Scale-up to pilot plant dimensions of plasma processed water generation for fresh-cut lettuce treatment

In order to overcome these problems a specific plasma process was established, based on a microwave plasma torch operated with compressed air delivering plasma processed air (PPA) as antimicrobial acting process gas. If PPA is brought into contact with water, plasma processed water (PPW) is generated which has antimicrobial properties. This PPW process was implemented into a pilot-plant scale salad-rinsing unit in order to demonstrate the scalability and applicability of this treatment procedure. During the trial 45 kg Endive (Cichorium endivia) and about 1.500 l of plasma generated disinfectant were consumed. Off the cuff, the process was competitive to industrial established chemical processes.