CIP (Cleaning In Place) facts

CIP cleaning and disinfecting media are essential; their uses include:

• Removing residues and calcium deposits from the product contact surfaces of processing systems
• External cleaning of processing systems
• Disinfecting previously cleaned surfaces of processing systems, their components, and packagings

The main categories of commercially available CIP cleaning and disinfecting media are as follows:

• Alkaline CIP cleaning media, such as those based on sodium hydroxide or potassium hydroxide, with or without added surfactants
• Acidic CIP cleaning media based on mineral or organic acids – with or without added surfactants
• Chlorine-alkaline cleaning media based on sodium hypochlorite
• Acidic CIP disinfecting mixtures with peracetic acid and/or hydrogen peroxide as oxygen donor – in some cases with added surfactants
• Additives to enhance the cleaning effect of CIP media, often containing active oxygen (for example H2O2) to break down organic contaminants more effectively

The following factors are critical in ensuring optimal seal life:

• Cleaning temperature – the temperature of the CIP media has a decisive effect on the chemical activity of the detergents.
• Concentration of the CIP cleaning media – this should be selected in strict observance of the manufacturers' recommendations.
• Cleaning media exposure time of the sealing material.
  In turn the necessary exposure time depends strongly on mechanical factors such as the flow rate of the media in the lines, and on the hygienic design of the system components. In particular factors such as the surface quality of the components, the presence of dead spaces, the design of corner radii and the fluidic design of the system have a major impact here.
• Design of the seals
• Correct choice of material

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