Clean-in-Place (CIP) systems are essential in food, beverage, and pharmaceutical industries where hygiene is critical. While peracetic acid (PAA) has long been a trusted disinfectant, ozonated water is emerging as a safer, greener, and more cost-effective alternative.
In this article, we compare both options across key performance areas to help you decide which one is more efficient for your process.
1. Microbial Efficacy: Ozonated Water vs Peracetic Acid in CIP
Both ozone and PAA are powerful oxidants with excellent antimicrobial properties.
Peracetic Acid: Effective against a broad spectrum of pathogens and works well even with organic load present.
Ozonated Water: Higher oxidation potential, rapid microbial kill, and effective biofilm control when properly dosed.
🔎 Result: Ozone reacts faster, but both are microbiologically reliable.
2. Residue & Rinse Requirements
PAA: Requires extensive rinsing due to chemical residues.
Ozone: Breaks down into oxygen, leaving no residue behind.
💧 Result: Ozonated water significantly reduces rinse water usage and speeds up changeover.
3. Material Compatibility
PAA: Can cause corrosion in certain metals and degrade elastomers over time.
Ozone: Also reactive but manageable with ozone-compatible materials (316L SS, EPDM, PVDF, etc.).
🛠️ Result: Both require careful system design, but ozone can be gentler at low doses.
4. Safety & Chemical Handling
PAA: Requires PPE, chemical storage tanks, and handling protocols.
Ozone: Generated on-site, no chemical transport or storage required. Ventilation of off-gas is necessary.
⚠️ Result: Ozone offers better long-term safety and fewer logistical issues.
5. Cost & Sustainability
PAA: Involves ongoing chemical costs and adds to effluent chemical load.
Ozone: Higher capital cost, but low operational cost and minimal environmental impact.
🌍 Result: Ozone is more sustainable and cost-effective over time.
6. Automation & Control
PAA: Standardised dosing and well-integrated in most existing CIP PLCs.
Ozone: Modern systems include dissolved ozone sensors and ORP control for automation.
⚙️ Result: Both are automatable, but ozone may require system-specific integration.
| Feature | Ozonated Water | Peracetic Acid |
|---|---|---|
| Microbial Efficacy | ✅ Fast kill rate | ✅ Robust performance |
| Rinse Requirements | ✅ Minimal rinsing | ❌ Requires extensive rinse |
| Residue Left Behind | ✅ None (oxygen) | ❌ Acetic/hydrogen peroxide |
| Corrosion Potential | ⚠️ Material-specific | ❌ Can degrade materials |
| Safety & Handling | ✅ No chemical storage | ❌ PPE and storage needed |
| Environmental Impact | ✅ Green technology | ❌ Chemical discharge |
| Long-Term Cost | ✅ Low after capex | ❌ Ongoing chemical cost |
Ozonated water is not just an alternative — it’s a forward-looking upgrade for facilities aiming to reduce chemical use, improve safety, and increase operational efficiency. While PAA remains a trusted option, ozone offers a sustainable edge for modern CIP strategies.
Considering an Ozone CIP Upgrade?
At Ozcon, we help food and beverage factories transition to safer and greener disinfection methods. From trials to full system design, we offer tailored support.
➡️ Get in touch with our team to explore how ozonated water can optimise your CIP operations.