DISINFECTION IN PRACTICE. 33 



of its powerful disinfectant properties. Its strong odour limits 

 its application. It is especially used to disinfect racks and 

 slimy walls in rooms where fermentation is going on. To 

 disinfect filter bags in breweries, which often harbour large 

 colonies of bacteria and wild yeast, Will recommends an 

 application of chloride of lime in a solution containing about 

 1 per cent, of active chlorine (3 to 3| kilos, chloride of lime in 

 1 hectolitre of water). The mixture of water and chloride 

 of lime is allowed to stand for some time, with occasional 

 stirring ; the clear liquid is then decanted and applied to the 

 filter bags, which are afterwards repeatedly rinsed with water. 

 The dangerous development of micro-organisms on the filter 

 bags may be avoided by cooling down the beer to the lowest 

 possible temperature during filtration. 



Antiformin is a chlorine preparation which has found 

 considerable application in recent times. It is a clear liquid 

 with a strong alkaline reaction and a weak odour of chlorine. 

 It consists of a crude sodium hypochlorite (cf. Eau de Javelle), 

 and is prepared by decomposition of chloride of lime with 

 soda. The solution is then separated from the precipitated 

 chalk, and caustic soda is added. The liquor contains more 

 than 4 per cent, of active chlorine, and not only possesses 

 great antiseptic power, but also quickly softens organic sub- 

 stances such as sediment, wort, crust, yeast, and slime, so 

 that they can easily be removed. In other words, it acts 

 both as a cleansing and as a disinfecting agent. Care must be 

 taken, however, in applying it to infected wood ; for instance, 

 to the staves of a fermenting vat, as the reagent, owing to its 

 solvent power, can penetrate so far that it is difficult to remove 

 it by rinsing with water. It may be applied in a dilution of 

 1 to 20. 



Antigermin appears to be specially adapted for washing 

 down walls. It consists mainly of a copper salt of an organic 

 acid, and the aqueous solution is without smell. It should 

 be dissolved in boiling water, and mixed with lime before 

 applying. 



Montanin, which is also free from smell, is equally appli- 

 cable to walls and to connecting pipes, vats, etc., but the latter 

 must always be well rinsed. It is a by-product of the glazed- 



3 



