The design of centralised CIP systems:
- Typical CIP systems have four reservoirs: one for cold water, an acid, a base, and “steamy” water. There are systems with an additional hot water tank as well. The operator can choose the washing programme.
- The central computer receives all signals from the sensors and pumps. The terminal allows users to pick the washing programme cycle, create diagrams, and view all pertinent system data. The CIP system’s size and complexity can be adjusted and need not be confined.
- The equipment required to store, track, and distribute cleaning solutions to the various CIP circuits is found in a CIP station in a dairy [1].
- Many dairies have implemented centralised CIP systems; however, the distance between the central and peripheral CIP circuits is greater in large, high-processing dairies. Significant volumes of fluids are present in CIP pipe systems, even if “pumped out”. Following a flush, any remaining water in the pipes dilutes the detergent solution, indicating that substantial amounts of the concentrated detergent must be added to maintain the necessary concentration.
Figure 3: Central CIP and washing lines in dairies [1]
Cleaning Methods
According to the Dairy Practice Council, the suggested cleaning method entails [4]-
- Step 1: Prepare the solution by pre-mixing the necessary quantity of cold water with a well-balanced alkaline circulation cleaning solution to create a concentration of 0.7 to 1.0 per cent.
- Step 2: Directly pour the pre-dissolved cleanser into the surge tank.
- Step 3: Circulate this alkaline cleaning solution while keeping the temperature at 175oF for 30 to 45 minutes.