CIP — Cleaning in place — Standard programs.

Pre-rinse

• Wets the interior surface of the lines and tanks
• Removes most of the remaining residue
• Dissolves sugars and partially melts fats
• Provides a non-chemical pressure test of the CIP flow path

Alkali wash cycle

• The detergent media used in alkali wash cycle has a very high pH. The concentration in the circulated detergent is under normal circumstances 1-2% but can go up to 3-4% if heavily soiled surfaces
• Alkali is the leading detergent in most CIP wash cycles.
• In many cases, the caustic wash can be returned to its tank and reused multiple times, significantly reducing water, chemical, and energy costs.

Intermediate wash cycle

• Freshwater flushes out residual traces of detergent remaining from the caustic wash
• Conductivity Transmitters ensure chemical levels are hitting a predetermined set point.

Final rinse

• Rinse with well water to flush residual cleaning agents.
• The final rinse water may be recovered and reused as the pre-rinse solution for the next cleaning cycle in many systems.

Sanitising

Preferably hydrogen peroxide or nitric acid (The authors personal choice)

• It is a strong disinfectant even at low temperatures.
• Rinses away any leftover from detergent while leaving little or no chlorine residue to corrode stainless steel.
• If done correctly, it kills microorganisms, including spoilage organisms, pathogens and bacterial spores.
• It has also proven to be more eco-friendly in the wastewater stream.