Formulations and Method for Low Temperature Cleaning of Dairy Equipment

A formulation having at least one of a product stabilization solvent, a sequestrant or chelating agent, and an alkalinity agent capable of use in a cleaning operation at a reduced temperature. Optionally, the formulation may additionally comprise any one or more of a degreaser emulsifier solvent, a surfactant, a hydrotrope, a stabilizer, a biocide, and a buffer. An additive formulation of the invention, as defined herein, comprises these stated types of compounds and is combined with an alkalinity agent at the time of the formulations use in a reduced temperature dairy equipment cleaning operation. A full formulation of the invention, as defined herein, additionally comprises an alkalinity agent in addition to the other named compounds. In many cases, the full formulations are used in a reduced temperature dairy equipment cleaning operation without being combined with an additional alkalinity agent. The reduced temperature of the dairy equipment cleaning operation using the formulation of the invention may be less than about 50° C. or, alternatively, less than about 40° C.