While there are certain aspects of CIP that are universal, there are also different options available based on equipment type and other elements that need to be considered. Filter/Dryers are different from glass-lined vessels, and therefore the cleaning system they employ will need to be different as well.
Some of the factors that come into consideration when designing a CIP system include:
- Complexity of equipment – geometry, configuration, material of construction, piping orientation, nozzle and discharge valve locations, etc.
- Characteristics of residuals – nature of contamination, chemical state of residue (solid/liquid), product’s compatibility with prospective cleaning agents, solubility, static properties, toxicity.
- Selection of a detergent/cleaning agent – avoidance of potential chemical reaction with product residue, solution type (acidic or alkaline, anionic, non-ionic, cationic, or amphoteric), concentration, contact time, temperature, etc.
- Cleaning equipment hardware – spray balls, spray rings, orientation hardware (stationery or rotating), quantity, installation location, hydrodynamic forces, high/low pressure options.
- Cleaning method – once through CIP, recirculating CIP, boil-up method (reflux), additional rinsing cycle.