How Does the CIP System Work?

The CIP system is an effective combination of high solution temperature (thermal energy) and chemical activity of the detergent/chemicals (chemical energy). Along with the mechanical action caused by the turbulent flow and impact of the cleaning solution sprays/jets on the equipment surfaces (mechanical energy).

The CIP cycles are based on the distribution of these energies. The CIP process steps are performed after a processing run that causes ordinary soiling or when a processing line is transitioned from one product to another.

Usually, there is a 7-step CIP process, but no predefined process works for all processing lines. Although the CIP Process Steps are common, the combination of these steps varies with the nature of the processing line.

The Predefined CIP Process Steps of the CIP Cleaning System are as follows:

1. Pre-Rinse

This strategic phase of the CIP process steps includes flushing the lines, fittings, and tanks’ internal surfaces. Its objective is to remove the majority of leftover residue, i.e., the dissolved sugars and partially melted fats.

The CIP flow channel is of non-chemical pressure test. Potable plant water, deionized water, and reverse osmosis water should be used. Or the final rinse water from the last CIP phase can be reused.

2. Caustic Wash

The purpose of the caustic wash is to soften the fats to help them remove easily

The caustic wash can be returned to its tank and recovered numerous times. This can save you a lot of water, chemicals, and energy

3. Intermediate Wash

This washing cycle wipes off any detergent residue left from the caustic wash. The levels of the wash tank and rinse tank are monitored using level transmitters and probes. Flow transmitters allow precise management of the wash and rinse processes. The conductivity transmitters ensure the chemical levels are in the given range.

4. Final Wash

Any leftover material or chemical residue is removed with a final rinse of deionized, reverse osmosis, or potable water. Recovering and reusing the final rinse water as the pre-rinse solution for the following cleaning cycle is an economical choice.

5. Sanitizing Rinse

This final step of the CIP process steps assists in the killing of any microorganisms or pathogens. It ensures food safety and hygiene before beginning the next production batch.

Depending upon the requirements of the cleaning process, these optional CIP process steps can also be employed in the CIP cleaning system:

1. Push Out (The Step before Pre-rinse to achieve Increased Product Recovery and Better Cleaning)

2. Acid Wash (To Neutralize the Alkali Effect of Caustic Wash)

3. Air Blow (To Remove any Remaining Moisture)

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