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About CIP
 

What is Cleaning In Place (CIP)?

CIP or in its full form, Cleaning In Place, is defined as a method of cleaning equipment with minimal dismantling and with minimal operator involvement. Note: Sometimes also known as Wash In Place (WIP).

 
How does CIP work?
 
CIP relies on the principal of applying a suitable detergent or solvent at a suitable flow, pressure, temperature and concentration for the correct length of time. The science is based on applying the required amount of energy to the equipment to ensure that it is cleaned. The energy is primarily provided by the solution temperature (thermal energy), the use of detergent or solvent (chemical energy) and the application of suitable pipeline velocities or pressures (kinetic energy).
 
The Result of CIP?
 

In-place cleaning results in the equipment being chemically clean.  This is defined as "the removal of all residues of soil and all CIP agents so that contact with the cleaned surface does not result in physical contamination". If the equipment being cleaned needs to be micro-biologically clean then an additional process can be carried out. This process is called SIP.

 
What is Sterilization In Place (SIP)?
 
SIP or in its full form, Sterilising In Place is the generic term for sanitizing, disinfecting or sterilizing equipment normally after a CIP clean.  SIP results in the removal of any remaining microbiological contamination.
 
Chemical SIP
 
Sanitation or Disinfection is normally applied after the full CIP has been carried out. It is achieved by the introduction of a sanitiser or disinfectant chemical into the final rinse waters of the CIP.
 
Thermal SIP
 
Thermal sterilisation is achieved by the application of steam or hot water at a suitable temperature for a suitable time. Thermal Sterilisation has the advantage of affecting areas such as sample points, which may not be treated by chemical means.
Some Benefits of CIP

  •   Validateable Procedures
     

  •   Reproducible, Repeatable and Controllable Results
     

  •   Reduction of Cleaning Times  
     

  •   Automatic cycles ensure every item is cleaned every time
      

  •   Increased productivity through reduction of down time
      

  •   Chemical Handling Reduction
      

  •   Simple Operation
     

  •   Cost Savings including chemicals, water and effluent, labour, time etc
     

  •   Improved Health and Safety
     

  •   Batch Traceability and Records
     

  •   Stronger Chemicals and higher temperatures can be used over manual cleaning
     

  •   CIP allows more complex processing systems to be employed, as there is no need to dismantle
     

  •   Environmental Issues including saving of energy, chemicals, water used and effluent generated