Clean-in-place (CIP) is a means of cleaning the insides of pipes, filters, and other equipment without disassembling components. In industries that require frequent cleaning of equipment to prevent contamination, such as food, beverage, and dairy processing; pharmaceuticals; and cosmetics, simplifying the process has allowed businesses to operate more efficiently and reduce costs while protecting consumers.
How Does CIP Work?
Clean-in-place processes are often automated through a combination of logic controllers, sensors, valves, heat exchangers, and other specialized components. Cleaning solutions are delivered at various temperatures and pressures, depending on the circumstances.
Raising the temperature of a solution can help clean equipment more quickly and effectively. At a higher temperature, the molecules of cleaning solution have higher kinetic energy and are better able to remove dirt and other contaminants.
A heat exchanger raises the temperature of the cleaning solution to the appropriate level for the surface to be cleaned and the amount of contamination. Sensors measure the temperature of the cleaning solution throughout the process. Maintaining proper cleaner and water levels is also critical to the effectiveness of CIP processes.
Importance of Level and Temperature Sensors in CIP Equipment for Agriculture
In the agricultural industry, farmers harvest and process a wide variety of foods in large quantities. That means that the machines they use may become contaminated to varying degrees and may need to be cleaned at different intervals.
When manufacturers are designing CIP technologies for agricultural systems, they need to consider the various situations in which their equipment might be used and provide solutions that are versatile and effective. Level and temperature sensors are vital components.
Level sensors can help agricultural workers make sure that they are using appropriate amounts of cleaning solutions and water. Temperature sensors can help farmers make sure that the cleaning solutions they use are heated to the temperatures that are appropriate for their circumstances so that the food they deliver to market will be free of contamination and safe for consumption. Sensors can allow workers to monitor conditions throughout the CIP process and make sure they are always at correct levels.
Gaining the Confidence of Agricultural Workers
Clean-in-place is an effective and economical method of decontaminating equipment and ensuring safety. Manufacturers of CIP solutions for agriculture can integrate level and temperature sensors to allow workers to maintain appropriate water, cleaning solution, and temperature levels. By making the process easy to regulate, reliable, and cost-effective, manufacturers can earn the trust of farmers.