In today’s industry, optimizing water usage is more important than ever. Companies are striving toward circular water use, minimizing waste as much as possible.
A key component in this process is Cleaning in Place (CIP) — a cleaning method that cleans equipment without disassembly and with minimal water consumption. In this article, you’ll learn what a CIP system is, what types exist, and how it contributes to a more efficient production process.
What is Cleaning in Place (CIP)?
Cleaning in Place is an integrated cleaning system for industrial equipment. It is applied after a production cycle or when changing product composition to return the system to a fully cleaned state.
In continuous production processes, such as in water treatment, CIP is used both preventively and correctively to remove contamination and keep production running efficiently over long periods.
Advantages of CIP compared to traditional cleaning:
- No disassembly of equipment required
- Shorter production downtime
- Lower water and chemical consumption
- Possibility of automation
How does a CIP cleaning process work?
The infographic below outlines the steps of a CIP cleaning process. All steps are optimized for minimal water and chemical use.
How is a Cleaning in Place system installed?
The installation of a CIP system begins with a thorough evaluation of the existing equipment and the specific cleaning requirements. Based on this analysis, a customized design is created, integrating tanks for cleaning solutions, pumps, and sensors to accurately monitor and control the process.
In most cases, this is included during the design phase of the water treatment installation so that both systems are perfectly aligned.
The CIP system is then fully integrated during construction or during system modifications, making it immediately operational and ensuring optimal performance within the production process.
Mobile vs. fixed CIP installations
The choice between a mobile or fixed CIP installation depends on cleaning frequency, available space, and system complexity.
Mobile CIP
For installations that require cleaning only occasionally, connection points can be installed on the water treatment installation without a fixed CIP. When cleaning is required, a mobile CIP skid is connected.
The advantage is that no permanent space is occupied at the customer’s site. However, the drawback is that automatic cleaning is not possible, meaning manual intervention must be scheduled in advance. Flexible hoses and manual couplings are required each time between the skid and the installation.
Fixed CIP
For large installations, a fixed, integrated CIP system is often more practical, as it is permanently connected to the various water treatment units.
This system is faster to deploy for specific cleaning operations, but occupies permanent space at the customer’s site.
The benefits of Cleaning in Place for water treatment
CIP offers numerous advantages, both in terms of operational cost savings and maintaining high-quality standards:
- Improved quality: consistent hygiene and stable system performance
- Reduced costs: lower operational workload
- Higher system availability: preventive maintenance avoids downtime
- Safety: reduced operator exposure to chemicals with automated CIP systems
- Time savings: cleaning can be performed outside production hours
- Sustainability: efficient use of water and resources, compliance with environmental regulations
Top Bronnen
Ekopak installed a water treatment installation for the Belgian beverage producer Top Bronnen, equipped with CCRO, RO, and CIP. Find more details in our customer case about Top Bronnen.
What types of CIP systems are there?
Depending on cleaning frequency, staffing capacity, and safety requirements, there are three main types of CIP systems:
Manual
- The operator manually performs each CIP phase (heating, dosing, circulation, soaking, and rinsing)
- Water and cleaning agent quantities are manually calculated
- Flexible hoses or valves are manually operated
- Labor-intensive and more prone to human error
Semi-automatic
- Fixed piping with valves equipped with position feedback
- Software assists the operator in correctly setting the valves
- Lower chance of errors and no direct contact with chemicals
Fully automatic
- Fixed piping, automated valves, and advanced measuring and dosing systems
- No on-site operator required — only refilling chemicals and replacing filter elements must be done manually on a regular basis
- Minimal downtime and consumption thanks to precise measurement and dosing systems
Ekopak has developed highly specific algorithms that predict when a CIP is needed in an installation. This enables maintenance to be carried out efficiently and on time, minimizing production downtime for the customer.
Interested in a CIP system?
Would you like to integrate a CIP system into your industrial process? Don’t hesitate to contact us for more information.