Appendix: How to Run a Hot Recirculation

A proper hot wash keeps fat and protein from sticking around long enough to cause trouble. It’s your first line of defence against milk grades, but only if you’re getting it hot enough and long enough. Lukewarm doesn’t cut it, and rushing the job is asking for a grade.

What You’ll Need

• Agmax Alkali

• Agmax Acid

• Hot water, starting at 85°C

• Thermometer

• Timer or clock

• Gloves and safety gear

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Flush with cold compliant fresh water

• Rinse out milk residue before you start.

• This helps your detergent work properly instead of wasting time on leftovers.

2. Prepare your wash solution

• Mix Agmax Alkali OR Agmax Acid with hot water as per label instructions.

• Water must start at 85°C in the wash drum or hot water cylinder.

• Double check the concentration and temperature, no guesswork.

3. Recirculate the hot wash through the plant

• Recirculate for 8 minutes.

• Include all clusters, milk lines, receivers, and jetters.

• Watch for temperature drop. If it falls below 55°C before the wash finishes, reheat and repeat the hot wash.

• If your plant holds a large volume or has long runs, monitor closely to keep it hot from start to finish.

4. Drain and inspect

• Once done, drain the system and check your lines and clusters.

• They should look clean and feel smooth, not greasy or slippery.

5. Rinse with cold compliant fresh water

• If you have done either a hot alkali or hot acid recirculation you need to do a final cold complaint freshwater rinse to remove residual chemical.

• If you’re sanitising, skip this and go straight to the sanitiser step.
  

When to Use Hot Circulation

• After every milking as part of your routine wash

• After a bomb wash or plant inspection

• Anytime water temps have been low or chemicals under-dosed
  

Pro Tips

• Always check the water temp at both the start and finish

• Don’t overload the plant. Wash only what the water volume and heat can handle