Q&A: What are the points of attention at C.I.P.?
What are the points of attention at C.I.P.?
C.I.P. cleaning stands for cleaning in process or also cleaning in place. This concerns the automated cleaning of installation parts. This can take place during a change of recipe to prevent contamination or during periodic cleaning. The advantage, of course, is that this is done automatically, allowing operators to perform other tasks. In addition, C.I.P. ensure that cleaning is always carried out in the same way so that the cleaning process is secured. There are several varieties of C.I.P. This can be done by means of liquids and by means of gas (usually air).
Some cleanings are sufficient with a simple spray ball where water can be sprayed with or without a cleaning agent. Other contaminants require a powerful mechanical cleaning. Rotating, powerful water jets are then used which, with the aid of a higher pressure, higher speed and thicker water jet, exert considerably more force per surface unit (energy per surface). Due to the greater pressure and mass of water flow per jet, the effective cleaning range also increases. In this situation, too, a cleaning agent can be added if desired.
Each type of nozzle has a specific range at a specific pressure. The type of nozzles, their location and the pumps must be carefully matched.
To limit the liquid flow and the system capacity, it can be decided to clean parts of the installation in phases. Work must then be done from top to bottom. Then it can be rinsed briefly to rinse away splashed parts. The phased implementation of C.I.P has several advantages. Besides the fact that the required system capacity (pumps) is limited, the discharge of liquid flows and residual flows per time unit is limited.
A potential risk is clogging of drainage systems due to large loosened product residues. For example, if a machine has a capacity of 5,000 liters, it can hold 5 tons of water / weight load. It can lead to major problems and unsafe situations if this is not detected. If the installation is equipped with a weighing system, a blockage can be deduced by weight increase of accumulated C.I.P. water. If this is not available, a level detector must be used.
After the cleaning cycle with liquids is completed, the installation can optionally be dried again with a warm air stream. Some installations are equipped with body heating. This can also be used to dry the installation.
The second method involves cleaning with gas (air) in the installation. Nozzles are installed that blow the installation clean with the aid of fixed or rotating gas jets under pressure.
