CIP - Redefined

What is CIP?  It means the cleaning of production plants without dismantling them or changing the operating status to assure consistency and sustainability.  There four cleaning elements that results to an excellent cleaning.  The Sinner's Circle cleaning elements.  

This is T.A.C.T. or Time, Action, Chemical and Temperature. All of the elements should be present at all times during any cleaning activity. 

Time - All chemical processes of dissolving soil deposits depend on  time factors: 

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Corresponding to the chemical efficiency of the detergent, the soil is removed layer by layer Also with a higher concentration, a certain contact time is necessary before last remaining soil is removed 

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Reaction time must be considered as the contact time of the cleaning solution with the soil at the correct concentration and correct temperature.

Action -  We understand that action is the physical conditions which are necessary for the cleaning.  We can also refer to it as Mechanical Action. This will refer to flow rates, flow velocity and pressure.  If you are cleaning the internal of pipes, you only have to consider two physical quantities: Flow rate and flow velocity.  The cleaning solution should be turbulent and not laminar flow in order to create that mechanical action.  We will be discussing more of this element in the coming blogs.

Laminar and Turbulent flow profiles inside the pipe

                                           

Static Spray Balls

When you are cleaning vessels or tanks then we only need to consider flow rate and pressure.  This will be dependent on what type of praying device is being used.  The most common spraying device used in the industry are the static spray balls.  Which we will also discuss in detail on how to choose the right spray device for your vessel.  How to attach it and how deep thus your spray device goes inside the vessel. For if any of these parameters are not correct, it will surely affects the cleaning efficacy of the CIP system.

Chemical - This refers to the chemical energy, or oftentimes also referred to the concentration of the cleaning solution.  The choice of the most appropriate detergent is determined by the  

following requirements:

• - Rapid and complete solubility in water

• - Rapid swelling and dissolving of specific soil components

• - High sequestrant

• - Good rinsability

• - Foam free or possibility to reduce foreign foam

• - Good compatibility with the wetted parts of the equipment being cleaned

 - Corrosion safe!

• - Biodegradable according to legislative requirements, with minimal effluent impact 

Temperature -  This refers to the thermal energy. The choice of temperature for cleaning will depend on: 

o

 - Heating facilities

o - Difficulty of removing the soil

o - Chemical formula of detergent

o - The materials of construction of the plant / equipment being cleaned

 

•10oC temperature increase doubles the detergent rate of reaction.

So, there you are the four elements of cleaning.  Eliminate one of them then no cleaning is achieved. All four should be present all the time.  You can however, vary the degree of each elements to achieve a certain degree of cleaning.  

Coverage - It is true that all four elements is a must in cleaning but without COVERAGE, another element I choose to include is one very important element.  Without good coverage then you can't even achieve good complete clean.  One example of coverage problems is the one illustrated.

So, there you go, In every cleaning needs remember T.A.C.C.T and you will never go wrong.  Happy cleaning guys.  Until next time....