the equipment required is expensive. If you plan to use this method, advance preparation will be necessary.
Water Storage Containers
Good water storage containers are airtight, resistant to breakage, and heavy enough to hold water. They need to have a lining that won=t rust or affect the flavor of the water. The following containers are commonly used:
$ Plastic Juice or Soda Bottles - Clear plastic containers made of P.E.T.E. plastic. Used containers should be food containers that are thoroughly cleaned and rinsed.
$ Heavy Plastic Buckets or Drums - Should be food grade.
$ Water Heater - Close the inlet valve immediately after the water supply is disrupted.
$ Water Beds - A double water bed holds about 800 liters of water. This water contains an algaecide. Do Not Drink It. For non-food usage only, such as clothes washing and general cleaning.
$ Bleach Bottles - Not food grade plastic. For non-food usage only. This type of bottle tends to turn brittle over several years and is likely to leak.
Container Storage Note: Plastic water storage containers should be protected from light and heat. Freezing may be damaging to some types of water storage containers. Storage should be in areas where potential leakage would not cause damage to the home.
19 Feb 2002
Why Store Water
Natural disasters such as floods or earthquakes may pollute or disrupt water supplies. Water is more essential than food in sustaining life. It is wise to have an emergency storage of at least 50 liters of water per person. To protect the quality of the water it must be pure to start with, treated to prevent microbial growth, and stored in clean, food grade containers.
Pre-Storage Treatments
To prevent build up of bacteria and/or algae, use these treatment guidelines:
$ Household bleach (5% sodium hypochlorite)
2 drops per liter, if clear.
4 drops per liter, if cloudy.
Let stand for 30 minutes before use. (Water taste can be improved by pouring it back and forth several times between two containers to dissipate chlorine and aerate the water.)
$ Iodine (2% solution
3 drops per liter, if clear.
6 drops per liter if cloudy.
Let stand for 30 minutes before use.
Pre-Use Treatments
If the water is not pure, use one of the following treatment methods:
$ Filtration - There are many good water filters on the market. The activated charcoal type can also remove bad tastes. Some models also add chemicals to kill bacteria.
$ Chemical - In addition to the ones listed in the pre-storage treatment paragraph above, other good treatment chemicals may be acquired from most outdoor supply stores.
$ Boiling - Boil water for three to five minutes, depending on elevation (the higher the elevation, the longer the water should be boiled).
$ Distilling - This is the most effective method of water purification. However, it is slow and the equipment required is expensive. If you plan to use this method, advance preparation will be necessary.
Water Storage Containers
Good water storage containers are airtight, resistant to breakage, and heavy enough to hold water. They need to have a lining that won=t rust or affect the flavor of the water. The following containers are commonly used:
$ Plastic Juice or Soda Bottles - Clear plastic containers made of P.E.T.E. plastic. Used containers should be food containers that are thoroughly cleaned and rinsed.
$ Heavy Plastic Buckets or Drums - Should be food grade.
$ Water Heater - Close the inlet valve immediately after the water supply is disrupted.
$ Water Beds - A double water bed holds about 800 liters of water. This water contains an algaecide. Do Not Drink It. For non-food usage only, such as clothes washing and general cleaning.
$ Bleach Bottles - Not food grade plastic. For non-food usage only. This type of bottle tends to turn brittle over several years and is likely to leak.
Container Storage Note: Plastic water storage containers should be protected from light and heat. Freezing may be damaging to some types of water storage containers. Storage should be in areas where potential leakage would not cause damage to the home.
19 Feb 2002
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