Category: Technical Articles

At HaF Equipment, we prioritize systems that support CIP and COP cleaning techniques.

Clean-in-Place (CIP): These automated systems clean the internal surfaces of process equipment without disassembly. Clean-in-Place (CIP) systems offer an efficient solution for enhancing the sanitation process. By minimizing exposure to high temperatures and chemicals, they contribute to a safer workplace environment while also aiding in the effective management of water and chemical expenses. CIP is ideal for tanks, pipes, and pumps. When designing CIP systems, it is important to factor in additional components like extra ports, different gaskets, waterproof equipment, airlock dummy shafts, sprayballs, and wands to ensure thorough cleaning.

The benefits of CIP include:

• • Reduced Labor Costs: Automating cleaning saves time and manpower compared to manual cleaning.
  • Improved Safety: Eliminates the need for workers to handle harsh chemicals at high temperatures.
  • Enhanced Cleaning Consistency: Automated systems deliver consistent cleaning results every cycle.

Clean-out-of-Place (COP): Equipment unsuitable for CIP cleaning, such as fittings, utensils, and tank vents, is cleaned in a COP system. These components are submerged in a tank containing a hot chemical solution and agitated for a deep clean. In the COP procedure, the immersion washer is crucial in effectively cleansing items. These elongated tanks utilize powerful jets of detergent solution to create agitation and remove residues from processed materials and ingredients while they are immersed in hot water. Subsequently, the components undergo a thorough sanitization process to ensure a deep clean. Once cleaned, the parts are reassembled and reintegrated into the manufacturing equipment. It is important to note, however, that prior to immersing equipment in a COP tank, heavily solid equipment must be pre-rinsed. Failure to do so may result in the chemical bath becoming overloaded with excess debris, leading to re-deposition on the cleaned equipment. Larger items that cannot be fully submerged in the tank may obstruct circulation ports, impeding turbulence and hindering the cleaning process. In such cases, manual cleaning is recommended. Smaller and more intricate equipment parts are better suited for COP systems as they are typically inaccessible through CIP procedures. 

Key points about COP systems are:

• • Effective for Complex Parts: Cleans intricate equipment parts that CIP systems may not reach.
  • Manual Pre-Cleaning Necessary: Heavily soiled items require pre-rinsing before COP cleaning to prevent overloading the chemical bath.
  • Visual Inspection Crucial: After cleaning, parts should be visually inspected or swabbed to verify cleanliness.