Like any consumable product processing, beverage processing requires high sanitation to protect product quality, the brand’s integrity, and, importantly, the consumer. Clean in Place equipment provides an automated cleaning system that effectively cleans process equipment thoroughly without breaking it down. 

The Cleaning-in-Place Process

Several steps in a CIP process work together to remove residue from the processing line, kill bacteria, and ensure the processing equipment’s cleanliness. 

These stages include: 

  • Pre-Rinse- This step is an essential rinse that flushes equipment with water to remove loose debris and residue.
  • Detergent wash-  In this step, a detergent solution circulates through the processing line to dissolve and remove remaining contaminants, such as fats, proteins, or sugars.
  • Post Rinse- This step rinses out traces of detergent with clean water.
  • Sanitation—In this step, a sanitizing agent flushes through the processing equipment to eliminate remaining bacteria and microorganisms and ensure safety for the next production cycle. 

Depending on the type of product produced, the cleaning in place process might include additional steps in the cycle. The purpose is to increase efficiency with a reliable cleaning process that also minimizes downtime, decreases labor hours, and reduces common injuries incurred during manual cleaning processes.

Benefits of CIP Systems in the Brewing Industry

Working with unique residues like hop particles, yeasts, and sugars that build up quickly in tanks and pipes presents specific sanitation challenges. Brewing CIP equipment is an integral part of maintaining sanitation in a brewery, with routine cleaning processes done between batches to ensure that equipment is optimally maintained. With high sanitation standards required in the industry, CIP processes make attaining those standards easier. 

Best Practices for Implementing CIP in Beverage Processing Facilities

Proper maintenance is essential for any industrial equipment to operate at peak performance. This reduces the risk of downtime due to equipment failure. Monitoring CIP cleaning cycles to ensure they are running correctly is also essential. 

Conclusion

Hygienic processing systems are essential in the beverage processing industry. Clean-in-place systems play a vital role in maintaining sanitation in processing, including in the brewery industry, wine, juice, dairy, and more. Implementing CIP equipment for automated cleaning processes is a wise investment into processes that increase productivity and protect product quality.