Mechanical components (static or rotating spray balls, CIP lances), chemical substances (NaOH, acids), temperature of the cleaning agents, reaction and rinsing durations, all play a role in the cleaning process.

• Mechanical components (static or rotating spray balls, CIP lances), chemical substances (NaOH, acids), temperature of the cleaning agents, reaction and rinsing durations, all play a role in the cleaning process. Optimizing each individual component involved leads to a short, economic and ecologic CIP process.
• Merely cleaning the vessel is not enough: Piping connected to the vessel, components, dosing and harvesting lines, are as much part of the CIP process, as are mixing tanks and dosage vessels. In production plants, CIP loops are precisely defined in order to ensure that all transitional zones are sufficiently cleaned and rinsed.
• A PLC is programmed for the cleaning, in order to automate the CIP process. This is where the cleaning process and the cleanliness of the system are documented, and if necessary certain steps are adapted, in which contrary to expectation, the cleaning was incomplete.
• Typical CIP steps (special processes may require other steps or cleaning agents): Pre-rinsing (PW) Cleaning with alkaline solution (2-3 % NaOH) Rinsing (PW) Final rinsing (WFI) Blowing out
• The goal of successful cleaning is that all surfaces in contact with the product are left free of contamination and cell debris, so that cross-contamination between batches is avoided.

• Rigidly installed CIP systems for plants are always designed and built to process requirements. They may consist of a tank, in which water is stored and solutions are mixed, or of several vessels for various cleaning solutions and rinsing water.
• The documentation and automation level is customizable as per applicable regulations.